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5.2. ECCSR 09-17-2014 EN _ R Gyc I Ty, ,.„ An award program for local G busiLb nesses who want to boost 'efficiency, save money, and help the planet in the process. r What is it? How do I do it? Inside, you will find 41 eco-friendly ac- We want to make executing these recommendations as easy as tions that your business can implement possible. Actions are split into various categories and given a rec- to earn up to 79 points. The more ac- ommended order. For each action,you will find: tions you implement, the more points • General costs along with benefits and paybacks you receive! The more points you re- ceive,the more notoriety you will gain! • Applicable rebates and where to find them • Resources and suggestions for implementation 15 S 11V,Gt.E Plaque+Sticker Points ,a • The types of businesses that would most benefit • An applicable case study(if available) 25 kc I E I ' 2nd Sticker Points �J"V�y • The point value for successful completion of the action a��4 ray ire. Points 71 � 3rd Sticker , , "High Five" businesses will be recog- 0.. r '� ' % :e nized on the City website and in the Elk _ River Star News. In addition, the busi- ness that earns the most points in a cal- endar year will receive the "High Five .. . ' Business of the Year Award," be recog- •4L .. nized by the Chamber of Commerce, and receive premium signage. Why do it? How do I receive credit? The idea of doing more with less is simply Once you have completed an action, let us know good business. Let us reward you for doing by calling the City of Elk River Environmental De- something that's good for business and good partment at 763-635-1000 or email for the planet. It's a win-win-win! EnergyCity @ElkRiverMN.gov 1 Table of Contents Waste Management 3 Energy Conservation & Lighting 7 Heating, Ventilation, & Cooling Systems 11 Water Conservation 14 Employee Initiatives 17 Purchasing 20 Miscellaneous 23 Checklist 27 Resources 28 Cs."--------...°"1" -*'EELKN..... Gy RIVER City of RCITY Elk -�-� 1 4)%n/sTggJING THE POWER OF EFFICIENT RENE`NA��E e's1 ( Diver www.ElkRiverMN.gov/EnergyCity 763-635-1000 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN T-:: ::, 2 It s WASTE MANAGEMENT ,, ,,,,.1„. 16.1/4 . IN THIS SECTION : 14 POINTS 1. Institute a Business Recycling Program r ` �",1` -- 2. Remove disposables from employee lunch areas ^. ."', -A,, ""t: `"ry .,w4 'N. *; 3. Provide deskside recycling containers g ; 14 ' ' 4. Receive a waste audit " ' ° !� aye * 1. o ,,,, „ �.�y ,),y , s ;°4. `;, 5. Institute an Organics Recycling Program set"' r: 6. Work with janitorial staff to ensure that materials r .' ,Y SY Ri+� `.` *, :7,410, a: ,Z t are recycled L =, "yam N..4 '.. 7. Recycle an item on the MN Materials Exchange Institute a Business Recycling Program 2 Points You pay less for recycling than you do for trash collection. The more you recycle, the more you save, it's that simple. Costs Payback/Benefits Grants Business Types Low to none Divert recyclables from your trash RAM provides grants for free or All to downsize your dumpster and reduced cost recycling containers save money in disposal costs Resources&Suggestions Form a recycling committee among co-workers to educate others and carry out activities. Go to www.elkrivermn.gov to find a list of sites to take recycled products. Find RAM's contact information on the Resources page. Case Summary Bausch & Lomb recycles nearly 60 percent of the waste that is generated at its facility in Greenville County, South Car- olina.The list of recycled items includes cardboard, mixed paper, plastic, scrap metal and pallets as well as fiber and plastic drums. Not only did they see a reduction in their disposal costs, but they also managed to yield a net profit of $75,000. 3 Remove Disposable Utensils/cups/plates from Employee Lunch Areas 1 Point You'll never have to throw away another plastic spoon or styrofoam cup ever again. And better yet, you'll never have to purchase them either. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Some upfront costs to replace Reduced waste production and None available Office Bldgs or add re-usable utensils in lieu thus smaller disposal frees Restaurant of disposables. Save money on utensils Large Resources&Suggestions - Form a "Green Team" in your business with interested employees to implement money-saving ideas. -Allow employees to purchase items that will fund the team and accomplish cost savings at the same time. -Replace any non-reusable item with a re-usable item and clean them in a dishwasher. Case Summary Communications Systems, Inc. removed all styrofoam cups and plastic utensils from break/lunch areas and replaced them with re-useable alternatives such as mugs and spudware (utensils made from potatoes). This saves over 24,000 cups and 180,000 utensils each year from being landfilled. It also saves the company$10,000 per year in costs. Provide Deskside Recycling Containers to all Employees 1 Point Make recycling as easy as possible. It should be easier to recycle than it is to throw away. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Any container costs in which to Substantially increased recycling None available Office place recyclables; $5 to$15 per rates,thus lowering your trash bill bin Resources&Suggestions Containers can be purchased in bulk from various companies. It is recommended that you at least have a container used only for mixed paper waste, as the average office worker discards 1.5 pounds of paper per day. You may also choose to add containers for plastic to the employees who request them. Case Summary TD Canada Trust Bank supplied deskside recycling containers to all tellers at all of its 1,100 retail branch locations in Canada. The result was a massive increase in collection of recyclables, a large decrease in disposal costs, and a model business practice that they could showcase to the general public. 4 Receive a Waste Audit 2 Points Almost all haulers offer waste audits. A professional from the hauler will come into your business, analyze your waste stream, recommend ways to reduce the stream, and help select the best waste options for your business. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Most audits are free Reduce your waste None available All Pay less for removal Resources&Suggestions Contact your hauler about receiving a waste audit. Audits are also available from groups such as Minnesota WasteWise,the Minnesota Retired Environmental Technical Assistance Program (RETAP), and the Minnesota Tech- nical Assistance Program (MnTAP). See the Resources Page for contact information. Case Summary The Thunderbird Hotel and Convention Center in Bloomington received a waste audit from MNTAP in 1991. Following the audit,they implemented new practices and saved$919 per month in disposal costs while reducing their landfilled waste by 50%. Institute an Organics Recycling Program 3 Points Organics recycling is the future of recycling, diverting compostable waste from the landfill and turning it into usable soil. It is yet another way to reduce your garbage disposal costs. