Energy Audits Help Downtown Businesses Remain Competitive

May 17, 2012 - PRLog -- Energy audits and efficiency upgrades are two ways that downtown businesses can cut operating costs without impacting customer service.

In North Park, an urban village of San Diego, CA, small business owners have saved more than $78,000 as a result of an energy makeover.

The goals were to help small businesses boost energy efficiency while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs.

The Main Street group, with help from the city and elected officials, reached out to educate business owners and operators in the 500-member BID, and encouraged them to sign up for energy efficiency audits. The local gas and electric company supported the process by providing energy efficiency assessments and retrofits.

About the Downtown Research & Development Center

For over 50 years, the Downtown Research & Development Center has acted as the information clearinghouse on practical strategies and tactics for revitalizing the hearts of our cities and towns.

The Group's main activities include publishing the widely influential "Downtown Idea Exchange" and "Downtown Promotion Reporter" newsletters; publishing relevant books and reports; and operating the DowntownDevelopment.com website.

Website: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com

Upgrades included tune-ups to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, refrigerator unit coil cleanings, hot water line insulation, compact fluorescent light bulb retrofits, LED exit sign replacement, and several other lighting and water-saving measures.

Additional information and lessons learned during the implementation process appear in the May issue of "Downtown Idea Exchange" newsletter.