Investments in energy effectiveness pay dividends in three important ways:

Cash flow from reduced monthly energy costs.

Rebates from Utilities reduce capital investment costs.

State and Federal Tax Incentives deductions and credits further reduces costs.

Productivity benefits can be substantial and would be a fourth dividend.

Simple investments can yeild attractive returns. Operating cost savings goes straight to the bottom line in business, and cash flow freed up from noticing and "harvesting" the low hanging fruit can be reinvested incrementally in additional energy saving measures.

Lighting offers numerous examples. Retire another incandescent light bulb but select the more expensive but more efficient light bulbs and get on with retrofitting all old T12 lighting to the new Super T8 or T8 Plus light sources.

Choose Compact Fluorescents with electronic ballasts. With compact fluorescents that have electronic ballasts the light will turn on as you throw the switch. There will not be the second or so delay and 60 cycle flicker common with magnetic ballasts. Too often the cheap CFL lamps so common these days are not the best choice. It is normal for the lamps to come up to full output as the temperature heats up. High temperature (in enclosed cans) and very low temperature (below freezing) operation can adversely affect the expected lamp life.

Pay attention to color temperature as the cheapest magnetic CFL bulbs are quite slow to fire and are quite yellow.

Select the higher color temperature bulbs can be used for visual work areas, and the lower temperature lower wattages for areas where warmer mood lighting is appropriate.

Specifying Direct Indirect and suspended fixtures where appropriate for offices and classrooms FineLite in California has a particularly nice suspended direct indirect T8 fixtures. Use 4 and 6 lamp T8 high bay replacements. Use the longest life T8 Plus technology and adjust the ballasts as required to tune the light output. Use suplemental task lighting like the 13 watt desk lamp to add user control where additional light is needed. Minimize the number and type of replacement lamps to lower maintenance costs.

Adding Heat-Mirror to a window to reduce overheating. Add a Solar light tube or skylight to a dark bathroom or hallway.

An Energy Audit can help to identify and prioritize your opportunities for investing in energy efficiency. There is considerable opportunity especiall in lighting for incremental investments that pay back in 2 to 3 years with 33-50% ROI.

Please call 303-581-9296 in Boulder for more information. Or toll free 1-866-4 SUNWAVE