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Potential costs for bins, corn- Organics recycling is not taxed None available Restaurants postable bags, etc. and service is often cheaper than Schools for normal trash Large Resources&Suggestions Contact your hauler to arrange a waste audit. This will let you know approximately how much of your waste is organic and can be composted. Once you have this information,you can make a choice on how much to downsize your trash dumpster and how large you would like your organics dumpster or cart to be. Case Summary From the Star Tribune: "In restaurants, it's estimated that at least 80 percent of trash is compostable. Corner Table owner Scott Pampuch has reduced his waste bill by nearly 50 percent by recycling about 95 percent of his waste.The amount of garbage he throws away has been reduced to the size of a regular residential garbage bin." 5 Work with Janitorial Staff to Ensure that Materials are Recycled 1 Point Janitorial staff work intimately with your waste and are the ones literally taking out the trash and recyclables. They are a big key to reducing your waste stream. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Low to none Can potentially find better ways None available Any with jani- to recycle and reduce waste torial staff Resources&Suggestions Host biannual meetings with your janitorial staff to discuss trash/recycling procedures and to see if they have any sug- gestions for improvement. Get their input and their help with any new programs that you are considering. Make sure that staff is properly disposing of waste. Additional Suggestion If you have a janitorial contract, ensure that recycling is required in the contract. Recycle an Item on the Minnesota Materials Exchange 2 Points "One man's trash is another man's treasure." The best form of recycling is making this saying come true. The ex- change is run by the University of Minnesota and allows businesses to give-away or sell unwanted items. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types None Avoid sending items to a landfill None available All and paying disposal fees for cer- tain items Resources&Suggestions Check out www.mnexchange.org. The site allows you to post unwanted items and to pick up available items from oth- er businesses. If there's something your business needs,first check the Exchange. You can also earn credit for this action f you have an example of directly working with another business to share resources. (You are not restricted to solely working with the MME.) Case Summary El Microcircuits of Mankato uses the exchange to give away thousands of pounds of packaging material each year to businesses that need them. This action has kept their disposal costs stable despite huge increases in production. 6 ENERGY CONSERVATION & io0F LIGHTING IN THIS SECTION: 11 POINTS 1. Completely switch to energy efficient lighting \ 1\ , I II,I II 2. Shut off all electronic equipment the end of the `+ 1 .-r-, I I work day vl I\ �'�� `i �spoilt= 3. Install vending misers on all refrigerated vending t . _f �∎ ,-"----:,3t,- T` ,�'�f��— machines !`` ` i 1;I 4. Receive an energy audit from a certified profes- s ' `` sional ; . fir ' 4%-∎1 ► ►off — E 5. Install occupancy sensors for lighting : \\ ,, r k !! ' 6. Facility system optimization \\ i! AT--"---- -,„-- I , I i I 7. Install a renewable energy Completely Switch to Energy Efficient Lighting 3 Points Studies show that business lighting costs account for 30-50%of your energy bill. This is even higher if your business is open long hours, at night, or if you have limited natural lighting. Upgrading your lighting is often a profitable action. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Mid to high initial costs de- Paybacks can range from 1-6 Available from your utility All pending upon lighting upgrade. years,depending upon the pro- Office ject Warehouse Resources&Suggestions LEDs are currently the best bet for your business. They last the longest, have low maintenance costs because they rarely need to be replaced, and have the lowest energy usage. Many installers will even offer warranties on their LED products. A simple upgrade from outdated T-12 to T-8 fluorescent lighting may also provide large savings for your business. Contact your utility to receive a lighting walkthrough. Case Summary A.O.K. Auto Body in Philadelphia, PA has shrunk their energy bill by replacing 400 8-foot T-12s in 200 fixtures with 800 4-foot T-8s in 400 fixtures. Also by taking out the magnetic ballasts that regulate the T-12s and replacing them with electronic ballast. The energy efficiency upgrades are ongoing, but it's estimated that A.O.K. is already saving approxi- mately$5,577 a year.The original investment was an estimated$7,832,yielding a payback of 1.4 years. 7 w, iw 4 a Y' C p 1.,R Shut off all Electronic Equipment at the End of the Work Day 2 Points Leaving computers turned on at the end of the day is perhaps the biggest unnecessary drain on a business'overhead costs. Each computer can add an extra$35—$70 in electricity costs each year if left on during non-business hours. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types None Save$35-$70 per computer each None Office year"off"versus "on" Schools Restaurants Resources&Suggestions Shutting down computers and other electronic equipment at the end of the day not only saves money through re- duced energy costs, it also reduces wear and tear on the computer itself, effectively increasing its usable lifespan. Leaving your computers on all the time wears out your hard drive and power supply much more rapidly. During the day,you can activate "standby mode" for even further energy savings. Case Summary About a year ago, Ford Motor Company began mandating computer shutdowns at the end of the workday in Dear- born, Michigan. It is estimated that this saves the company$1.2 million each year in energy costs. In addition, Goodrich High School in Genesee, Michigan saves over$230 per month for each computer lab (35-40 computers)shut down during non-school hours. Install Vending Misers on all Refrigerated Vending Machines 2 Points Purchasing and installing a vending miser for a refrigerated machine will reduce the machine's energy costs by an aver- age of 35%. If you have refrigerated vending machines, this action is a must. