Energy Conservation
Energy demand continues to grow worldwide. For that reason, the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce supports a comprehensive national energy policy that focuses on the development of a wide range of energy sources. With that understanding about the need to expand energy sources to meet demand, there are many things we can do to save energy.
By being wise about how you use energy, you can get the same service while using less energy. This is good for the environment and the bottom line of your business.
There are many ways to conserve energy at your business. Consider the following list just a starter. Some of the resources listed below have more detailed information.
Get Started
- Replace light bulbs with more efficient ones, and if possible consider replacing lighting fixtures.
- Place your lights on motion detectors or install timers on lights and electric equipment to keep them on only when needed.
- Turn off office equipment and lights at night and on weekends and take advantage of natural daylight when possible.
- Disconnect unnecessary equipment completely. For example, unplug cell phone chargers when not in use.
- Install a programmable thermostat or manually adjust the thermostat during unoccupied times.
- Use Energy Star appliances.
- Install blinds, shades or even tinted windows to keep out the sun and lower air-conditioning costs in the summer.
- Insulate hot water heaters and hot and cold pipes.
- Add insulation to your facility's walls and ceiling, if needed.
- Maintain your HVAC system.
- Caulk and weather-strip windows and doors.
- Purchase or produce renewable power. For example, consider enrolling in the City of Fort Collins' wind energy program.
Local Resources and Organizations
- City of Fort Collins Utilities Energy Conservation Programs.
- City of Fort Collins Green Building Program.
- Colorado State University Institute for the Built Environment.
- FortZed. This is an initiative to create a net zero energy district in Fort Collins. It is a set of active projects and initiatives, created by public-private partnerships, which uses Smart Grid and renewable energy technologies to achieve local power generation and energy demand management.
- Governor's Energy Office. GEO supports energy efficiency and renewable energy with programs including weatherization, the Colorado Carbon Fund, the High Performance Design Program and the Performance Contracting Program.
- Larimer County Green Building Program.
- Platte River Power Authority.
- Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association.
- Northern Colorado Clean Energy Cluster.
- Xcel Energy.
Other Resources
- Earth911.com for Business - Guide for Energy Conservation at Work. This site contains tips for conserving energy and information about renewable energy.
- Edison Electric Institute.
- Energy Star for businesses. Here is free and balanced information to help your business reduce its energy use.
- EPA Clean Energy. This site has information and resources on energy efficiency, clean energy supply options and renewable energy sources.
- Institute for 21st Century Energy.
- National Association of Energy Service Companies. This association promotes energy efficiency and its site has a searchable data base of energy service providers.
- US Department of Energy Commercial Building Initiative. This site has best practice information for the planning and financing of commercial building renovations and new construction, design and maintenance and operations.
- US Department of Energy Green Power Network.This site has information about green power markets.
- US Green Building Council (USGBC). This is the place to go if you are interested in earning a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for your building.






