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in this issue SBDC News & Information Centers Respond to Growing Concerns about Economic Conditions If the Weak Dollar is Hurting You, Exporting May Be the Answer Consultant Profile: Todd Dolbin Penn State SBDC Workshop Examines Business Opportunities in a Challenging Economy Small Business Institute Positions Northeastern PA Business Owners for Success Full Steam Ahead: Brookville Equipment Corporation Celebrates Long-Term Success Capitol Views: Congressman Jason Altmire Veteran Builds Rock-Solid Business with Wilkes University SBDC Help University of Pittsburgh SBDC Bolsters Region's Growing Tech Community Educational Programs |
Bright Ideas: Energy-Saving Upgrades Pay Off for University of Scranton SBDC Client
Kevin’s Wholesale, a family-owned print screening and embroidery business that doubles as a clothing wholesaler and retail dealer, has served the northeastern Pennsylvania business community for over 30 years. In recent years, owner Larry Tinkelman noticed that energy costs for the Scranton-based company were climbing. In May 2005, Tinkelman contacted the SBDC’s Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP) for help. EMAP consultant Jeremy Hancher performed a free energy efficiency assessment at the facility and provided a follow-up report providing suggestions to improve daily operations and help cut energy costs. These included the replacement of over 100 light fixtures and a furnace upgrade. The company began with lighting system improvements, replacing inefficient T-12 fluorescent bulb and magnetic ballast fixtures with energy efficient T-8 bulbs powered by electronic ballasts. In addition, Tinkelman installed occupancy sensors to eliminate lighting energy usage in unoccupied areas. To help offset project costs, Kevin’s Wholesale applied for a Small Business Advantage Grant, a 50 percent match offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that provides up to $7,500 to fund energy efficiency and pollution prevention projects. Eight months after completing the lighting upgrade, Kevin’s Wholesale had already reduced its electricity consumption by 21,684 kwh—saving $1,728 on utility bills—despite significant growth during the same period. |
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Encouraged by the success of the lighting project, Mr. Tinkelman decided to pursue a furnace replacement as well. He was able to secure a second DEP Advantage Grant of $7,500. When complete, the furnace upgrade is projected to yield annual savings of $1,885 in natural gas costs. Combined, the energy efficiency upgrades will save Kevin’s Wholesale approximately 15 percent of energy consumption. The projects also will reduce carbon dioxide emissions, a key contributor to global warming, by 850 tons annually. “When you are running a business, you aren’t focused on the little stuff,” Tinkleman told BusinessWeek. “But it’s not hard to see the investment is a good one.” To read the BusinessWeek article, visit “SBDCs in the News” at
www.pasbdc.org/news. |
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