NEW YEARS RESOLUTION: Put your home & office on an energy diet

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION: PUT YOUR HOME AND OFFICE ON AN ENERGY DIET Energy efficiency is the fastest way to decrease global warming pollution. Here are some tips to help reduce your household's energy use, and your high energy bills:
Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use, as they consume energy even in "standby" mode. Cellphone chargers are the main culprits..!!
Replace your light bulbs with energy saving bulbs - they cost a little more but last 10 times as long and will lower your electricity bill.
Make sure your home has adequate insulation, especially in the roof.
IN THE OFFICE
Monitors
ENERGY STAR qualified computer monitors use from 25–60% less electricity than standard models, depending on how they are used.
Earning the ENERGY STAR
Computer monitors must meet stringent requirements in On, Sleep, and Off Modes in order to earn the ENERGY STAR.
In On Mode, the maximum allowed power varies based on the computer monitor’s resolution.
In Sleep Mode, computer monitor models must consume 2 watts or less.
In Off Mode, computer monitor models must consume 1 watt or less.
Enabling your monitor's power management features and turning it off at night not only saves energy, but also helps computer monitor equipment run cooler and last longer.
Businesses that use ENERGY STAR enabled office equipment may realize additional savings on air conditioning and maintenance.
Over its lifetime, equipment in a single office (e.g., computer, monitor, printer, and fax) that meet the new ENERGY STAR specifications will save more than R1000 over the life of the products, and even more if you don't already have ENERGY STAR qualified equipment.
Computers
If all computers sold in the United States meet the ENERGY STAR requirements, the savings in energy costs will grow to about $2 billion each year and greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by the equivalent of those from 2 million cars.
Earning the ENERGY STAR Status
Desktop and notebook (laptop) computers, game consoles, integrated computer systems, desktop-derived servers and workstations are all eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR. Those that come with the label are more efficient than ever. When purchasing a new computer, be sure to look for the ENERGY STAR before making your final decision. You should be able to find the label on the products and packaging as well as in product literature and on websites to make it easy for you to choose.
EPA has strengthened the requirements for earning the ENERGY STAR to meet energy use guidelines in three distinct operating modes: standby, active, and sleep modes. This ensures energy savings when computers are being used and performing a range of tasks, as well as when they are in standby. ENERGY STAR qualified computers must also have a more efficient internal power supply.
Since computers are in use more hours per day than they used to be, power management is important to saving energy. ENERGY STAR power management features place computers (CPU, hard drive, etc.) into a low-power “sleep mode” after a designated period of inactivity. Low-power modes for computers reduce the spinning of the hard disk, which decreases power consumption. Simply hitting a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse awakens the computer in a matter of seconds.

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The credit crunch has rapidly made its way from the USA to all corners of the world, including South Africa . Businesses across a wide range of industries are feeling the pinch and there is an overriding feeling of gloom. Reduced lending by banks compound an already difficult environment in which key commodity prices and the rand are falling rapidly. Some geographies and industries are proving more resilient than others. Notwithstanding the fact that two rating agencies have downgraded SA's outlook to negative, Trevor Manuel has given some reassurance that South Africa falls into the category of resilience.

Grant Thornton has produced some proactive, practical advice on how companies can prepare for the challenging days ahead. We have published "The credit crunch: a practical guide", which includes a 10 point plan. Each point contains fundamental, useful information to assist companies as they navigate through this difficult time.

Furthermore, we have developed a diagnostic questionnaire to help companies determine whether their business, suppliers or customers might be at risk of financial distress. By frankly answering the questionnaire, companies will be able to asses where they stand. The guide provides some points, including how to deal with a "worst case scenario.


10 point plan

cash is king
be relentless on cost control
evaluate customers and suppliers
get smarter on tax
reconsider capital investment plans
get closer to your bank
keep an eye out for bargains
re-visit your strategy
align performance and rewards
protect your personal wealth