Simply green
With the growing cost of energy and other inputs to business, it is wise to consider the practical tips on using what nature can provide. Simple and efficient ways of conserving need not be expensive. When people are afraid of the cost of converting their regular light bulbs to more expensive LED, the cost to replace may initially sound high but on the long term, the shift may also save current on a more sustainable level.
In the talk of Kamesh Ganeson, the director of Asia Society for Social Improvement & Sustainable Transformation, we noted some of his practical tips on conserving water and energy which some of us may already be practicing.
Collecting rain water for washing cars, floors and flushing toilets already saves 40% of the water consumption in homes and companies. Largely populated companies may use water more than small companies, and the flow of supposedly potable water that gets out of the tap.
Reducing the water that goes out of the water closet saves at least two liters per flush and that is a lot of savings already. By replacing the water in the 16-liter water closet with two bottles of one-liter soft drink container loaded with sand, sealed and positioned in the water closet could take on the space needed for water and still give the same pressure to flush the waste that need to go down.
Adjusting the water valve in the water closet can reduce up to two liters of water from entering the tank and thus also reduces the exit and still makes flushing efficient. “It is recommended by Armitage Shanks to use only eight to ten liters especially in asian countries.”Ganeson said.
To do the most effective measure to conserve light is to open curtains. Placing transparent roof sheets in portions of the house could be aesthetically pleasing as well as light-saving. According to Ganeson, one has to measure light using a lux meter to make maximum use of their electrical illumination. For an office 300-500 lux would be sufficient. For production areas 800-700 lux would be all right and for bigger areas possibly 700-800 lux. Using a 12 watt LED light bulb to reach this measure could bring in enough brightness and save on current.
Using electronic ballasts instead of the usual magnetic ballasts could also save up to 45% in the annual electricity bill.
Other practical tips would include maintaining the cars of the companies well. No short cut fixes. Best car maintenance is given by the car makers or dealers themselves. They know their cars better. Managing the load of the car so as not to overload the vehicle would also reduce the use of fuel and the wear of the car in the long run.
Placing plants in the workplace not only refresh the eyes but also add to the coolness of the office.
Taking some of these practical tips could make your business truly save a lot, and mother earth less weary. Let’s strive to be simply green in our way of life.
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