Small businesses are showing an increasing amount of interest in energy efficiency. According to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), 90 percent of these businesses are attempting to become more energy efficient. 

Many factors impact the willingness of small businesses to invest in energy efficient workspaces. These include overall costs, environmental impact and customer attraction.

"Small businesses are really enthusiastic about energy efficiency and this desire should be capitalized on for the good of their business and the environment. However, what our research does tell us is a simple 'one-size fits all' approach will not work as different businesses are driven by a diverse range of factors," said FSB National Chairman John Allan.

58 percent of small businesses claim they have taken steps toward energy efficiency, but more can be done to increase this number.

According to the Small Business Association, these tips include:

• Be aware of phantom usage: Even when appliances are turned off, they still use a small amount of energy. Although this amount may seem insignificant, it can add up over time. Implement a power strip with an on/off button to stop using electricity when it's not needed.
• Controlling direct sunlight: Consider using solar screens, awnings or vegetation to keep your business cool and energy savvy during the day. Using interior curtains can keep heat out as well, using less energy to cool the office down.
• Regular checkups on air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems: If your systems are outdated or haven't been checked in a while, they may be wasting valuable energy. This can become a costly issue for small business owners. Routine maintenance is vital for both efficiency and safety. 

Learn more about energy efficiency in your small business by conducting an energy audit inspection today. Visit our website for more information.