Even if you lease your space and your utility bills are included with the rent, these low-cost steps are still worth your time because they can enhance the comfort and appearance of your space.

Lighting

• Eliminate unneeded lights. More light isn’t necessarily better. It's important to create contrast and to focus on certain areas to capture shoppers’ attention.
• Use ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent lights to replace incandescent lights. For a “color temperature” similar to incandescent bulbs, look for bulbs labeled “warm light” or that are marked with a 2700 K to 3000 K color temperature rating on the package or bulb base. The color of light is related by degrees Kelvin — the lower the Kelvin temperature, the warmer the light.
• Studies show that daylighting — through windows and skylights — can help increase sales.
• Install LED exit signs.
• Learn more about Lighting.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

• Install ENERGY STAR® programmable thermostats. Set at 68 degrees for heating; 75 degrees for cooling. Use the night setback feature for additional savings.
• Keep windows and doors closed when running heating and AC.
• Install awnings, window shades or window film to reduce solar gain and minimize the need for cooling. This is particularly effective in older buildings.
• Weatherproof doors and windows to seal air leaks.
• Schedule regular maintenance on HVAC systems.
• Regularly check and clean HVAC filters, condenser and evaporator coils to keep them running efficiently.
• Learn more about Heating & Cooling.

Office equipment

• Choose ENERGY STAR® office equipment and appliances.
• Use “sleep” functions on computers, printers and copiers; turn off completely at night and if they won’t be used for several hours.
• Reduce “vampire” loads that waste energy: unplug equipment that is not needed or used infrequently. A single piece of equipment may not amount to much energy consumption, but these loads can add up.

Training

• Involve your staff in saving energy. Train them that everyday behavior, such as turning off unneeded lights and equipment, can make a big difference for the bottom line. 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 walkthrough. You’ll receive a written report identifying specific savings opportunities for your facility. We also can provide a third-party technical review of improvements you are considering.
• Track your energy use and bills to pinpoint savings opportunities. PGE’s Energy Information Services fee-based program offers monthly, daily and custom reporting options to help large customers identify problems and key opportunities.
• For outdoor lighting, use photosensors or timers and switch to high-pressure sodium, pulse-start metal halide or induction (QL) lamps (PGE Outdoor Lighting Services offers many options).

Learn more
Find more energy-saving ideas for retail in these sections:

• Smart Investments