KEEP IT CLOSED
Against UNNECESSARY energy waste
KEEP IT CLOSED is a grassroots organization that works to advance the values of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship by urging businesses to keep doors closed when air conditioning or heating is on. By cutting energy waste, businesses save money and help to create a greener future. Alongside advocacy work, we collaborate with California state legislators to advocate for policies putting this behavior into standard usage so that communities and the environment benefit in the long-term.
The goal of Keep It Closed aligns with established laws in major jurisdictions, including New York City’s Local Law 38 of 2015, Washington, D.C.’s Code § 8-1772.02, and France’s 2022 national energy decree under the Plan de sobriété énergétique—each of which mandates that businesses keep their doors closed while air conditioning or heating systems are in use to reduce energy waste and environmental impact.
Retailers
Why Close the Door?
For retailers and businesses, the facts are clear. By keeping the doors closed when heating or cooling is on it can:
- Save Money: Reduce energy bills by keeping costly air conditioning or heating inside.
- Cut Down on Air Pollution: By lowering your energy use you can help reduce harmful emissions that contribute to climate change and global warming.
- Show Environmental Responsibility: Show your customers you care about the environment and are taking action to protect the environment.
- Provide Healthier Working Conditions: Keep your staff more comfortable and safe from extreme heat, cold, or harmful outdoor pollutants.
- Reduce Shoplifting: A closed door provides a natural deterrent to theft, giving you greater control over who enters your store.
Consumers
Why Support Businesses That Keep It Closed?
When you shop at stores that close their doors while the HVAC, you’re supporting businesses that care about:
- Saving Energy: With closed doors it keeps the heat or cool air inside, which reduces energy waste.
- Reducing Air Pollution: By lowering energy use you are using fewer harmful emissions, which leads to cleaner air and reduces climate change.
- Better Shopping Spaces: Keeping doors closed and keeping out outdoor pollution, dust, and noise, creating a cleaner and healthier space for customers and employees.
- Supporting Responsible Businesses: By choosing businesses that take this simple step, you’re encouraging more stores to join the movement and be part of the solution.
Examples
What we do
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We work with local councils and lobby the government to drive long-term change.
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We continue to research to highlight the environmental and economic benefits of keeping business doors closed.
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We equip business owners with clear data on the environmental impact, staff wellbeing, and foot traffic of keeping doors closed.
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We directly engage small, medium, and large businesses, encouraging them to adopt more sustainable storefront practices.
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We run media and petition campaigns—locally and nationally—to raise awareness and spotlight participating retailers.
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We provide free printable signs businesses can display to show their commitment and attract environmentally conscious customers.