Energy Conservation is the practice of reducing the demand for energy, meeting demands efficiently as possible, supply energy from low carbon and renewable energy sources, carbon off-setting, use of energy efficient products, purchasing energy efficient materials, and avoiding products that are energy vampires that draw power when off. Using less energy to fulfill the same function or purpose; usually attributed to a technological fix rather than a change in behavior, examples include better insulation to reduce heating / cooling demand, compact fluorescent bulbs to replace incandescent, or proper tire inflation to improve gas mileage.
Here are a few energy conservation practices for personal services. We will be updating this information on a regular basis so we hope you check back soon for additional information.
- Please describe your energy management plan to reduce energy needed or efficiently use energy?
- Does your organization promote energy saving practices such as turning off lights in rooms not being used?
- Does your organization purchase energy efficient light bulbs and encourage others to do the same?
- Please describe how you utilize and encourage the use of energy efficient appliances?
- Please describe how you purchase any other materials with energy efficiency as a consideration?
Transportation in personal services aims to improve mobility, especially for vehicles, and may fail to adequately consider wider impacts. But the real purpose of transport is access - to work, education, goods and services, friends and family - and there are proven techniques to improve access while simultaneously reducing environmental and social impacts, and managing traffic congestion. Communities that are successfully improving the sustainability of their transport networks are doing so as part of a wider program of creating more vibrant, livable, cities.
- Do you purchase fuel efficient vehicles?
- Do you plan for route optimization in your services?
- Do you provide bus passes for clients or employees? Do you encourage your clients and employees to use public transportation? Do you capture metrics on the effectiveness of using public transport?