Three Simple Ways To Reduce Your Energy Use

Did you know the energy used by our kiosks remains the company’s largest environmental impact? This energy doesn’t factor in to our greenhouse gas emissions, so we have a separate goal to reduce our kiosks’ energy use.

Our goal is to reduce the average energy used by each kiosk by 15 percent by 2015, compared to a 2010 baseline. And we’re starting to move in the right direction, as we saw a 1 percent reduction in 2013, compared to 2010.

Coinstar design changes decrease average energy use
In 2013, Coinstar implemented kiosk design changes that eliminate the need for lower lighting, resulting in a decrease of average energy use of 29 percent. These changes began to be implemented in late 2013 and will continue to be rolled out during 2014.

“In designing the new kiosk graphics, we were looking for a fresh, new look that would signal transformation while allowing for reduced energy consumption. The Creative team did a lot of exploration with color and graphics to find a solution that would remain bright in the retail store without the lower lights on. Consumer testing on the design indicated we nailed our objectives: consumers understood what we were trying to communicate with no negative impact of having the lights off! And, we achieved a 29 percent energy savings! It’s a win-win!”

Tricia Montgomery, Coinstar vice president, marketing and consumer experience

Redbox timers decrease energy consumption
Redbox has reduced energy use on new kiosks since 2012 by switching to LED lightboxes and moving to a more efficient air exchanger instead of an air conditioner. The redesigned Redbox outdoor kiosk deployed since mid-2012 uses 20 percent less energy than the previous outdoor model.

Redbox installed timers on indoor lightboxes in 2013 to further reduce kiosk energy use. These timers turn the kiosk lightboxes off when a store isn’t open – or when traffic is minimal.

Even when the timer turns the lights off, the kiosk remains fully operational, so consumers can still rent movies. It’s a great way to decrease energy consumption.

Reducing the energy our kiosks use is important to us as well as our retailers, as it helps them to reduce store energy use and costs. If reducing energy use is important to you, too, try these simple energy efficient steps at home or the office.

How to reduce energy use
By making smart and energy-efficient choices, you can reduce the use of energy where you spend much of your time, like work and home. This will ceate a lasting and positive impact on the environment and your wallet.

According to the EPA, “The average household spends at least $2,000 a year on energy bills – over half of which goes to heating and cooling.” And even if energy cost isn’t a motivating factor for you, going the energy efficient route can also impact greenhouse emissions and air quality.

There are many easy and cost effective ways that we can reduce our energy use and make a positive impact on the environment. Check out these three simple ways to make small changes and create big results for the environment.

1. Turn off the lights
It’s as easy as flipping a switch. This is an affordable and easy way to reduce your energy use. Even if it’s only for a few minutes you can still save energy by turning off the lights.

2. Temperature control
Although not something you can likely control at work, you can keep cool and energy efficient at home. Over the summer, set your thermostat to 78 degrees. Stay warm and keep your energy bill in check by maintaining a 68 degree temperature during the winter.

Another opportunity where you can save energy is by keeping your water heater’s thermostat between 120 to 130 degrees.

3. Unplug
Another great way to reduce your household energy use is by unplugging household devices, gadgets or other appliances that are infrequently used or no longer need to be plugged in. Some examples of these items include coffee makers, cellphone chargers, tablet chargers, televisions or DVD players.

Continuing our progress
Be sure to stop by and check out our recently released 2013 Corporate Social Responsibility Report on our Corporate Responsibility web page. We look forward to continuing our journey to make a difference with our team, our communities, and our environment.

Sources: EPA and Energy.gov