Commercial businesses, industrial facilities, and agri-businesses in Oregon require a lot of energy to operate. According to the Oregon Department of Energy, in 1999, Oregon's industries consumed 31 percent of all energy used in the state - the single largest energy use segment. Many businesses throughout the state, however, are discovering that it's possible to help both the bottom line and the environment by taking action to become more energy efficient. Energy conservation efforts lower the long-term costs and environmental impacts of the region's electricity system, resulting in a healthier economy and cleaner environment. Additional benefits such as increased production or reduced waste can also help businesses become more competitive. Often times, reducing energy use also helps reduce pollution.

Many resources are available to assist you in reviewing and planning the most effective energy conservation measures in your facility. Energy information, including Oregon tax credits, for businesses is available from the Oregon Department of Energy at: www.energy.state.or.us/bus/bushome.htm

Energy Conservation Links

Energy Goal 1: Conduct an Energy Audit

The following organizations provide energy audit services for commercial business customers in Jackson County:

The Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc. (ETO) is a nonprofit organization in Oregon dedicated to saving energy and money for Oregon businesses and residential customers - including commercial, industrial, institutional and agricultural facilities. Oregon customers of Pacific Power and PGE are eligible for the following programs:

Building Efficiency - For businesses investing in energy efficient equipment for existing facilities


Production Efficiency – For businesses with manufacturing processes


New Building Efficiency – For businesses doing new construction or major remodel projects

Visit www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-ENTRUST to learn more about ETO.

Rebates and zero-interest loans are available to City of Ashland commercial customers for electric saving measures. Lighting retrofits (which save energy and improve the quality of lighting), refrigeration and motor efficiency improvements may be eligible for this program. Call 552-2063 to find out more information about this program. More information is available on the Conservation Programs page of the City of Ashland website at: www.ashland.or.us/conservation

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Energy Goal 2: Lower Your Energy Needs

Make a business policy to turn off lights and machinery when not in use.


Activate all available energy saving features on existing office equipment.


Plug equipment that can be turned off after hours into time switches to ensure it is turned off.

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Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

Install lighting measures recommended by the energy audit.

Make use of daylighting opportunities wherever possible.

SMART Notes
With good design and implementation daylighting strategies can reduce lighting energy requirements by 50-80 percent.

Reduce use of incandescent lighting fixtures replacing with fluorescent fixtures or compact fluorescent bulbs.

Convert existing T-12 (1 ½" diameter) fluorescent lamps and ballasts to high efficiency fluorescent T-8 lamps with electronic ballasts.

Use lighting output controls such as occupancy sensors, bypass/delay timers, photocells, and time clocks.

Disconnect ballasts in unused fluorescent fixtures and replace burned out lamps quickly to avoid ballast damage.

Install Energy Star® labeled exit signs. Exit signs may be small, but they are illuminated 24 hours per day, seven days per week, so their energy use adds up. Exit signs formerly used incandescent lamps (usually two 20 or 40-watt lamps) cam be converted to use compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). The CFLs last longer and use less energy. The CFL powered exit signs draw 20 to 30 watts or less, resulting in energy savings of 50 percent or more.

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Equip With Efficiency

When replacing old office equipment, seek out EPA Energy Star® certified products with energy saving features. Information on these products is available on the Internet at: www.energystar.gov

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Be Smart With Heating and Cooling

Set thermostats at or below 68 degrees for heating and at or above 78 degrees for cooling.

Use HVAC output controls such as bypass timers and time clocks.

Rigorously follow maintenance schedules on heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system equipment - blower cleaned, lubricated, filters changed etc.

Check for duct leakage.

Insulate all indoor and outdoor heating and cooling pipes/ducts.

Install timer switches on radiant space heaters.

Use ceiling fans.

Replace or supplement an A/C system with an evaporative cooler.

Use economizers on A/C to increase air circulation. Many commercial HVAC systems have an economizer feature. This brings in outside air for cooling when it's cooler than the air inside. Since many offices do not have operable windows, this is the next best alternative. Economizers save energy and get more fresh air inside. Western Oregon's climate is ideal for economizers. It's often cool enough outside for an economizer to be used frequently. The savings from this "free cooling" can be big. Some HVAC systems enable this function very easily.

Use window film to reduce solar heat gain.

Insulate pipes and hot water heaters.

Install a heat recovery system for your hot water boiler or heater, if appropriate.

Set hot water temperature for 120 degrees or less (not appropriate for businesses where the Health Dept. mandates a higher minimum hot water temperature).

Drain and flush water from hot water heaters every 6 months to reduce solids and increase efficiency of heat transfer.

Clean lighting fixtures (reflectors and lenses) every six months.

Check pilot light/s for proper adjustment.

Properly maintain refrigeration system:

Clean your condenser and evaporator coils with a soft vacuum.

Check and tighten belts.

Defrost when you notice snow buildup in your freezer or refrigerator.

Maintain proper refrigerant level (Be sure your refrigerator is not leaking!).

Replace broken door gaskets.

Don't stack food in front of the fan.

Keep door shut tightly (latched).

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SMART Business Program
Paige Prewett, Program Coordinator
Phone: 541.855.5200
email: info@roguesmart.org