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types $50 to$200 prior to rebate Payback usually ranges from 8 Available at your utility. Most Any with months to 2 years. offer a 50% rebate up to$75. vending ma- chines Resources &Suggestions Vending machines consume 2,500 to 4,400 kWhs per year. This is a lot of electricity. Many vending machine compa- nies have miser purchase programs which allow you to buy misers and have them installed at reduced rates. If your machines are rented, ask your company if they have such a program. If you own your own machines, check out http://www.vendingmiserstore.com/for more information on vending misers. Case Summary A 2005 study by the Michigan Dept. of Labor& Economic Growth in Michigan Public Schools installed three vending misers in different schools in areas with varying student traffic and backgrounds. Savings for the three misers were 39%, 59%, and 80%, with respective cost savings of$102, $187, and $253 per year. 8 ib x • +¢ Receive an Energy Audit from a Certified Professional 2 Points Energy audits are a great way to pinpoint and target places to save energy, reduce waste, and increase efficiency. Most target all areas of your consumption, including heating fuel and electric use. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Free to$600+ per audit Audits can pinpoint the best plac- Available from most utilities pay- All es to target your funds to save ing for up to 50%of the audit money over time. Resources&Suggestions These audits are offered by larger companies such as CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy or via independent contrac- tors. The Retired Engineers Technical Assistance Program (RETAP) offers free audits to businesses as well. Case Summary In April 1997, Goody, Goody restaurant in St. Louis, MO signed up for an energy audit to get recommendations on im- proving energy usage.The energy audit showed that the lighting system was a high energy user and that there was room for improvement and savings. A few upgrades, later and the small mom and pop restaurant was saving$1323 per year for a 1.5 year payback. Install Occupancy Sensors for Lighting 2 Points Occupancy sensors take the thinking out of switching off lights. Installing them in bathrooms, conference rooms, class- rooms, and offices can make a huge impact on your lighting costs. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types $10-$20 per outlet switch, in- 29%to 60% reduction in lighting Available from your utility. Office stalled energy use per room installed Schools $50-$150 for advanced systems Payback is from 0.5 to 5 years Resources&Suggestions Check out a study by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association at www.nema.org/energy/ demandreduction.pdf. The study details where and how to best use occupancy sensors in your building. Ask your local electrician for a quote or audit for the set-up of occupancy sensors in your building. Case Summary A state office building in Connecticut spent$51,000 to regulate the lighting of the entire building with occupancy sen- sors. This action reduced energy costs by$24,000 annually. (www.sensorswitch.com/CaseStudies.aspx) 9 .. ate.. . Facility System Optimization 3 Points Go through the Commissioning or re-commissioning process for your facility. This is an intensive quality assurance pro- cess that ensures that the building operates as the owner intended and that building staff know how to operate it. Costs Payback/Benefits Loans Business Types $0.30-$1.16/square foot for a Up to 16%energy savings The Energy Efficiency Improve- All new construction (0.4%of total Payback of 1-4 years ment Program offers loans. construction cost) Resources&Suggestions This process requires planning before the decision of a new construction. Benefits include: improved building occupant productivity, lower utility bills through energy savings, increased occupant and owner satisfaction, enhanced environ- mental/health conditions and occupant comfort, improved system and equipment function, improved building opera- tion and maintenance, increased occupant safety, significant extension of equipment/system life cycle. Case Summary Twenty River Terrace, a 27-story, 293 unit, residential tower in Batter Park City, NY was commissioned in 2000. A num- ber of issues were resolved prior to construction and the building is now 35% more efficient than NYS Energy Code and has annual energy cost savings of$211,000. In addition, CO2 emissions were reduced by 1,849 tons per year and there is a 16% peak demand reduction. (www.cacx.org/resources/commissioning.php) Install a Renewable Energy 3 Points Help Minnesota reach its goal of 20%Renewable Energy by 2020 while saving electricity costs in an environmentally friendly manner. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates and Loans Business Types Any costs for purchase and in- Depending upon the system, pay- Available from your electric utility Any with the stallation of a system. backs can range from a few years and State and Federal grants. Both space to in- to decades. PACE and EEIP provide loans. stall a system. Resources&Suggestions Install equipment or devices that use renewable energy sources to generate electricity including solar electricity (photovoltaic), wind turbine, solar thermal,geothermal, hydroelectric, and/or biomass. There are a number or resources and financing options available. Case Summary "The Lobster" Restaurant in Santa Monica, CA installed 54 solar panels on its south facing roof in 2008. The system cost approximately$65,000 but rebates and tax credits brought the project down to a mere$20,000.The new system covers about 10%of the restaurants electricity load and will take only 6 years for the final cost to be recovered through electricity bill savings. (www.coolcalifornia.org/case-study/taking-advantage-of-the-suns-rays) c z 10 riii fiti , .4. HEATING, VENTILATION , AND 4otioe 4 - COOLING SYSTEMS to 4,.. -f 4. IN THIS SECTION: 12 POINTS 1. Install & program a programmable or smart ther- mostat ., , , ;.. 2. Reduce thermostat level l v.. 3. Upgrade your building's HVAC system(s) to an en- ' ergy efficient model }° " ;` 1 - 4. Upgrade to premium efficiency motors 4 Ire --' I -art` 5. Install a heat pump system used to heat or cool #r'. PrN. Install and program a Programmable or Smart Thermostat 1 Point A programmable or smart thermostat is the best way to control the temperature of your building. By programming your thermostat you can have your heating/cooling fit to your schedule and save the most money possible. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types $50 to$300 Allows you to control your None available All heating and cooling much more easily. Resources&Suggestions There are numerous models of programmable thermostats to choose from,consult your HVAC contractor or heating utility to ask which model will work best with your system. Remember to program the thermostat so that it automati- cally adjusts the indoor air temperature. Use different temperatures for occupied and unoccupied times. www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/files/CE RTsCaseStudy_Thermostatlnstall.pdf Bonus Suggestions • Savings have been found to range from 5%to 33% depending upon setbacks and if the thermostat is programmed correctly. • Consumer Reports recommends the Lux TX9600TS or Honeywell RTH9590WF. 11 Reduce Thermostat Level Up to 3 Points The cheapest heating fuel is the kind that you didn't have to use. