Any business endeavor, such as a commercial fast food chain or restaurant is definitely a huge responsibility. The goals of owners are not only limited to income generation and providing quality services to consumers, but must also include keeping their operations as eco-friendly as possible. Just as in any business establishment, eat out spots follow a very dynamic flow of activities, which means that the use of machineries, appliances, and other electric devices is also quite rampant. With the mandatory utilization of power to efficiently carry on with daily operations, is it really possible for these establishments to go green?
Distinguishing Energy Conservation from Energy Efficiency
The answer is, surprisingly as it may seem for many, yes. The key to being environmentally advantageous while maintaining efficiency in running your business is employing energy efficient techniques. Does being energy efficient mean reducing, if not totally eliminating the use of machineries and electric appliances? Contrary to what many people know and believe, no it necessarily doesn’t. Switching off the air conditioner is different from reducing air leakages from the room in order to make the ac’s cooling action more effective. The former can be referred to as an energy conservation measure, while the latter is a good technique to maintain energy efficiency. Technically, it’s impossible for restaurants to completely do away with electricity as it will significantly hamper business progress, so anybody’s best bet would be to wisely use such resources.
Ways to Promote Energy Conservation in Your Restaurant
While it can be quite difficult to eliminate the usage of electricity in your restaurant, there are some instances in which you can actually conserve energy by temporarily switching off some of your appliances or devices. For instance, you should make it a point to keep your crew reminded that lights should be turned off when natural light is sufficient. Moreover, dishwashers must only be run when they are fully loaded. See to it that faucets are turned off when not in use.
Tips to Make Your Restaurant Energy Efficient
If you find that the use of power-consuming appliances is inevitable, there are ways for you to maximize the utilization of energy. Maximizing power utilization means that you are getting the most of benefits and services at the minimum amount of energy expenditure. This will not only save your business the bucks, but will as well reduce your establishment’s carbon footprint. Here are some ways how:
- Prevent any air leakages by properly insulating your building. This will make your heating and air conditioning systems operate more efficiently.
- Going for low-flush toilets also helps reduce water consumption; these toilet types can actually save as much as 2.9 gallons per flush.
- Purchase energy efficient equipment. Newer models are usually more efficient compared to older ones; nevertheless don’t forget to check the energy star rating of the appliances you buy. This can include your system computers, HVAC, and televisions.
- Use LED or CFL lighting in lieu of incandescent bulbs; you will be able to save a great deal of energy from your establishment’s lighting.
Other Ways to Go Green in Your Restaurant
Aside from those involving energy or electricity, there are other aspects of your business in which you can also go an extra mile for the environment. For instance, you can opt for energy-efficient hand dryers that can dry hands in very short time durations, in lieu of paper towels which will only contribute to the waste materials produced by your establishment. Recycling is also a very good way to help in the reduction of air and water pollution, so instead of disposing of paper, cardboard, aluminum, glass, and plastics, re-make them into something that can be nonetheless useful. Disposables such as plastics have been identified by the EPA to be among the top five biggest categories of municipal waste, so it is recommended that business owners go for reusable glasses or cups to serve beverages in their bars or restaurants. Toxic materials, particularly those used for bleaching, are hazardous both to health and the environment. Encourage your janitorial staff to go for a little more scrubbing than adding these hazardous substances to hasten the task; remember that the latter poses more danger than the former.
Why Should Your Business Be Green?
While various technological products can help hasten the operations of your business, a lot of these can also be detrimental to your health, the environment, or your wallet. Going green provides a whole lot of advantages to your business, your health, and the environment; it’s just like hitting two, no, three birds with one stone – saving the environment, while saving your profits, and at the same time providing a healthier and cozier place for your customers. Yes, it might take a little bit more of effort on your part, but you can be sure you’re pretty much on the right track.
Jeri is a passionate writer who is more than pleased to provide consistent and helpful information on eco-friendly home and business techniques including those that involve paid services such as that of the most trusted and able in air conditioning new orleans has on its list, and others.
July 15th, 2012
Tushar Mathur
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