Is your business green? That’s a question many owners and managers face every day. The issue is that many pro-environment moves are expensive. Everyone tries to do the right thing, but ultimately a business is about profit.
Fortunately, some policies benefit the environment as well as the business bottom line. Energy-efficient lighting is one such policy.
New Technology
Lighting technology has drastically improved in recent decades. Items such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs), and energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs are much more energy-efficient than their predecessors and use 25-80% less energy, according to the Department of Energy. They can also be in operational use for much longer. The lifetime of an LED bulb is estimated around 25,000 hours or 25 times that of an incandescent.
Cost Savings
The savings will come twofold. First, you will be paying for electricity at a significantly lower price. The actual monetary amount depends on how much electricity you use. In areas where electricity is expensive, the savings will be substantial. Second, fewer bulbs need to be replaced as often. Many of the bulbs are in hard-to-reach places like the ceiling, so less replacing means better safety. It also means less garbage.
Higher Costs
Of course, there’s a catch. The new light bulbs are much more expensive than the old ones. This is due to the research and development costs involved with this new technology. The manufacturers paid the patent holders for the right to build it. Some cost-benefit calculators can be found online that help you determine which bulb to purchase. Usually, the breakeven point is within a few months.
Green on a Budget
If you’re on a budget, you don’t have to give up your green plan. LEDs are the most energy-efficient and expensive. You can choose CFLs as an intermediate option. They’re less expensive than LEDs and more environmentally friendly than regular fluorescents.
Energy-efficient lighting is an investment that is both environmentally friendly and economically beneficial. Businesses should consider it.
Call the experts at JDP Electric when you want confidence that your commercial electrical project will be completed on time and within your budget. Put your electrical needs in good hands by calling JDP Electric today.