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Sustainability Resources DMAI’s Social Responsibility Committee was formed to provide leadership and guidance for the DMO industry in the areas of sustainability and diversity. The sustainability sub-committee started its work focusing on the DMO business unit. The goal was to insure that, as businesses, our DMO’s are doing everything possible in our own organizations to implement sustainable practices and programs. For that reason, the initial resources we publish will be universal and of a nature that EVERY size and type of Bureau can implement. It is our intention that this resource will grow over time to include case studies, research, tools and useful resources in every facet where sustainability practices intersect with the DMO industry, including meetings and conventions and sustainable tourism. To ensure that, as an industry, we all have access to the work of this committee, we have developed this web resource which, as a starting point, includes 20 items that all of us can apply in each and every one of our own offices. In addition, the sustainability sub-committee is developing a signature drive for DMO professionals to make an individual commitment to sustainability. You will hear more about this in the near future. 20 Energy Saving Tips for Every DMO The average DMO has 13 full-time and two regular part-time employees. Almost one-quarter have employees who telecommute and 18% have satellite offices. This means the majority of DMO professionals work in a small office environment. We recognize that adoption must first happen at the local level, with individuals and organizations. To help us become more involved in the triple bottom line of our own organizations, the sustainability task force has published this web resource which includes 20 items that all of us can apply in our own offices. 1. Adjust thermostats. Turn down the building's heating thermostat and turn up its cooling thermostat, especially when the building is not occupied. No Cost. 2. Reduce the hot water temperature. Reducing the temperature on your water heater thermostat can decrease heat loss from your tank. For washing hands, you may be able to turn the temperature to 110 degrees F (43 degrees C). Dishwashing may require higher temperature settings such as 130 degrees F (54 degrees C). No Cost. 3. Install water flow restrictors and aerators in sink faucets. These measures can save you money by reducing water use (including hot water). Low Cost. 4. Reduce lighting. Remove lamps where you have more lighting than you really need, but be sure to maintain safe lighting conditions for work areas. Turn lights off when they're not in use. No Cost. 5. Seal heating and cooling ductwork. Leakage from areas such as joints, elbows, and connections can be substantial--as much as 20% to 30%. This is especially costly if the ducts travel through unheated or uncooled spaces such as attics, basements, or crawlspaces. Use duct tape or caulk to seal ducting. Low Cost. 6. Wrap the hot water tank with jacket insulation. This simple, inexpensive measure will reduce standby heat loss from the tank. Be sure to leave the air intake vent uncovered when insulating a gas water heater. Low Cost. 7. Replace air filters regularly and follow maintenance schedules for furnace and air-conditioning equipment. Replacing a dirty air filter can save money by reducing the amount of electricity needed to run a blower motor (because there is less resistance to airflow with a clean filter). Low Cost. 8. Install programmable thermostats. These inexpensive devices, most incorporating modern microprocessor-based electronics, can help optimize your building's heating and cooling needs. And you won't need to remember to change thermostat settings every time you open or close your business. Low Cost. 9. Install automatic room-lighting controls. Similar to programmable thermostats, these devices help optimize lighting use by automatically turning lights on or off, depending on occupancy or time of day. Sensors and timers work well and are usually installed by a specialist. Low Cost. 10. Clean heat exchangers and perform routine maintenance on refrigerating equipment. These simple measures will ensure the most efficient operation of heat exchangers needed for cooling or refrigerating equipment. No Cost. 11. Seal off unused areas and don't heat or cool these areas. Storage areas represent a good place to start; turn off heating and cooling to these areas. No Cost. 12. Turn off machines and equipment when not needed. In many businesses, this simple approach can achieve big savings. Don't underestimate the energy savings you can get by turning off unused computers, monitors, printers, and copiers. No Cost. 13. Buy energy-efficient equipment. When buying or replacing computers, copiers, and other office equipment, compare energy requirements of various models. Low Cost. 14. Seal exterior cracks and holes, and ensure tight-fitting windows. Seemingly small cracks or holes in the building exterior (like walls, windows, doors, ceiling, and floors) can really add up to substantial heating or cooling losses. Install weather stripping and caulking to stop these air leaks. Low Cost. 15. Shade sun-exposed windows and building walls. In most areas of the country, direct sunlight streaming through windows at the wrong time of the year can substantially increase your air-conditioning costs. During the cooling season, use shading methods (like window coverings, awnings, trees, and bushes) wherever possible. Low Cost. 16. Repaint building exterior with light colors. When it's time to repaint the exterior of your building, consider using light colors. More sunlight will be reflected away from the building, thus lowering air-conditioning expenses--perhaps your largest energy expense. This is especially true for your roof. Low Cost. 17. Keep exterior doors closed as much as possible. Don't heat or cool the outdoors. No Cost. 18. Block and insulate unneeded windows and other openings. Aside from the important security benefit, covering unneeded windows and doors can greatly reduce energy losses from these openings. Low Cost. 19. Buy energy-efficient vehicles. When buying or replacing company-owned vehicles, compare energy requirements of various models. No Cost or Low Cost. 20. Encourage employees to be energy conscious. The importance of getting employee cooperation shouldn't be underestimated; their practices and activities can make or break efforts such as these. Consider offering a small reward or other incentive for the employee who saves the most energy. No Cost. |
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