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types None Statistics show a 2-3%savings on None All heating bills per degree reduction on the thermostat(over 24hrs) Resources&Suggestions You can earn up to 3 points for implementing this action. 1 Point will be given for each proven degree reduction dur- ing business hours and 1/2 point will be given for each proven degree reduction during non-business hours. Reducing the thermostat also means that the blower fan will run less if it is on automatic,thus saving electricity. Case Summary APS Controls performed a study on night setbacks using programmable thermostats and found that using temperature reductions, and/or night setbacks can significantly reduce the run time of HVAC systems and their corresponding fan use,thus saving heating fuel, electricity, and money. The study can be found at http://www.apscontrols.ca/ serv0l.htm Upgrade your Building's HVAC Systems to an Efficient Model 3 Points Heating, ventilation, and cooling systems make up a large bulk of your energy costs. However, a system that is old or operating inefficiently can brake your back... and the bank. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Any costs for installation/ Depending upon the efficiency of Available from your electric utility All removal of the old and new the old and new systems, payback for electric heat/cooling and from systems; $6k to$20k+ can be 5-10 years or less. your gas utility for gas heating. Resources&Suggestions www.energystar.gov has a veritable amount of information regarding energy efficient heating and cooling systems. Make sure to have a contractor properly size your heating/cooling system for your building to ensure that you aren't buying too big or too small of a system. Loans The City of Elk River Economic Development Department can assist you in two micro loan programs. PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) and the Energy Efficiency Improvement Program (EEIP) both offer financing for energy upgrades and improved efficiency. Contact the ED Department at 763.635.1000 for more information. 12 Upgrade to Premium Efficiency Motors 2 Points This investment can improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime and repair costs, and result in lower releases of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The motor can also repay its upgrade cost many times over its lifespan. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates and Loans Business Types Depends upon the size of the Depending upon the previous mo- Available from your electric All motor required for your HVAC tor's efficiency, payback can utility system range from 3 months to 4 years Pace and EEIP (page 12) Resources&Suggestions Make sure to check the efficiency and size of your current motor before deciding to upgrade. Potential savings can be calculated by using the following formula: (horsepower) x(load)x (0.746) x(hours of operation per year)x(100/ current eff. — 100/new efficiency)x(Electricity cost per kWh). Check with your utility to make sure that you're buying a premium efficiency motor that meets the requirements to earn a rebate. Case Summary Anderson Printing replaced an old, 75-hp standard efficiency boiler forced-draft fan motor with a NEMA Premium effi- ciency motor. The cost savings for that motor alone totaled$851 per year. Install a Heat Pump System used to heat or cool 3 Points Use the ground's renewable energy and improve your bottom line in the process. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates and Loans Business Types High upfront costs Low operating cost, no on-site Available from your electric Any combustion, long life expectancy, utility low maintenance Pace and EEIP (Page 12) Resources&Suggestions Geothermal uses the solar energy stored in the ground to heat and cool your building. If you would like more information about geothermal, check http://minnesotageothermalheatpumpassociation.com/. This site will also help you find a professional contractor in the area. Case Summary Indian River Central School installed a ground-source heat pump to mitigate energy costs, creating a $285,600 opera- tion and maintenance savings over 20 years. The simple payback was 12.5 years. 13 t WATER CONSERVATION .. „. , . fkia. IN THIS SECTION : 8 POINTS T 1. Optimize & reduce watering schedules 2. Post signage in business encouraging water con- . z. servation � 7. , . - r4, .s 3. Install low-flow aerators on all faucets - ∎, " 4. Improve kitchen dishwasher efficiency ,, 4 n. 5. If you have green space, use natural landscape -" techniques Optimize and Reduce Watering Schedules 2 Points Excessive summer sprinkling can cause your water bill to skyrocket. Experiment with your landscape to find out how much watering you truly need to do. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types None Reduced water usage Rebates available from your wa- Any with a Save on your water/sewer bill ter utility for up to $500 for in- landscape to stalling smart irrigation systems water Reduced mowing& maintenance Resources &Suggestions Adjust your sprinklers so that only your landscape is watered and not the building, sidewalk,or street. Head over to Elk River Utilities and pick up a soil moisture meter, a simple device that tells you how much to water. Call ERMU at 763-441-2020 to have a water audit conducted for your business Case Summary In 2010, three Elk River businesses reduced their water irrigation usage 44%,45%, and 57% by receiving a water audit from ERMU and installing a smart irrigation system. For each business,the cost savings paid for the irrigation systems in under two years. In the summer of 2010,the three businesses saved a combined 442,000 gallons of water and kept their grass just as green. 14 Post Signage in Business Encouraging Water Conservation 1 Point Water is perhaps our most precious resource, and it's certainly the most taken for granted. Do all you can to promote water conservation. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Small costs to produce signs Reduced water usage None available All Save money on water bill Resources &Suggestions wateruseitwisely.com has a list of over 100 actions that you can take to reduce water use. Many of them can be done during the work day with simple and small changes in habits. Place the signs in areas with faucets (bathrooms, kitch- ens, etc.). Additional Suggestion Consider designating an interested employee as a water coordinator. He or she will involve others in efficiency efforts and will assist in the implementation of water conservation practices.This person should review the water bill monthly for indications of leaks, spikes in water use or other problems. They can also monitor whether or not posting signs has increased awareness and actually reduced your business'water use. (http://www.clwa.org/business/) Install Low-flow Aerators on all Faucets 2 Points Reduce the flow of water and cash currently going down the drain. