Commercial buildings have the highest energy demands in the market. And they also account for significant wastage. This means exorbitant costs and lower energy efficiency, which eventually damage your bottom line. What to do? Let’s take a look.
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Many entrepreneurs started 2020 with a lot of targets to achieve and challenges to overcome.
Facing the opportunities of this promising year, many also swore to start fresh and get fit. However, they forgot to keep their buildings fit!
Get Your Building Healthy and Fit
Don’t be surprised. Buildings can become fat and lazy, too.
Commercial buildings have the highest energy demands in the market. And they also account for significant wastage. This means exorbitant costs and lower energy efficiency. These eventually damage your bottom line.
Therefore, it’s high time we start focusing on the energy health of our buildings.
Fortunately, there are many ways by which you can increase the energy efficiency of your building and save a lot of money in the process. Here are some of them.
Justify How Much You Need
First off, create an action plan documenting how much energy you actually need. Then, instead of reducing energy consumption immediately, eliminate wastage.
Get an energy audit conducted and identify hidden energy leaks. Further, you should measure the building’s air-tightness, and ensure you have a sound energy plan. For example, if your property is located in Pennsylvania, you can compare the best PA electricity providers and their plans in order to find the best one for your purposes.
Based on the report, rectify problematic areas. For example:
- Should you invest in an energy-efficient air conditioner, or retrofit the building effectively and eliminate the need for air conditioning at all?
- How can you save electricity?
- Have you compared the plans at utility providers in the area or on local energy comparison sites?
Here’s something to think about. Origin energy plans come with the option to offset greenhouse emissions. Plus, they cater to both residential and business customers.
Go Retro for More Energy Efficiency
Retro commission the building to improve the energy efficiency of its equipment and systems. This will help you address problems with the current design and structure of the building. Moreover, it will also help you avoid expensive repairs in the future.
This is because running an uncommissioned building is like driving an old, worn-out car with a fuel cap hanging open. Sounds stupid, doesn’t it?
Add Exterior Insulation
Sun-proof the building to reduce its reliance on air conditioning during summer. This is the best way to cut down on energy waste and increase energy efficiency.
For one thing, air conditioning is a significant energy sink. This means it consumes a lot of energy and spikes up your energy bill. To counteract this, add exterior insulation.
Also, consider using solar screens, films, and remote-controlled louvred blinds.
Update or Replace Windows
Windows have transformed in the last two decades. The right windows can help conserve energy and reduce your energy expenses.
By saving heat during winter and losing heat during summer, the right windows can maintain an optimal temperature all year around. So get your current windows replaced with energy-efficient ones.
However, if your windows are in good condition, don’t replace them. Just update them. You will still notice a massive change in your building’s total energy consumption.
Below are a few things you need to consider when choosing windows:
- Operating type
- Material
- Frames
Be Responsible and Encourage Others to Be as Well
Numerous studies reveal that human behavior plays a huge role in energy wastage and consumption. Therefore, take charge and be the change.
For example, adopt green methods and promote sustainable business practices. It probably sounds like a broken record, but the importance of reducing energy consumption cannot be overstated.
Use flow meters to measure and monitor the flow of water and gases in your daily operations. Also, try building a green team, and applaud your employees for following green practices.
Educate your staff. One change can change everything.
Energy Efficiency Is Crucial
Energy management is crucial. In fact, we have a global need to save energy. This global need affects energy prices, emission targets, and legislation, all of which provide compelling reasons to start making your building healthy and energy-efficient.
