The state of the planet is the talk of scientists, government officials, corporations, and regular citizens around the world. As a business owner, learning how to properly conserve energy provides several benefits. In addition to saving money on your utility bills, energy conservation measures could qualify for tax credits, elevate your company to a more favorable position among current and potential clients, and, of course, help to slow the use of the planet's non-renewable resources. Here's how you can make a difference.

1. Insulate Your Property Properly

Ensuring your home-based business, office building, or warehouse has proper insulation is the first line of defense against high energy bills. Check your air ducts first. Poor ductwork causes the outside air to seep in through nooks and crannies, making it harder to heat your building in the winter and cool it during the summer. Repairing poor ductwork, re-sealing where necessary, and adding new insulation saves energy and creates a more comfortable working environment.

Remember to check your windows and heating and cooling systems as well. Old windows often have tiny cracks that allow drafts to enter a building. Consider replacing them with new, energy-efficient models that protect from the elements and even use the sun to work in your favor. Energy-efficient, programmable thermostats are also helpful for upgrading your business and reducing your company's footprint.

2. Be Smarter About Buying Energy

Chances are when you think of your company's expenses, energy isn't the first thing on your list. Still, the supplier you use to help your company might be costing you money and depleting the Earth's resources more quickly. Some business owners are turning to energy procurement consulting services to help them make better decisions. A consultant can determine risks, make renewable energy work for you, and develop a better energy budget, all by using high-tech analytics and monitoring systems.

3. Reduce Your Company's Peak Energy Demands

Consider when your company seems to use the most energy. This is your peak demand. Find ways to reduce demand during these times to conserve energy and reduce strain on power grids in your city. Imagine your business operates mostly within the 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. timeframe. Can you work outside of these hours?

Try staggering what time your employees start work, allowing them to work from home, or even performing some tasks overnight. If you use heavy machinery in your industry, doing the brunt of the work in the early morning or late evening hours also helps to conserve energy.

4. Use Your On and Off Switches

Many people are guilty of putting things into sleep mode and assuming that's efficient enough to help the planet. The reality is something as simple as turning off your computer monitor can save as much as 100 watts of energy per day. Always turn off monitors and computer systems when you're done working for the evening.

Don't forget about other "energy vampires" you could be feeding, either. Microwaves and coffee pots in the breakroom, fax machines that nobody uses anymore, and other appliances draw energy even when turned off. Unplug anything you don't use anymore or that won't be used for more than a day or two to save energy.

Of course, as knowledge and technology change, so will the best methods for conserving energy and saving the planet. Keeping abreast of new information is important for your company's bottom line as well as how it contributes to the conservation of Earth's resources. Follow solar news websites and science journals or set up Google alerts to learn about new information, products, and conservation methods as they become available. Over time, your community and your company's bottom line will reap the benefits of energy conservation.