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Low up-front costs Reduced water usage by up to None available. Any with $0.99—$5 per aerator 50% bathrooms or Save money on water bill faucets Resources &Suggestions Most low-flow aerators run 0.5 to 1.5 gallons per minute. You can check your current faucets by looking for the flow rate on the side of the current aerator/faucet head. If it's not listed,you can use a flow meter bag courtesy of Elk Riv- er Municipal Utilities to check. Aerators are easily installed by screwing them on to the threads at the head of the fau- cet. The Savings Math If you can achieve a savings per faucet of 1 gallons per minute by reduced flow, and the faucet runs an estimated 15 minutes per work day,you save 300 gallons of water per month. If the water is heated,you save even more money by reduced use of natural gas. Low-flow faucets are cheap, and the savings can really add up. 15 .o a_.4 ga Improve Kitchen Dishwasher Efficiency 1 Point This is very simple. Only run your dishwasher with full loads. Don't run it more than you need to. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types None Reduced water usage None available Office Save money on water bill Any with dish- washer Resources &Suggestions Use "creative sorting"to pack in as many plates, pots, bowls, cups, and utensils as possible. No award points are avail- able for washing dishes by hand as studies show it to use more water and heating fuel. Case Summary None available. If you have Green Space, use Natural Landscape Techniques 2 Points Natural landscaping means using native vegetation. This vegetation is much cheaper and easier to maintain, meaning that you can spend more time focusing on your business and not on your lawn care. Costs Payback/Benefits Grants Business Types Low to medium upfront costs Cheaper to install, requires less Some grants may be available. Businesses for planting and seeding fertilization, requires much less with green maintenance, requires no watering space Resources &Suggestions The Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) can advise you on what are the best types of grass and other plants to use on your property. Their services are free, and you can contact them online at www.sherburneswcd.org or by phone at 763-241-1170(ext.4). Bonus Suggestion A"no-mow" lawn mix of varied fescues is a great alternative to the traditional Kentucky blue grass. It requires almost zero mowing or maintenance and gives a good look to your lawn. Some grants may be available depending on the amount of space and the type of your business. Contact the SWCD. 16 l It rik., t, .4 4 QEMPLOYEE INITIATIVES iitor, 4 IN THIS SECTION : 5 POINTS 1. Mandate duplex printing i ic,;q\g4-ili::-./ 2. Mandate the recycling of paper, plastics, metal, and glass c+ - 3. Encourage employee carpools and provide incen- tives `� fives �'" 4. Conduct all written communications via email r \ rjl / 5. Encourage employees to bring lunch from home at �`�' '�� �. least once per week Mandate Duplex Printing 1 Point One click of the mouse on your computer reduces your paper use by 50%. If your situation allows you to print double- sided, there's no reason not to. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types None 50% reduced need to purchase None available Office printer paper, potentially saving thousands of dollars each year Resources&Suggestions • If employees are unsure of how to use duplex printing,you can send out an email or host a quick training session. • Having a directive for duplexing works very well. You can also get employees excited about it by having competi- tions between offices or departments on paper use. You can also post signage at printers. Case Summary Implementing duplex printing makes good economic and environmental sense. According to an HP internal case study,switching to duplex printing will reduce the total paper volume by 800 tons,for an annual savings of$7.7 mil- lion. A Barclays Wealth building in Glasglow saved $91,000 per year by mandating duplex printing in their office. 17 Mandate the Recycling of Paper, Plastic, Metals, and Glass 1 Point Remember, the more you recycle, the more you can save via reduced garbage fees. Costs Payback/Benefits Grant Business Types None except for the cost to im- Reduced disposal costs Free or reduced cost bins from All plement a business recycling RAM Office program. Resources&Suggestions A directive from the top is the best way to ensure that recycling takes place. Also,you can locate a group of employ- ees that is enthusiastic about recycling and will help with the work involved. They can place recycling bins at each office/cubicle and monitor centralized trash/recycling stations with clear labels. Case Summary At Google's London office, employees aren't allowed to have trashcans at their desk.This prevents employees from quickly throwing away something that should be recycled. Instead,employees visit a centralized recycling station to sort out their garbage and recyclables.This surprisingly low-tech idea has led to a 50% increase in recycled products at the Google London location. Encourage Employee Carpools and Provide Incentives 1 Point We understand that people have busy schedules and that carpooling is not always possible. But when it is possible, carpooling is a great way to save money and reduce transportation pollution. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types None—perhaps some small Employees save money on driving None All costs to provide incentives Less cars parked in the parking lot Less fumes around your business Resources&Suggestions -Reserve the best parking spaces for carpools. -Allow employees who carpool a 5 minute flexible start to their workday. -Provide a company car for carpools of 4+employees,saving them money on gas Bonus Suggestions Have a carpooling discussion at your next staff meeting or create a carpooling map so employees are aware of who they live close to and could consider carpooling with. Carpooling will also help enable employees to get to know each other more and create a more relaxed, more effective office environment. Employees will welcome this carpooling knowledge but may be intimidated about asking for it on their own. (source:greenbusinessresources.com) 18 Conduct all Written Communications via Email 1 Point Email is a much faster and cheaper mode of communication. