4-minute read
Written by Casey Clair, Energy & Climate Advocate
Community-based sustainability is a key strategy in developing flourishing eco-conscious businesses. At The Chamber, it is important for us to promote sustainable businesses and their green initiatives. In our Sustainability Spotlights, we will shift our focus towards sustainable practices and the people that adopt and amplify them.
The Best Savings for Best Sleep Centre
Last year, Best Sleep Centre Systems Manager Gary Keam was on a mission.
Like many small-business owners, Gary was searching for ways to cut costs in day-to-day operations. After searching online, he found incentives offered through Efficiency Manitoba’s Small Business Program to help Best Sleep Centre upgrade their lighting to more energy-efficient LEDs.
If your business includes a brick-and-mortar store, you know good lighting is key. It sets the mood for an inviting atmosphere as soon as customers enter, enhancing their overall shopping experience. Proper lighting is also essential for ensuring the products in your showroom and displays stand out and are seen in the best possible way.
For a furniture and mattress store, the right lighting can help customers to better envision how your chair, bed, or desk would look in their home or office.
So, in May 2024, Best Sleep Centre went through the Small Business Program’s Premium Upgrade path to improve the lighting in their store.
The Energy Savings
Thanks to the Premium Upgrade received through the Small Business Program, Best Sleep Centre was able to make the transition to long-lasting LED linear lamps and LED exit signs.
Photo provided by Best Sleep Centre
“The rep explained everything well and provided an accurate quote for the work. The electricians worked efficiently and were very clean. They ensured minimal disruptions to the space while doing the work.” – Gary Keam, Systems Manager, Best Sleep Centre
These upgrades reduced their annual electricity consumption by approximately 9,700 kilowatt-hours, amounting to roughly $480.00 in annual energy bill savings. They were able to achieve their energy efficiency goals in a smooth and seamless manner thanks to Efficiency Manitoba and their delivery agent Ecofitt Corporation, who coordinated the installation.
“We enjoyed working with Efficiency Manitoba. They were professional and personal throughout the process and the end result was exactly what we wanted. We appreciate the more consistent lighting look in the space and are excited about much lower electricity bills and not having to replace lighting for a long time!” -Gary Keam, Best Sleep Centre
Access Efficiency Manitoba’s Small Business Program for Your Business
If you’re interested in seeing how Efficiency Manitoba’s Small Business Program can help you cut costs and increase energy efficiency for your business, you can apply online here and find out if your small business qualifies below! 🔽
Your business qualifies if:
- It’s under 15,000 square feet.
- It’s not part of a national franchise or chain.
- It has ten or fewer locations in Manitoba.
- You pay an energy bill (at a commercial rate).
Through the Small Business Program, you can receive free A-line LED bulbs, kitchen and faucet aerators, showerheads, pre-rinse spray valves, as well as a free attic and lighting assessment through the Basic Upgrade. If there are more energy saving opportunities identified, you can choose whether you’d like to go for the Premium Upgrade where 70% of the material and installation costs for specialty LED bulbs, LED linear lamps, LED exit signs, smart thermostats, lighting controls, and pitched roof attic insulation are covered by Efficiency Manitoba.
If you’ve been wanting to make upgrades to improve the energy efficiency of your business, make sure to contact your energy and climate advocate Casey, for more information.
