Energy efficiency can help small businesses in New Mexico in a variety of ways from reducing costs to increasing revenue and helping the environment. A team from the New Mexico State University College of Engineering’s Office of Outreach and Recruitment not only conducts these assessments but also helps businesses secure funding to make improvements.
“Energy efficiency is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy costs and improve the financial competitiveness of New Mexico businesses,” said Jalal Rastegary, NMSU associate research scientist. “Energy efficiency protects the environment by conserving and protecting natural resources while strengthening economic growth through more efficient energy use.”
Rastegary completed an energy audit and report for the Purple Adobe Lavender Farm in Abiquiu, New Mexico. The farm grows commercial lavender, sells lavender products and offers community events and educational opportunities to practice organic farming.
NMSU’s assessment helped the business receive a $187,298 award from New Mexico Economic Development Department and Energy Transition Economic Development Assistance Fund to install solar arrays. NMSU leveraged funding from an U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to conduct the on-site assessment.
“If you are applying for a grant and need the information, NMSU made it smooth and easy. The process was straightforward,” said Roger Inman, owner of Purple Adobe Lavender Farm. “The solar panels should lower my electric bill and lower my costs of the business.”
As a part of the assessment process, NMSU conducted a feasibility study for the integration of solar energy for the farm, which not only reduces the farm’s carbon footprint, but makes Purple Adobe Lavender Farm a community leader in green business practices and allows for year-round operations. Inman hopes to have the solar panels installed by the end of the year.
“Besides helping the environment and reducing carbon dioxide emissions, it will help the farm to reduce their energy bills, generate more income, employ more people, and contribute to the local economy,” Rastegary said.
Inman encourages small business owners to contact NMSU and Rastegary’s team for an energy efficiency assessment.
“Make the phone call and get it setup,” he said. “They take care of the rest of it.”
To learn more about energy efficiency assessments, visit https://engrnm.nmsu.edu/eba/energy-efficiency.html.
