7 Energy-Efficient Upgrades To Move Your Building Toward Net Zero
Global warming and climate change aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, especially if we’re not going to do anything about them. As commercial or multifamily building owners, we are responsible for achieving Net Zero value chains to move the needle toward a more sustainable future. But, of course, the benefits don’t end there!
With a more energy-efficient building, you might find yourself enjoying the following benefits:
lower utility bill
better property value
lower operating costs
healthier and more comfortable spaces for your occupants
increased tenant retention
If this is your goal moving forward, we’ve listed energy-efficient tips and upgrades you can do to make your building more sustainable.
Calculate Your Energy Use
Unfortunately, most businesses don’t have the luxury of starting from scratch when remodeling an existing structure. So it’s a good thing you can still improve your energy efficiency. But to do so properly, you must first gauge your current consumption.
Benchmarking is a great place to start when looking for areas where you can improve your energy efficiency. You can use the free web-based Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool to see how your buildings stack up against others with a similar location, age, use, construction type, and square footage. The results of this assessment will give you an idea of where you’re underperforming.
You can also request a Level 1 or Level 2 audit from ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. An ASHRAE audit will examine your business operations, offer suggestions, and provide a thorough financial analysis and return on investment for any energy-saving initiatives.
Make Sure To Focus On Insulation
Make sure to design your building's outside envelope in a way that uses less heating and cooling. Remember, the goal here is to make your building as airtight as possible.
If you have a newly-built building, you can achieve this by using high-performance insulation or non-traditional wall systems that provide additional insulation. It might also be a wise investment to replace existing buildings' doors and windows to prevent air leaks.
Increase Natural Lighting
If you’re looking to reduce the energy waste from incandescent bulbs, you might want to include elements that enhance the natural light in your commercial facilities.
Install skylights to improve your building’s access to natural lighting. You can also add south-facing windows to enhance indoor illumination without creating glare.
Why not take it to the next level and convert this natural light into solar energy? Installing solar windows can help increase your building’s energy efficiency even more! The devices include transparent solar cells that turn sunlight into emission-free energy while providing natural lighting.
Buildings may also experience lower utility bills and emissions when a portion of their power is generated off-grid.
Go The Renewable Route
You can also go beyond solar windows and actually use renewable energy sources instead! Consider generating your own energy if you're willing to go the major refurbishment route. Make sure to replace your old boilers with new, more energy-efficient units to reduce gas costs significantly.
Invest in solar panels, air-source heat pumps, and wind energy. One of the best things about these energy sources is that you won't have to worry about power disruptions again.
Invest in Certified Equipment
Keep an eye out for high-performing, energy-efficient systems and equipment available on the market. Products with the Energy Star certification frequently rank in the top 15 to 30% of their category for energy performance.
An Energy Star-certified computer, for example, will consume 30% to 65% less energy than a standard, non-certified model, depending on how it is used. Since these products evolve so rapidly, it's essential for you to stay updated on new developments.
Check On Your IT
Quite a bit of electricity is used by IT equipment. Here are some tips in this department:
Set all computers to their most efficient setting
Make sure computers are turned off when not in use
Instead of placing desktop PCs at each desk, switch to a thin client system
Opt for customized power cord assemblies for efficiency
Install Light Controls
People frequently overlook how much electricity hallway and stairwell lights consume when left on. It’s a good thing you can solve this problem with a light control system! For instance, you can use motion sensors for lights in areas of your commercial building that are rarely visited by people, like restrooms and conference rooms.
You can opt for the following:
Motion Detectors: The sensors turn on when they detect movement. You can use these for lights in the hallway, on the stairs, and outside.
Dimmer Switches: These sophisticated switches let people change the brightness of their surroundings. You can conserve energy by not having all your lights at full brightness.
Occupancy Sensors: Occupancy sensors turn on when someone enters the space. When these sensors detect no movement, they turn off automatically.
Making Your Building Energy Efficient Is Easier Than Ever
With the tips and energy-efficient upgrades listed above, creating and maintaining a building with the lowest possible energy expenses has never been easier. And the best part is that you don’t have to compromise quality!
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Citations
https://www.pexels.com/photo/low-angle-photography-of-building-136413/
https://www.sinaitechnologies.com/post/four-challenges-businesses-must-overcome-to-achieve-net-zero-value-chains
https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/benchmark
https://www.ashrae.org/
https://solarmeblog.squarespace.com/blog/the-complete-beginners-guide-to-solar-energy
https://www.lockingpowercords.com/
Written by Kat Sarmiento | December 7, 2022
