I was just listening to our national radio station, CBC ONE, and was inspired to learn that the state of Utah has just gone to four, ten hour days instead of five, 8 hour days to save energy in the state buildings. One day a week, the buildings are closed.
Of course they had to look at employee issues like childcare and public transit to get to work.
Also, how it would effect the public. The public loves it as they can now do their business before and after their regular work day.
The four day week was started as a movement in the 60's as a lifestyle choice, but as usual, the only way things move ahead is when it comes down to saving money corporately.
It is a good move for both reasons and I say Kudos to Utah for taking a lead in this method to save tax payers money by conserving energy.
Michelle, that's cetainly a big step for the state buildings in Utah to choose the four, ten hour days instead of five, 8 hour days. I'm surprised!
Good to know about this...conserving energy is a plus...and it seems to be an idea whose time has come. . .
The analysts are calling for our prices for natural gas and hydro to be more than the average homeowners mortgage by 2010.
When you see your state government gearing up like this, you know you better be getting your own house in order or how will you be able to afford to stay living there.?
Mortgage brokers will not only be funding mortgages in two years but financing to upgrade the sustainability of the house to be able to carry the heat and hydro costs. Good news for all you mortgage brokers. Bad news for homeowners.
What are you doing to get prepared?
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This is a work style change that more and more industries and government need to make -- providing better quality of life for their employees and our earth -- thanks for sharing!
Hi Margaret,
So true, it is something that all businesses shold take a look at as energy prices will become a major factor in their success or failure in the very near future.
I have read in this weekends paper that the Toyota dealerships in America have started to go green and susatainable. Some dealerships are saving between $10,000 and $ 25,000 in operating costs per month.
Numbers like those are pretty hard for business to ignore.
To read more go to-
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/classifieds/news/automotive/latestnews/stories/082308dnbustoyotagreen.4036ba0.html
Michelle
As a Utah resident, I am thrilled that Gov. Huntsman is making some sort of a move. So, biggest thing, just don't plan on doing any state business on Friday that is not an emergency - can we live with that?? I sure can.
Hi Heather,
I applaud your governor in taking the initiative to make these changes. It takes a person with excellent leadership and negotiaion skills to get so many people on board. There were many employees that were dead against these changes and now they are the biggest supporters.