Conversations on Website Conversion discussion

On page 128, this chapter tells us that “the ultimate goal is to design operations so that you employ the most energy-efficient technology available to implement the most resource reducing practices possible.” This definitely seems like a tall order, but taken in small steps it is completely do-able. This chapter also has a lot of lists of things to do to improve your energy efficiency in every energy-using aspect of your business. A fair portion of the extra energy costs that you could be incurring are from insidious sources like “vampire power” or a building which is poorly equipped to deal with the weather. While some of the changes which will be necessary may be expensive (such as replacing windows or insulation), the gains in efficiency can make up for the up-front cost over a number of months.

Take note of some of the ways in which your business isn’t as efficient as it could be. These things can be something as simple as noticing how many appliances you leave plugged in, or taking an inventory of the single-paned windows in your building. What can you start changing in your business? What changes can you start phasing in this year?

Energy and it's relationship to the environment has really hit home for me with the tragedy in the Gulf. I've found myself angry at the government and angry at BP - but I've failed to look at my own role in the crisis - that is until I read the fine editorial by Bob Herbert in today’s NY Times. To the extent that each of us refuses to cut back our own energy usage and seek alternatives we create this need for more and more energy - making it profitable for firms like BP to drill in places like the Gulf that would not have been profitable for them a decade ago - allowing the government to go along with shoddy drilling practices because we (the consumers) demanded more oil/gas rather than demanding a change in the energy policy or safety/environmental standards. Real change comes from the bottom up - each of us looking at our role in this country's energy policy and making a change in what we do - how we use energy - the purchases we make - what we say by our actions - Hopefully the good that will come out of this awful situation is that more of us will "walk the walk" instead of just "talking the talk".

Marty I am so with you! Very well said. I have been going through similar emotions of anger and devastation with what is happening in the Gulf. This frustration can and will be transformed into action on my part. Using less energy and less oil consumption to benefit business practices and the world for me mean walking, riding my bike, making use of public transportation. I am very lucky to live in a bike friendly town; Long Beach, CA. We are being forced into awareness and consciousness; and it's about time!