Since commercial buildings use a lot of energy, the importance of energy efficiency in these structures can’t be overstated. Energy-efficient commercial buildings result in substantial reductions in utility bills. They also contribute to minimizing greenhouse gas emissions by using less energy. Additionally, tenants and investors find energy-efficient commercial buildings more attractive, leading to high occupancy rates.
While implementing energy-efficient measures in commercial buildings can be challenging, the right tactics can be helpful. Discussed below are four effective energy saving solutions for commercial buildings.
1. Upgrade to LED lighting
Upgrading your commercial building’s lighting to LED is among the top solutions for making it energy efficient. LEDs turn most of their energy into light instead of heat, reducing electricity use. Commercial-grade LED lights provide the same brightness as conventional bulbs but consume less energy. Other ways LEDs contribute to energy-efficient commercial buildings include:
- Dimming capabilities: Most LED lighting systems are dimmable, which allows for more energy savings by lowering light output when required
- Longer lifespan: Unlike traditional bulbs like fluorescents and incandescents, LEDs have a longer lifespan, translating to fewer replacements and less maintenance
- Reduced energy consumption: LEDs use significantly less energy to produce the same level of illumination as traditional lights, resulting in lower energy bills
2. Conduct an energy audit
An energy audit is key in helping you understand how energy is consumed in your commercial building and spotting opportunities for improvement. They involve an assessment of a building’s energy use by a specialist. They evaluate different equipment and systems, including water heating, HVAC, appliances, and lighting, to catch energy inefficiencies. An energy audit will provide you (the building owner) with valuable information, such as energy consumption patterns and improvement recommendations tailored to your structure’s needs, boosting energy efficiency.
3. Switch to energy-efficient HVAC systems
Energy-efficient HVAC systems operate to offer maximum ventilation, heating, and cooling with the lowest energy use. An outdated HVAC system can significantly affect your commercial building’s general energy use because it might no longer resonate with building standards. It may become inefficient when heating or cooling, leading to increased energy consumption.
Replacing your commercial building’s outdated HVAC system with a more modern unit or one with ENERGY STAR certification can significantly lower your energy consumption. This results in reduced energy bills. Remember to keep up with routine HVAC maintenance to check for leaks in dirty filters, worn-out components, and ducts to maintain the system’s energy efficiency.
4. Implement sustainable energy practices
Implementing sustainable energy practices in your commercial building not only reduces carbon emissions but also lowers environmental impact. You can achieve this by:
- Transitioning to renewable energy: Adopting renewable energy sources is one of the best ways to make your commercial building more energy efficient. You can leverage the power of geothermal systems, solar panels, or wind turbines to generate clean, renewable power onsite. Transitioning to renewable energy sources reduces your reliance on fossil fuels
- Adopting modern energy management systems: Advanced energy management systems enable you to monitor your commercial building’s energy use in real time. The systems use automation, smart sensors, and data analytics to adjust equipment settings, spot inefficiencies, and prioritize power-saving measures
- Acquiring green building certifications: Commercial buildings with green building certifications demonstrate low energy consumption and reduced energy consumption
Endnote
Although commercial buildings consume a lot of energy, implementing the right strategies can help minimize energy use. Upgrading to LED lighting, conducting energy audits, switching to energy-efficient HVAC systems, and implementing sustainable energy practices are effective energy solutions for commercial buildings.
Disclaimer: Written in partnership with APG.
