It’s an interesting argument when someone says you have to “spend money to save money”. In general, it’s a hard approach to swallow. But in the case of energy efficiency and environmental planning, it is often the case that some upfront investment is required to benefit from long term savings.
Hydro Quebec seems to have understood this [...]
The Lean Blog
Sharing and learning - these are constants in the world of environmental sustainability. Join us in the conversation.
Businesses Get Green From Hydro Quebec
Wednesday, April 13th, 2011Energy Audits are Important to Homes and Businesses Alike
Friday, February 4th, 2011Did you grow up in a house where wearing an extra sweater was the solution to a cold house on a winter’s day? What about taking a short shower because hot water wasn’t cheap or turning off the light when leaving a room? I find it interesting that things we were “encouraged” to do as children [...]
The Business of Being Green
Thursday, December 9th, 2010Many years ago, a friend of mine asked if I would consider joining him as a volunteer at our city’s inaugural “Household Hazardous Waste Day”. This, it seems, was a prophetic start for an interesting career. The marriage of environmentalism and marketing is again, not necessarily a new topic, but one that energizes my partner and me. It’s a logical way to comprehensively address a company’s cost structure, product design and development, brand and marketing, customer and employee loyalty.
Commercial Building Energy Audits
Thursday, November 25th, 2010The goal of an energy audit is to save money. It’s really as simple as that. Identify all the uses of energy and either reduce the consumption, or completely remove the machinery or process that is using the energy.
Large commercial buildings pose some specific challenges to determining energy savings opportunities due to the sheer size of the building, complexity [...]
When testimonials are tricky, how do we build trust?
Friday, October 22nd, 2010Getting testimonials from clients can sometimes be tricky. Not because of client dissatisfaction, of course, (because then you wouldn’t ask!) but perhaps due to the bureaucracy of getting five levels of management and legal affairs to sign off. There are also situations when a customer doesn’t want HIS clients to know that he benefitted from your services. Very tricky.
Of [...]
Green Construction Transforms Trades
Tuesday, September 28th, 2010The words “green construction” immediately bring to mind visions of gardens on the roof and reclaimed lumber, but the implications are probably felt most deeply by the skilled trades.
Traditional trades people are finding new challenges and opportunities for their skills with the boom of green construction. New methods and materials are being learned and, as reported [...]
Finding the Green in Today’s Shoppers
Thursday, March 25th, 2010Do consumers consider environmental benefits in their purchasing decisions? Who is the Green Shopper? For an answer to these questions or if you produce a product or service for the consumer market, read on.
According to the 2009 GMA / Deloitte Green Shopper Study 95% of shoppers would buy more sustainable products. But, interestingly enough, only 22% of [...]
Benchmarking – How does your energy consumption compare?
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010How do you know if you are a potential candidate for improvements in energy efficiency? You may feel your energy bill is fairly stable and perhaps even affordable (for the moment) but what if your competition is paying much less? How do you know if you are paying too much?
Energy Benchmarking your building or [...]
Energy Efficiency Meets Marketing
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010As certified energy managers (CEM), we conduct energy audits, show you how to secure funding for energy efficiency projects and develop comprehensive environmental management plans. All at your own pace. And when you are satisfied with your new position on sustainability, we’ll take it one step further and show you how to increase competitive advantage through green [...]
First Step – The Energy Audit
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010The goal of an Energy Audit is to clearly identify the types and costs of energy you use and to determine more cost-effective ways of using energy. Lean into the Green uses an energy audit protocol based on the recommendations of the Association of Energy Engineers and Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency. It’s the logical [...]
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