New Guide Can Help Save Businesses Money
January 19, 2004

Los Angeles Office of Economic Development has published "A Guide to Environmental and Resource Efficient Business Practices," which can help businesses lower their energy costs and receive government incentives for the use of energy efficient equipment and design schemes

Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn's Office of Economic Development has released "A Guide to Environmental and Resource Efficient Business Practices," which provides information to help businesses lower their energy costs and receive government incentives for the use of energy efficient equipment and design schemes.

"My goal is a healthier, wealthier Los Angeles," Mayor Hahn said. "This guide will help businesses save money on their utility bills, while cutting pollution and the strain on our electric grid and water resources."

The guide, which is being mailed to chambers of commerce and business improvement districts, offers quick tips for immediate energy savings and information on more substantial infrastructure changes that businesses can make to their lighting, water, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and other systems.

According to the guide, a one degree increase to an air conditioning thermostat can cut cooling costs by seven percent, while more efficient exit signs, which must be lit 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offer up to $300 in lifetime savings compared to standard models.

Also included in the guide are sections on solar power, green building, and employee transportation programs. In addition, the guide offers information on a variety of federal, state and city programs that encourage the use of environmentally-friendly business practices through grants, tax credits and deductions, rebates, and even free ultra low flush toilets.

The guide is available at http://www.lacity.org/mayor/moed/EnvGuide.pdf, by e-mailing team4biz@mayor.lacity.org, or by calling (800) 472-2278.

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