If H-P Can Do It, So Can Your Company

But Hewlett-Packard has been thinking creatively about other ways to cut costs, including green initiatives that show promising long-term savings. For example, the company's Dynamic Smart Cooling (DCS) system reduces energy costs by allowing real-time changes to air-conditioners, fans, vents and computing equipment. H-P data centers in Austin, Texas, are expected to save more than $100,000 a year after switching to the new system.

H-P will also be closing many of its buildings and offices for two weeks over the December holidays. The good news for workers: more time with family. The bad news: They'll have to use up their vacation time or borrow from next year's leave. Employees might not be thrilled about forced time off, but the savings can add up. Besides, how much work really gets done in your office on Dec. 26?