The generation of energy involves the production of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 

There are three utilities serving Seattle-area employees: Seattle City Light (SCL), Puget Sound Energy (PSE), and Seattle Steam.  Both SCL and PSE offer a range of assistance and incentives to help customers conserve energy, support renewable energy, and improve their bottom line.

Energy Efficiencies

Water-intensive industries can undertake low-cost measures such as insulating boilers and pipes to improve energy efficiency.

Efficiencies in manufacturing can be gained from selecting efficient motors and rethinking the production processes in order to capitalize on energy savings.

This includes:

• Installing efficient motors.
• EnergyStar qualified refrigerators are estimated 40% less energy than conventional models 
• Water-intensive industries such as laundries, hotels, and restaurants can undertake low-cost measures such as turning the temperature down, insulating the boiler and hot water pipes, upgrading to efficient dishwashers and food steamers, and upgrading to low cost showerheads, spray heads, and aerators in all faucets. Visit our incentives page for information on rebates available from local utilities on water and energy efficient equipment upgrades.
• Seattle Steam customers such as hospitals and hotels can undertake condensate reuse, which involves preventing condensate from running down the drain and diverting it to other uses within the facility that require hot water.

Energy Use – Buildings

Green building design increases efficiency and harvests energy, water, and materials, and reduce building impacts on human health and the environment. 

Green building design includes

• Energy efficient HVAC systems can reduce energy consumption and energy costs.
• Energy efficient lighting can improve productivity and save money. 
• Building retrofits (insulated windows or green roof) can reduce the costs of heating or cooling. 
• Onsite renewable energy generation can lower GHG emissions, prevent operating loss during grid failure, and protect from rising energy costs.
  

Electronic and Office Equipment

Investing in energy-saving equipment and using devices wisely can significantly reduce energy consumption.