The fringe benefits of going green

In a previous blog, I wrote about a discussion I had with Joe Hlava, president of Colsa Energies Inc., about the wisdom of investing in energy-saving equipment the next time your company is due for an upgrade. In addition to saving money over the long-term, Hlava points to other benefits his customer receive after going green.

Colsa specializes in cooling and refrigeration technologies and consults with grocery stores. Among energy-savings techniques stores have deployed are pull-down covers—like window shades—that keep cold air in coolers and warm air out. Not only does this save energy, but stores report the consistency of temperature results in less waste—groceries stay fresher.

One grocery chain estimated they tossed out $1 of produce per day, per foot of produce case.  The night covers reduced this by 75%.

Energy-savings technologies can also help other equipment last longer. Any equipment that reduces the energy used inside refrigerated coolers and cases will increase the life and reduce the energy demands of the refrigeration compressor and motor

Refrigeration systems tend to shorten the life of many products, such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers.  Studies have found that moving air can accelerate the dehydration of these products.  Some energy saving equipment slows down the fans found inside the refrigerated space.  By slowing the fans at appropriate times, the shelf life of these products is extended. 

And for many companies, being green is good for public relations. Consumers are increasingly deciding in favor of environmentally-friendly companies and products when making partnering and purchasing decisions. There are also investment funds that manage only green companies, similar to the Domini Fund that promotes socially responsible investments.