Sometimes it's OK to be a little dim — especially when your lower wattage only applies to your electrical, not mental, output. 

With summer here, businesses are rolling out their energy-savings program and/or firing up the press release machine to trumpet ongoing power-less trips. Stop & Shop is participating in a program that reduces its energy usage at 415 stores — which includes its more than 360 stores, as well as some at sister Ahold division Giant Food — during times of peak demand. Under the program, "non-essential lighting" over the sales floor is turned off during daylight hours to help prevent brownouts or blackouts in neighboring communities, Paul Grenier, manager of energy, budgeting and procurement told Supermarket News. 

Since 2001, Petco has been making its electrical bill less hairy through an energy management control system that's reduced monthly energy costs company-wide by more than $65,000.

City and county governments have also seen the light, offering their own take on "daylight savings." Durham, N.C.; Chicago, Los Angeles and Arlington, Va., are just some of the recent hosts of "Lights Out" nights, during which residents and businesses pledge to cut the power for one hour. While 60 minutes of no night-time consumption may not make a big dent, organizers credit the efforts for raising awareness. 

You don't need a sophisticated, high-tech system or a PR campaign to flip a switch. While flowers need to be kept cool, there's no rule that demands the break room light or TV be kept on at all hours or the overhead lights be left glaring in the middle of the day.

Tune in, turn off and get your staff involved in lowering the thermostat and other conservation efforts by checking out the government's energy efficient tips for small businesses.

--Amanda Long
along@safnow.org

 


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