g peak periods. Thus, if a company uses less electricity during peak periods, it obtains more bargaining power to negotiate a lower unit price per kilowatt-hour. Third, it improves worker productivity: Energy-efficient building design can often produce great benefits in higher worker productivity, lower absenteeism and few errors. For instance, it has been demonstrated that daylighting can have a significant impact on productivity, increasing worker effectiveness.Green power, such as wind or solar energy, which is emerging as a viable energy source for businesses, provides also benefits that are complementary to energy efficiency. First, it provides an incentive for saving energy: Even though green power might be still more expensive, in some areas, than traditional power, if a company couples it with energy efficiency measures, it can diminish its total energy consumption and therefore drives the price of green power down by stimulating the green power market. Second, it provides a competitive advantage: The companies that choose to buy green power differentiate themselves in a competitive market, and thus set or raise the environmental standard for other firms. Third, using green power enhances corporate reputation: Purchasing green power is a way to retain customers concerned by environmental matters, and it also enhances a company's reputation as an environmental leader. A good mean to enhance reputation is also to install an on-site power generation system, as it is a visible statement of the company's environmental commitment.Gilette is one of these companies that have managed to reduce energy consumption without affecting its economic performance. The Gillette Company today is the global market leader in nearly a dozen major consumer products categories, principally in the grooming, portable power and oral care businesses. During the period 1994-1997, the energy consumption of Gilette increased by an average of 4% per year wherea...
