Green Gatherings

Top 10 Ways to Reduce Energy Use at Your Event Venue

  1. Use energy efficient lighting. As light bulbs expire, convert all incandescent lighting to compact fluorescent lighting. (One compact fluorescent light bulb that is used twelve hours everyday can save you over $45 annually in electricity bills!
  2. Install occupancy sensors or timers for intermittent-use areas.
  3. Lower your water thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and provide insulation for your water heater. 
  4. Contact your energy provider to learn how you can buy green power sources.  Wind, solar, hydroelectric or other green power options may be available to you.
  5. Consider turning down the thermostat during events.  Every guest is equivalent to a 175-kilowatt heater.
  6. Establish a purchasing policy for your venue to buy environmentally friendly appliances and equipment to help reduce energy use.  Look for ENERGY STAR products when possible.
  7. If the exterior of your venue has a revolving door, be sure to have proper signage encouraging the use of the revolving door.  Revolving doors release less heating/cooling than swing doors when opened. 
  8. Use live trees, plants or flowers as decorations for events when possible and make arrangements with your local park or landscapers to have them planted after use.
  9. Consider purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from a reputable dealer in order to "offset" the amount of energy used at your venue.
  10. Communicate your energy reduction policies (such as turning off the lights when a room is not in use, thermostat settings, etc.)  to employees and provide proper training