Basics: Part II

Sealing and insulating is an inexpensive way to reduce your heating and cooling expense. The US Department of Energy has a very helpful website called "Energy Savers" that include caulking, detecting air leaks, methods of ventilation and where and how to insulate.

A commercial energy audit will provide you with information on the location of air leaks, how much mechanical heat, cooling and ventilation is needed for the size and configuration of your building and where additional insulation is needed. A list of things that can be done to reduce your energy usage and the expected return on investment should be part of the report from a commercial audit.

If you prefer to do a self-audit, using the Energy Savers website for tips on detecting air leaks would be a start. Nicor, Inc. a gas company located in Illinois has a very helpful website with instructions on conducting your own energy audit.

Better Bricks.com has a very comprehensive outline for improving a buildings performance including best practices, tools and resources and conducting a building tune up.

You can download a PDF of the page for distribution to your employees and/or building manager. By driving down costs of operations you are also reducing the impact your business has on the environment, reducing future risk from rising costs and giving yourself a marketing edge.