Reducing the "Slow Burn" - United States

2005.10.18

In the face of shortages and price spikes caused by Hurricane Katrina as well as rising world oil prices, US businesses must look for ways to reduce their energy bills as they can expect increases on the order of 35 percent when compared to last year.

Companies are currently spending more today on production, transportation, and facility cooling and heating than ever before. That is why businesses need to re-focus their attention on energy efficiency programs and practices.

For example, the following tips can reduce one’s energy consumption during this upcoming winter:

• Set thermostats at 68°F or lower during building occupancy and 55°F when the building is unoccupied.

• Should hot water supplies be for general, not manufacturing purposes, reduce temperature settings to 120°F or lower.

• Check the operational setting of economizers (i.e Building Management Systems).

• Inspect and repair weather stripping around exterior doors and windows

Signed into law on August 8, 2005, the EPAct 2005 offers business taxpayers a deduction of $1.80 per square foot for commercial buildings that achieve a 50 percent reduction in annual energy cost, compared to a base building defined by industry standard ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2001. This incentive applies to buildings or systems that are placed into service from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2007.

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