The Power of Local Business
Local businesses are central to the Bend Energy Challenge. From offices and retail shops to restaurants and industrial spaces, every kilowatt saved helps the community compete for the $5 million Energy Prize and keeps dollars spent on energy in the local economy.
Whether you run a storefront on Greenwood Avenue or manage a larger facility, there are practical steps your team can take right now.
Take the Business Pledge
Sign on as a participating business and show your commitment to energy savings. The pledge connects you with fellow Bend businesses and highlights your role in the broader community effort.
Top Ten Actions for Businesses
A practical starting point for any business looking to reduce energy use. The list covers quick wins and longer-term upgrades across lighting, equipment, and operations.
- Switch to LED lighting and enable daylight or occupancy controls where possible.
- Audit equipment runtimes and power down idle electronics after hours.
- Tune up HVAC systems and schedule regular filter maintenance.
- Seal gaps around doors, windows, and loading areas to reduce drafts.
- Set thermostats to energy-saving setpoints during unoccupied hours.
- Use smart power strips and unplug phantom loads.
- Maintain refrigeration units and keep coils clean.
- Encourage employee and staff engagement through training and signage.
- Track monthly energy bills to spot trends and measure progress.
- Plan for upgrades with a professional energy assessment.
Resources for Businesses
Dive into detailed guides and toolkits designed for commercial settings, from lighting and appliances to deeper operational improvements.
- Quick Tips and DIY guides for everyday savings.
- Lighting and appliance efficiency recommendations.
- Next Level Savings for advanced upgrades and assessments.
- Energy Center tools for benchmarking and tracking.
Join the Team
Want to get more involved? Connect with other business leaders participating in the challenge, share what is working at your company, and learn from peers across Bend. Reach out to the team at hero@bendenergychallenge.org to be added to the business network.
Get Started at Home Too
Encourage your employees and customers to save energy where they live. Free home resources include LED installations, Energy Saver Kits, and energy assessments.