The Remi Group, in addition to being the leader in Equipment Maintenance Management Programs, is also part of the ever-growing “green” initiative. The Remi Group’s headquarters in the Irby Building, located in the Ballantyne Corporate Park in Charlotte, NC, was recently awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Gold certification is the third of four levels in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program.

What does it mean to be LEED Gold certified? It means the Irby building was designed and constructed according to LEED Core and Shell certification standards. The building has a storm water management system, high performance roofing materials, water efficient landscaping, and was made with low VOC emitting materials, just to name a few “green” building features. The Remi Group’s space in particular is equipped with low flow faucets, urinals, and toilets, light motion sensors, and participates in the recycling program.

One might ask, “How does being LEED Gold certified help not just the overall health of the environment, but the employees who work in the buildings?” According to a study conducted by the University of San Diego and CB Richard Ellis, 45% of those surveyed reported employees in green buildings averaged 2.88 fewer sick days and 54.5% agreed employees were more productive in green buildings versus non-green buildings. The study also showed a 3.5% lower vacancy rate and 13% higher rental rates in green buildings versus non-green buildings.

One can conclude that employees who experience fewer sick days and who are more productive are rewarded more significantly at the end of the year, which increases overall job satisfaction, and in turn, increases motivation to keep doing well.

Not only is it economically and environmentally beneficial to be “green”, it improves employee moral as well. It is in everyone’s best interest to lower individual and corporate carbon footprints. It’s estimated that up to 30% of energy is wasted by businesses and energy waste makes up a large portion of the carbon footprint. Both individuals and businesses can make small changes that can make a big difference in reducing carbon emissions. Changes include, but are not limited, to turning lights off when leaving a room, unplugging equipment when not in use, reusing scrap paper or printing double-sided, using LED lights, recycling ink cartridges or old office equipment, or using environmentally friendly cleaning supplies.

Improperly managed invoices can result in extra charges and unnecessary expenses.  Here are six tips on checking your invoices to help you start the year off right.   

1.      Check the Print

Misplaced decimal points, typos, incorrect sub-totals, and mistaken quantities can add up to a lot of money in additional charges for any business or organization.  Make sure you are paying the total amount due, not the unit price for the product or service.  Some companies offer discounts or penalties for payments remunerated along an extensive timeline.  Note the dates and prices correlated with this timeline.  The highest amount is not always the actual total due. 

2.      Late in the Game

Mismanagement of invoices can lead to overspending through expensive late fees and high interest charges.  To assist in proper management, make sure the due date of each invoice is clearly marked on a calendar (unless bills are paid upon receipt).  Provide sufficient amount of time for mailing and processing to avoid missing the due date.  Monthly invoices should be recurring items on your calendar with an easy addition for those claims that are irregular such as equipment repair invoices.

3.  Early to Rise

Take advantage of early payment options if the discount offered is greater than the capital gained from interest baring accounts.  Many companies offer this incentive to avoid late fees on their invoices due for the services they provided your organization. 

4.  Don’t pay Twice

Misplacement of invoices can result in duplicate billing, or other penalties.  It is imperative to properly organize bills and keep them in order.  Once payment is made, make sure the following information is appropriately tracked: check number, amount paid, associated reference number, and date paid.  The same information should be noted if payment is organized in a spreadsheet or with digital software.  If paper files are stored, attach a copy of the payment (check) to a copy of the original invoice and follow up by attaching the payment receipt if one is received. 

5.  The New Age – Tech Savvy

Lacking a proper online-bill-pay method can increase expenses through supplies and postage costs.  Some companies send both electronic and paper bills, some only send one.  Beware of duplicates and make sure cleared invoices are properly marked to avoid double payment.  If the majority of bills are organized online, don’t set aside paper payments that come via mail.  To eliminate confusion and unpaid bills from being misplaced, make sure all online invoices are sent to the same email account or direct checking account.

6.      Press 0 for the Operator

When uncertain, get on the phone and ask questions.  This might seem like a waste of time, but if this process brings clarity, it is worth the investment.  Note names of individuals you speak with for later reference if questions surface again. 

Careful review of each repair invoice can help to detect overcharges, billing errors, and duplicate invoice numbers.  Find a system that works for you and be aware of these mishaps to avoid unnecessary expenses.  Check invoices twice, pay them once, and save money!