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types None, provided you already Significant reduction in paper use None All have computers at your busi- Faster communications Office ness Shows that you are modern Resources&Suggestions The most visible impact of a move to a paperless office is the reduction in the cost of printing, mailing, shipping, and storing paper. Over time, lots of other benefits should become apparent: Less time spent looking for lost papers, etc. Both PC and Macintosh systems have email clients available to use. Microsoft Outlook is the most popular. Example A 100 letter mailer costs your business anywhere from $60—$100 due to postage, paper, ink,time, and electrical costs. Doing the same mailer by mass email eliminates postage, paper,and ink costs, effectively reducing the costs by about$50—$75. In addition,you have much less paper in the waste stream that could potentially be sent to a landfill. Encourage Employees to Bring Lunch from Home at Least Once/wk. 1 Point Bringing lunch from home saves your employees money from reduced driving/food expenses. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types None Improved workplace atmosphere None Office Your employees drive less Large Lunches can be waste free Resources&Suggestions • Host pot lucks or free lunches in the employee lunchroom once per week to encourage this activity. • Post signage to encourage the activity. • Institute a catered lunch service that employees may opt in to. Ensure that this service is almost waste-free. Additional Suggestion Occasionally, offer optional employee trainings during lunch hour and either provide a subsidized/free zero-waste lunch or encourage employees to bring their own zero-waste lunch. (Learn @ Lunch) 19 7 PURCHASING • IN THIS SECTION . 10 POINTS 1. Take part in a rebate program from a Utility 2. Only purchase paper products with at least 30% recycled content ..... 3. Use electric or cloth-roll hand dryers in all bath- rooms 4. Commit to purchasing on energy star appliances 5. Purchase an eco— friendly vehicle when replacing fleet vehicles ENERGY STAR Take Part in a Rebate Program from your Utility 1 Point Utilities offer commercial rebates to businesses that take action to reduce their energy usage. That's right, your busi- ness gets paid to save on energy costs. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Any costs to implement energy- Rebates are available in small or Available from your utility for All saving upgrades not covered by large amounts for various up- various efficiency upgrades. the rebate. grades Resources&Suggestions Contact Elk River Municipal Utilities at 763-441-2020 and ask about all of the programs, services, and rebates availa- ble. You can also check online at www.elkriverutilities.com/pages/rebate-forms. Con nexus customers:check out www.connexusenergy.com/business/rebates or call 763.323.2650 for a list of rebates and to contact your account rep- resentative. Case Summary Jack Mowry, president of Metal Craft, received a rebate check for more than $91,000 from Elk River Municipal Utilities for installing energy-efficient technologies in his company's brand new 78,000 square foot facility located off of High- way 10 in Elk River. 20 , tt'. Only purchase Paper Products with at Least 30% Recycled Content 1 Point (+1 for 100%) Complete paper recycling full circle by purchasing paper products with at least 30%recycled content. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Small increase in paper costs or Can advertise that your business None available Office no difference depending upon completes recycling full-circle Large your vendor Resources&Suggestions All that is required is a little attention to detail when purchasing your paper. If you commit to purchasing only 100% recycled content paper you will receive a bonus point for this action. Case Summary None available. Use Electric or Cloth-roll Hand Dryers in all Bathrooms 2 points Energy-efficient electric hand dryers are by far the best "bang-for-your-buck"and offer the highest level of cleanliness. Cloth-roll dryers have the benefit of zero paper waste and zero energy use. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Electric dryers cost$100 to Zero paper waste for hand drying. None available Any with $1000 per unit, and $1.34 per Reduced costs over time versus bathrooms 1000 dryings paper towels Resources&Suggestions It is estimated that a restroom with medium traffic can go through a roll of paper towels a day,costing$75/month. The same restroom would spend about$14.58/month on electric costs with a hand dryer, saving$60/month. Case Summary In 2008,the State of MN installed energy efficient dryers in four bathrooms in state buildings and found an 80% ener- gy savings versus the old models. They also estimated that ongoing costs versus traditional paper towels were 90% reduced with energy efficient electric dryers. 21 j ". Commit to Purchasing only Energy Star products 2 Points Energy Star products generally use 20-30%less energy than their normal-efficiency counterparts. They WILL save you money. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Varies depending upon appli- Varies; Energy Star products can Available from your utility for Office ance use 20-30% less electricity certain Energy Star products Large Restaurants Resources&Suggestions Refrigerators,vending machines,televisions, and commercial food service equipment are especially products to con- sider purchasing Energy Star versions. Check out all of the products at http://www.energystar.gov/. Case Summary Austin, MN Public Schools needed new food service equipment. By purchasing 3 refrigerators, 3 freezers, 2 electric steamers, and 3 hot food holding cabinets (all Energy Star compliant)they reduced their energy bills by$3,560 annual- ly and received $4,675 in rebates from their local utility. (www.energystar.gov/ia/products/commercial_food_service/ Austin_Public_School_CS.pdf) Purchase an Eco-friendly Vehicle when Replacing Fleet Vehicles 3 Points You pay for much more than the vehicle when purchasing a fleet vehicle. With gasoline costs on the rise and destined to rise much higher, it is wise to purchase a vehicle with high fuel efficiency. Costs Payback/Benefits Tax Credits Business Types The vehicle must be rated at Reduced fuel costs Tax credits are available for hy- Large least 35mpg combined by the Reduced vehicle emissions brid and plug-in vehicles at Any with fleet EPA or use alternative fuels. $2,500 to$7,500 dollars per ve- vehicles Marketing tool Resources &Suggestions • Efficient fleet vehicles tell others that your company is serious about efficiency and American energy security. • Go to www.fueleconomy.gov to find a bounty of information about the cars available that meet efficiency stand- ards. Case Summary The town of Apex, North Carolina purchased a Chevrolet Volt and three Nissan Leafs in 2014.They are estimated to save a total of$16,000 per car over the next seven years,when compared to their previous fleet. 