Environmentally friendly, eco-friendly and nature friendly are synonyms used to refer to goods and services considered to inflict minimal harm on the environment. Can operating a profitable company also be environmentally friendly? For most companies, the idea of protecting the environment and conserving natural resources brings to mind expensive upfront investments, or renovations and higher operating cost. One way to help the environment and lower operating costs is to evaluate a plant’s compressed air system. More importantly, it makes the most impact to compare the total cost of ownership over a five year period upfront.

When preparing to plunk down your company’s hard-earned cash, be ready to make a case to back up your decision. Consider:

1) Initial purchase cost, PLUS
2) Operation cost over a five-year period
3) Maintenance costs per year for the five years
4) Parts and fluids costs (and the cost associated with disposing of used materials) for five years
5) Maintenance contract costs
6) Warranty coverage

Knowing this, it is important to understand that the compressor with the lowest purchase price is not necessarily the most economical compressor to own and operate. With a little homework, you can purchase and operate a compressor that will help reduce energy consumption, which helps our planet stay “green”.

To understand how to calculate the TRUE cost of ownership, as well as see side-by-side comparisons of several compressor types, download our FREE eBook: Cost of Ownership: The Definitive Guide.