Energy efficiency is often considered less glamorous than putting up solar panels or subscribing as an off taker to a big wind project. Yet, many businesses actually waste 30% of the energy they purchase because of older and less efficient equipment. So, improving efficiency is a win-win way for any business to quickly and easily reduce its carbon footprint. It’s good for the planet, as it burns less fossil fuel and contributes fewer emissions to the atmosphere. It’s also good for business, since using less energy means paying less on your energy bills.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency does not have the authority to regulate carbon emissions. This has an immediate impact on companies with ambitious sustainability goals.

The Winchester Rescue Mission’s building was constructed in 1973. In 2020, the Mission renovated the building with new carpet, flooring and paint, and an external beautification in the form of a wrap-around, painted mural depicting the mission’s comforting, giving, and welcoming spirit. Although the building was cosmetically restored, the repair funds were exhausted and the utilities were failing. The lighting consisted of older fluorescent tubes that were constantly flashing, and half the lights were inoperable. To make matters worse, there were very few protective coverings left on the ceiling light fixtures—presenting a considerable safety hazard should the long fluorescent bulbs break. The Rescue Mission, whose sole purpose is to administer charity to those in need, now found themselves desperately seeking help.

For generations, the YMCA has maintained facilities and run programs that help people, families, and communities grow, learn, and thrive. That takes tireless dedication, but it also takes lots of energy for lighting, heating, air conditioning, and other vital systems. Every dollar spent paying the utility bills is a dollar that could be going towards staff, equipment, and other priorities that keep the Y going strong. That’s why the energy-saving, facility-upgrading, zero-expense solution that Budderfly created for the YMCA of Southwest Kansas has been such a game-changer.