22 7 MISCELLANEOUS ke.110.,41 IN THIS SECTION : 15 POINTS 1. Offer bicycle parking 2. Require the use of green cleaning products/ limit their use 3. Have preferred parking space(s) for hybrid/electric vehicles 4. Plant a rain garden 5. Attend an Energy City event 6. Apply for the MnTAP Intern Program or Receive an MnTAP site visit 7. An other a• •roved action Offer Bicycle Parking 2 Points Bicycle racks give your employees and patrons the option of biking to your business. This makes your business much more accessible and encourages others to drive less. It also shows that your business cares about health and wellness. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types $100 to$500 depending upon Makes your building more acces- None available Any with number of bike parking slots sible and user friendly space/ped. access Resources&Suggestions Bicycle racks are available in all manner of shapes and sizes to suit the needs of your building and exterior space. Check out all of the available models at online stores such as bikeracksource.com and bicycleparkingracks.com. Purchase a unique design to add an attractive art-piece to your lot. Additional Information With gas prices increasing, more people are looking for ways to walk or bike. By providing bike racks, your employees and customers will be more likely to consider biking next time they come be- cause the proximity of the bike racks make it easy to commute. 23 Require the use of Green Cleaning Products/Limit Chemical use 2 Points You will find that you do not need 30+chemicals to clean your building. Green cleaning products are often cheaper and healthier for employees and patrons. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Low to none Healthier work environment None Any who use Reduced costs for chemicals cleaning prod ucts Resources&Suggestions Green cleaning products are widely available and work the same as normal cleaning products. The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (http://www.mntap.umn.edu/) offers audits of your cleaning products/ services as part of a site visits and pinpoints the cleaners that can be replaced or eliminated. Additional Suggestion At Gustavus College, a chemical inventory was conducted including dining services, housekeeping, laundry, and the heating and cooling plant. Housekeeping has made a complete switch to non-phosphorus containing chemicals re- sulting in a phosphorus reduction of 220 pounds per year.This will save the wastewater treatment plant$2,900 annu- ally through a reduction in chemicals required to remove the phosphorus to meet permit limits. Have Preferred Parking Spaces for Hybrid/Electric Vehicles 2 Points Hybrid/Electric vehicles are the undisputed future of automotive transportation. As fossil fuels run out,fuel efficiency must increase and more people will buy these vehicles. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Costs to put up a sign or paint Shows that you care about U.S. None available Any with the parking spot energy security parking lot Resources&Suggestions With gas prices on the rise,you can choose to reward those consumers who have purchased energy efficient vehicles. This shows that your business is modern and recognizes future trends. Case Summary None available. 24 Plant a Rain Garden 2 Points Rain gardens effectively reduce the space that you need to water. They also capture storm water runoff and prevent it from running into lakes, rivers, and streams. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Medium upfront costs for Reduces your watering area, col- None available Any with planting and seeding lects stormwater runoff, requires green space limited maintenance Resources&Suggestions The Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District can advise you on what are the best types of plants to use for your rain garden. They can also help you with designing and selecting a location. Their services are free, and you can contact them online at www.sherburneswcd.org/or by phone at 763-241-1170(ext.4). Case Summary Great River Energy planted numerous rain gardens at it's LEED-Platinum headquarters in Maple Grove. These rain gar- dens help reduce their irrigation usage by 66%when compared to other similarly sized buildings and landscapes. Plants native to Minnesota and the region, including prairie grasses and fruit trees that need little irrigation,surround the building. When irrigation is needed, captured rainwater is used, not drinking water. Attend an Energy City Event 2 Points Elk River Energy City offers various events throughout the year tailored to local businesses. These events focus on how businesses can save money and become stewards of the environment through efficiency. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types None Network with other businesses None available All Learn about free services Gain insights on saving money Resources&Suggestions The City of Elk River has an Energy City Education series geared specifically to area businesses covering topics ranging from waste stream reduction, recycling,green building practices, and energy efficiency financing. We also will put you in touch with free services that will analyze your business practices and root out inefficiencies. You may also sign up for a free tour of Energy City demonstration sties. Contact Info Call the City of Elk River Environmental Department at 763-635-1000 or email EnergyCity @ElkRiverMN.gov to learn more about future events and opportunities. 25 w.�sy�� k 4 S t".a,�t�a+f's`, '� M.s�as Apply for the MnTAP Intern Program or Receive an MnTAP site visit 2 Points Each summer, the MnTAP intern program places highly qualified students in manufacturing or healthcare facilities to develop solutions for waste and energy problems. MnTAP site visits resulted in$1.2 Million in savings in 2013. Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Cost share up to a $2,500 to 2010 interns identified over$1.7 None available Industrial host the intern for a summer, million in projected savings, an site visits are free average of$217,000 per company Resources&Suggestions The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) is an outreach program at the University of Minnesota that helps Minnesota businesses develop and implement industry-tailored solutions that prevent pollution at the source, maximize efficient use of resources, and reduce energy use and costs to improve public health and the environment. MnTAP also offers free site visits. Check out their website at http://www.mntap.umn.edu/. Case Summary In 2010,an MnTAP intern recommended measures at Malt-O-Meal Plant in Northfield that would save a projected $449,720 per year via reducing water, natural gas,and electricity use. Savings would be mostly realized by reusing over 22.5 million gallons of boiler water and treating their water more efficiently. Check out the full report at http://www.mntap.umn.edu/intern/presentations/2010Presentations/Malt_0_Meal.pdf. Any Other Approved Action 1-3 Points There are many innovative ways that businesses can boost efficiency and become more environmentally friendly. We haven't thought of them all... Costs Payback/Benefits Rebates Business Types Various Various Check with your local utility All Resources&Suggestions You know your own business better than anyone. If you see potential for an increase in efficiency that will have a posi- tive impact on the environment, let us know! Case Summary None available. 