Lighting

• Replace incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent lights in guest rooms and common areas.
• Consider installing timers on bathroom heat lamps and ventilation fans.
• Learn more about lighting.

Water heating
Water heating eats up a lot of energy, so using less hot water is a sure way to save energy. This helps control energy bills as well as water and sewer charges.

• Consider installing high-performance, water-saving showerheads and faucets.
• Consider motion sensor faucets for sinks in public restrooms.
• Repair water leaks promptly.
• Encourage guests to reuse towels and linens to reduce laundry load.
• Lower water heating temperature to 120 degrees where applicable.
• Insulate hot water lines where accessible.
• Cover swimming pools and spas when not in use.
• Learn more about water efficiency.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

• Consider installing occupancy-sensor digital thermometers that monitor room occupancy and automatically adjust the temperature when guests enter or exit.
• Consider package terminal in-room heat pumps.
• Schedule HVAC system maintenance twice a year. Regularly check and clean HVAC filters, condensers and evaporator coils to keep them running efficiently.
• Weatherproof windows and doors to seal air leaks.
• Keep the general building temperature at 68 degrees for heating and 75 degrees for air conditioning.
• Consider installing awnings or window film to reduce solar gain and the need for cooling. This is most effective in older construction.
• Learn more about heating and cooling.

Office operations

• Consider installing lighting occupancy sensors.
• Choose ENERGY STAR® certified products when buying new office equipment.
• Turn off computers, printers and copiers if they won’t be used for several hours.
• Consider installing “energy misers” on vending machines (for non-perishable goods only) to turn off the display lights and possibly reduce the cooling compressor energy consumption when customers are not around.
• Learn more about office electronics.

Training
Involve staff in saving energy. Ask housekeepers to turn off or reset heating/cooling temperatures, close window coverings and turn off lights, televisions and radios in unoccupied rooms. Also encourage them to use natural light as much as possible when cleaning rooms. It helps to set goals, track energy bills and share success with staff.

How PGE can help
Check out the PGE class schedule to take advantage of a variety of courses to enhance business practices and get expert advice on how to save energy and money.

Contact the PGE Business Services team to arrange for a free PGE energy-efficiency consultation. This process can often be quickly accomplished over the over the phone. We can also provide a third-party technical review of improvements you are considering.

Use PGE’s energy monitoring services to track your energy use and bills for a clear picture of where your dollars are going and where you can save. This includes monthly, daily and customer reporting options that help you pinpoint problems and identify key opportunities for improving energy-efficiency.

For outdoor lighting, use photosensors or timers and switch to high-pressure sodium, pulse-start metal halide or induction (QL) lamps. PGE lighting services offers many options.