Commercial buildings are able to operate 70 percent more efficiently with the right upgrades and improvements, says the U.S. Department of Energy. Imagine: reducing your utility bills by that much! You could really use that money to continue growing your business, right? When you devote yourself to your building’s energy efficiency, you are able to boost profits and be in the best position for long-term, sustainable growth.
That being said, you may be wondering which green upgrades would be ideal for your business. Keep in mind, you will enjoy the highest ROI from low-cost, high-impact renovations such as exterior door replacement and weather stripping installation. And when you install energy efficient appliances, you can cut utility costs by up to 50 percent.
Here are some great energy efficient office design ideas, made possible by your trusted green builders in Boston MA.
1. Install New Doors and Windows
Old doors and windows are just not efficient. They’re drafty and can lose a lot of heat and cold air through cracks and gaps. When you replace your old doors and windows with energy-efficient models, you can cut energy usage by 12 percent a year.
2. Replace Light Bulbs
This is a fairly easy and affordable endeavor, and you don’t have to replace the whole fixture. You could save thousands every year just by making this small change.
3. Install Occupancy Sensors
About 30 percent of the typical office’s energy budget goes towards lighting. There’s no need to have your lights on in the bathrooms or conference rooms when no one is in there. Occupancy sensors will turn off the lights when the room is unoccupied, and turn them on again as soon as someone walks in.
4. Upgrade Thermostat
Older thermostats are inefficient, more difficult to regulate and don’t have as many programming options as a smart thermostat. Install these in your office so you can remotely control the temperature.
5. Take Advantage of Natural Lighting
Artificial lighting costs a lot, but natural lighting is totally free. If you’ve decided to add on to your existing building, incorporate a design that features a lot of windows to help you reduce dependence on artificial lighting and increase your use of natural lighting.
6. Install Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you are replacing old appliances such as the break room fridge or microwave, purchase ENERGY STAR products that meet the high standards of the EPA. It’s possible to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars when you install the proper appliances.
7. Get a Cool Roof
Dark rooftops can get as hot as 150 degrees Fahrenheit, which heats the upper floors of your building and causes your HVAC system to work harder than it has to. This not only puts more wear and tear on your unit, it increases your utility bills. A simple fix is to paint your roof white, which can be 50-degrees cooler on a summer day.
8. Install Sufficient Insulation
A well-insulated building will put less strain on your AC units and furnaces, keeping your entire building more consistently comfortable.
Contact AD Construction
Looking to integrate an energy efficient design into your office? We can help. Learn more when you contact our exceptional Boston Metro contractors and designers at 877-345-BUILD.