26 tifitckliwwwwwwr st Write your points in the box to keep track Waste Management Employee Initiatives ❑ H Mandate duplex printing Institute a Business Recycling Program • Mandate the recycling of paper, plastic, metal,and glass H Remove disposables from employee lunch areas n Provide deskside recycling containers El Encourage employee carpools and provide incentives El Receive a waste audit. El Conduct all written communications via email E111 Encourage employees to bring lunch from home at least lx/wk Institute an Organics Recycling Program Work with janitors to ensure that materials are recycled nRecycle an item on the MN Materials Exchange Purchasing Take part in a rebate program from a Utility Electricity Conservation & Lighting n Only purchase paper with at least 30%recycled content Completely switch to energy efficient lighting El Use electric or cloth-roll hand dryers in all bathrooms _ Shut off all electronic equipment at the end of the day El Commit to purchasing Energy Star appliances Purchase an eco-friendly vehicle when replacing fleet vehicles Install vending misers on all refrigerated vending machines r] Receive an energy audit from a certified professional Miscellaneous Install occupancy sensors for lighting Offer bicycle parking • Facility system optimization I—I Require the use of green cleaning products/limit their use • Install a renewable energy ❑ Have preferred parking space(s)for hybrid/electric vehicles • Plant a rain garden Heating, Ventilation, & Cooling Systems Attend an Energy City event n Install&program a programmable or smart thermostat Apply for a MnTap Intern or receive an MnTap site visit • Reduce thermostat level Any other approved action ▪ Upgrade your building's HVAC system(s) u ❑ Upon completion of an action, report it via email to En- Upgrade to premium efficiency motors geryCity @ElkRiverMN.gov or call the City of Elk River ❑ Install a heat pump system to heat or cool Environmental Department at 763-635-1000. Be pre- pared to provide information about the how the action Water Conservation was achieved and any associated successes. Your ❑ points and High Five level will be tracked in a confiden- Optimize&reduce watering schedules tial database. Plaques and stickers are granted when O Post signage in business encouraging water conservation you reach a new level of High Five. O Install low-flow aerators on all faucets • Improve kitchen dishwasher efficiency — If you have green space, use natural landscape techniquesy, < ., 27 RESOURCES Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP):A program based out of the University of Minnesota, MnTAP helps busi- nesses develop and implement industry-tailored solutions that prevent pollution at the source, maximize efficient use of resources, and reduce energy use and costs to improve public health and the environment. 612.624.1300 www.mntap.umn.edu/ Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM): RAM promotes resource conservation through waste prevention, reuse,recycling, composting,and purchasing practices using the most cost effective and environmentally sound methods available in Minnesota and offer recycling opportunities,education,and free signs 651.641.4589 www.recycleminnesota.org Minnesota Retired Environmental Technical Assistance Program (RETAP): Minnesota RETAP provides free,confidential, non-regulatory pollution prevention,waste reduction,and energy use reduction assistance,and other services to Minnesota busi- nesses, industries,and institutions.Assessments include analysis of utility bills,site visit,and a written report with high priority changes and estimated financial and environmental savings. 612.781.1307 www.pca.state.mn.us/dm0r6c0 Minnesota WasteWise:WasteWise is a membership nonprofit organization associated with the MN Chamber of Commerce. For a fee,they will get to intimately know your business and your needs and will work with you year-round to lighten your business' environmental impact and save you money. 651.292.4650 www.mnwastewise.org Minnesota Materials Exchange:The Minnesota Materials Exchange program is a free service that links organizations that have reusable goods they no longer need to those who can use them.By providing a business reuse network,the Exchange program prevents usable materials from becoming waste and saves users money. Users can list any unwanted items on the online exchange and post pictures,information,and the price. 612.624.0808 www.mnexchange.org EnergyStar:A program of the Environmental Protection Agency, EnergyStar certifies products that use less energy than their counterparts. These products can save your business money in the long run. http://www.energystar.gov/ The City of Elk River:The purpose of city staff is to serve your needs. City environmental specialists are ready to work with your business to increase efficiency and lower costs. In addition,the Economic Development Department is ready to assist your busi- ness,offering a low interest loan to fund energy efficiency upgrades that you can pay back with your energy cost savings. 763-635-1000 www.elkrivermn.gov The Minnesota Department of Commerce:The major purpose of the Minnesota Department of Commerce is to ensure that business flourishes in the state of Minnesota. Check out their guide at www.mn.gov/commerce Sherburne County Soil &Water Conservation District: Specializing in water conservation and the preservation of our native soils,the SWCD is ready to answer any questions you have regarding your green space and reducing your water use. 763-241-1170(Ext.4). www..sherburneswcd.org/ Other Resources:Your garbage hauler or utility may have conservation programs or rebates to offer you. If you are curious whether a rebate is available for one of the actions in this packet,call them and ask. Connexus Energy:763-323-2650 Randy's Sanitation:763-972-3335 Elk River Municipal Utlities:763-441-2020 ACE Solid Waste:763-427-3110 Centerpoint Energy: 612-321-4939 Allied Waste:952.941.5174 28 ELKRIVER ctyof EN=RGYCITY ERive?'- OEM Nsr NG THE POWER OF EFFICIENT 6,RENEwAE3uS eOG�O RATI This program is meant to be a partnership be- tween the City of Elk River and local business- es. Thus, we want your feedback! If you find any problems with the information presented in this packet, please contact City of Elk River staff at 763-635-1000. Ask to speak to some- one in the Environmental or Economic Devel- opment Departments. Please feel free to contact us with any comments, questions, ideas, or stories as well. Thank you! www.ElkRiverMN.gov/EnergyCity 763-635-1000 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN , k `'