Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and lights consume the largest amounts of power in commercial structures. Here is how to lower your costs.
While lights consume about 17% of a commercial building’s energy supply HVAC devices consume nearly 35% – writes sustainability-focused Construct 21. According to professionals, facilities can significantly reduce excessive energy usage by updating old systems and insulating rooms.
Stop heat loss
In the winter, heat escapes buildings through cracks and gaps. Weatherizing commercial buildings’ doors and windows can prevent HVAC-related energy loss. Weatherstripping can create a barrier between indoor and outdoor temperatures and thus can effectively reduce a building’s utility costs by minimizing HVAC run times.
Revolving doors are also a good idea since they are about eight times more energy efficient than conventional structures.
Smart thermostats using the Internet of Things (IoT) can decrease utility costs and greenhouse gas emissions. They read real-time local weather predictions, and adjust indoor conditions by relying on outdoor temperature differentiations. Autonomous thermostats also connect to motion sensors, adjusting temperatures based on a room’s occupancy level. They can turn a system off in a vacant building, helping individuals save money outside operational hours.
Smart lighting
Another emission-enhancing cause of energy loss is incandescent lighting systems. With smart systems the lights connect to motion detection sensors, shutting the system down in vacant rooms. Additionally, the smart technology connects to a building owner’s smartphone or tablet, helping them control indoor lighting remotely.
Builders can also connect the systems to light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, further reducing energy use. LED bulbs achieve a 90% efficiency rate on average, making them 80% more efficient compared to conventional incandescent lights. They also last nearly 10 times longer than other bulbs on the market, reducing manufacturing energy waste.
Builders may also add natural-light-enhancing features – skylights or south-facing windows – to commercial structures, decreasing energy waste.
Solar windows are also a good option as they contain transparent solar cells, converting sunlight into emission-free energy while providing natural lighting. When buildings source a portion of power from off-grid sources, they may additionally decrease utility costs and emissions.
