5 Ways to Make Your Building More Environmentally Friendly

We have made our residential and commercial buildings more comfortable over time, but it has made them bigger energy hogs and carbon emitters. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 31% of greenhouse gas emissions are from the residential and commercial sector.

The good part is that you don’t need to demolish your structure and start from scratch to reduce your footprint. The implementation of the right strategies can transition your place into a more environmentally friendly building.

Here are five practical ways to make it happen:

Optimize Energy Use with Smart Technology

Energy-consuming appliances in homes and commercial buildings should be updated with technology. Updating the lighting, heating, cooling, and plug loads can help reduce energy consumption and utility costs.

Switch to LED Lighting

Traditional fluorescent or incandescent lights are energy vampires. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, switching to LED lighting can cut energy usage by up to 75%. LED lights have a longer life span, which means fewer replacements and less waste.

Use Smart Thermostat

Installing smart thermostats allows you to tailor heating and cooling occupancy patterns. Some sustainable commercial buildings are already managing their HVAC systems with a Building Automation System (BAS). This way, the performance of the systems can be optimized and energy can be saved.

Consider Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources, such as solar energy systems, can make your home environmentally friendly. Along with lowering your carbon footprint, it also enhances the property value of your home.

Eco-Friendly Materials for Sustainable Commercial Buildings

From flooring to roof, the building materials you choose determine how the building will perform. The building material also has an impact on the environment. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the buildings and constructions sector is by far the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, accounting for a staggering 37% of global emissions.

Choose Recycled and Sustainable Materials

Recycled steel, reclaimed wood, bamboo, and paints with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are just a few options for sustainable building construction. These materials reduce the demand for new resources and limit the carbon footprint of your construction.

Prioritize Local Sourcing

The closer your materials are sourced, the less transportation is needed. It means cutting down on fuel use and emissions. Secondly, local materials support regional economies and are manufactured according to the climate.

Opt for Green Roofs or Cool Roofs

Green roofs are covered with vegetation that acts as an insulation and improves greenery. Such roofs also absorb rainwater. Cool roofs are designed to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), buildings with cool roofs use less air conditioning.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

An environmentally friendly building helps the planet and the people inside it. Poor indoor air quality can lead to fatigue, headaches, and long-term health problems. Elite Commercial Inspections can perform an indoor air quality test and help you improve it. 

Ventilation is Key

While improving the indoor air quality, the first step is to improve ventilation. Your HVAC system should circulate fresh air and remove pollutants effectively. Improved ventilation can also help to reduce the chance of mold growth.

Use Non-Toxic Furnishings and Cleaners

It is better to look for furniture and building materials that are cradle-to-grave certified. The cleaning products should also be free from harsh chemicals and fragrances that can add fumes to the air.

Manage Water Quality Wisely

Water is a critical resource; it is becoming scarcer in many regions. Making your building water-efficient is one of the most straightforward paths to sustainability.

Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Taps, faucets, and toilets with low-flow fixtures are helpful in saving water. Such plumbing fixtures are water-efficient as well as high-performing.

Consider Storing Rainwater

The drainage system for grey water and rainwater should be different. It is recommended to store rainwater, especially in drought-prone areas. Build tanks to collect water runoff from roofs and store it for later use.

Focus on Waste Reduction & Recycling

Every building generates waste. Reducing and managing that waste is a central part of making your space an environmentally friendly building.

Promote Recycling Program

Make recycling of waste easy by placing clearly labeled bins for plastics, papers, and metals in a common area. Educational signage should also be included to encourage proper usage.

Compost Organic Waste

If your building includes food service or break rooms, consider adding food composting. Many cities offer commercial compost pickup services. You should get those services to reduce organic waste.

Encourage Reusable Materials

Reducing consumption and generating less waste is always a better option for sustainable commercial buildings. Use refill stations, encourage reusable materials, and partner with vendors offering take-back packaging and product packaging programs.

The Ripple Effect of Environmentally Friendly Building

Every change you make creates a ripple effect. Improving energy efficiency reduces demand on power plants. Installing low-flow fixtures conserves water. Switching to non-toxic materials protects both workers and occupants. This all makes a powerful example of sustainable commercial building.

According to a study by the U.S. General Services Administration, the buildings that use an integrated design approach deliver better results with 45% less energy consumption.

Conclusion

It is not like just pressing a button to make your commercial building sustainable. It takes a series of smart and strategic choices that add up to a major impact. 

If you have no idea about the energy consumption in your building or you want to know how you can make your place an environmentally friendly building, let us inspect it thoroughly. 

Our certified inspectors will check every single detail and suggest how you can control energy consumption and make a positive mark on the planet.