Case Study Tumalet

Case Study #3: Tumalet

For the past five years, Tumalet, a large software company based in the Silicon Valley, has been trying to improve energy efficiency at its headquarters. Over these years, the company invested over $500.000 dollars in energy projects. Their strategies were quick and simple, but recent developments, such as increasing gas and electricity prices, have forced them to search for new ways to reduce energy costs.

Findings:

>A downturn in business has made energy bills escalate. The company has to find new ways to minimize expenditures by being more energy-efficient.

>A new policy has to be developed to make employees more invested in conserving resources.

>The project team has to come up with ways to offset carbon emissions.

>If necessary, the company should consider resorting to renewable energy sources. Which ones?

Recommendations:

>Fit heating and air-conditioning systems with timers, so that they would only turn on when people are in office.

>Install shutters on windows to block or let the sun in during different seasons. They will help reduce energy costs because less fuel will be used to heat or cool the building.

>Make sure all computers are turned off when not in use rather than just on stand-by mode. Have the last person to leave the department check all of the departments’ PCs.

>In the sunny state of California it would be logical for the company to build solar panels as means of generating renewable energy. There is a Feed-in Tariff mechanism that allows the business to get paid for every kilowatt of solar energy it produces, even if it uses it all up.

>Install water-saving taps and low-flush toilets.
>Use the recycling facilities available, including the usual glass, newspaper, cardboard, plastic and paper ones, and find out if any grants are available for taking energy efficiency measures. The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery offers funding opportunities to assist public and private entities in effective management of waste.

Studies have proven that the best way to encourage workers to conserve energy is to make it engaging. By hosting an employee competition, for example, and rewarding the distinguished with the “green employee of the month” title. Social validation can go a long way.

The company can also give out gift cards or offer financial rewards for eco-conscious actions.

Putting signs in key places around the office, such as by the printer or by the doors, reminding people to turn off lights or turn off their computers can also make a big difference.