Given how serious climate change is, energy efficiency has become the need of the hour. This thought has permeated every aspect of modern life. McKinsey & Company talks about the current ‘decisive decade’ for climate change. 

Companies across industrial sectors are doing their utmost best to achieve net zero. As the world stands at a critical juncture, commercial property owners also need to tighten their belts. This is not merely because the construction industry is going green too. 

The idea of a Green building makes sense from the viewpoint of benefits like reduced greenhouse emissions, cost savings, improved comfort, and greater compliance. Now, if your building is already standing on less energy-efficient grounds, how can you turn this around? 

This is precisely what we will discuss in this article. Keep reading to discover three ways you can make your building more energy-efficient as a commercial property owner. 

Make Strategic Renovations to the Structure 

Did you know that buildings, both residential and commercial, are the largest consumer of energy in the US? They account for nearly 40% of total energy consumption and 75% of electricity. This means there should be a change in the building’s structure that may help with energy efficiency. 

Commercial property owners can look towards strategic renovations. Some of these changes can be brought about in the following ways. 

Addition of External Facades 

Borrowed from the French, the term facade means frontage or face. It refers to a building’s exterior or front part. Facades play a significant role in protecting the building against the elements. 

They also control the natural airflow inside the building, thereby ensuring comfort and climate control. Since they regulate heat exchange, facades are important from the viewpoint of energy efficiency. 

This undoubtedly depends on the type of facade used. Let’s look at some facades that can improve the energy-efficiency quotient of a commercial building – 

• Double-skin facades are usually made of glass and separated by an air corridor. 
• Facades of spectrally selective glass that allow only visible light to pass through. All infrared radiations of the sun are blocked. 
• The photovoltaic glass comes with photovoltaic cells embedded into it. The glass itself helps in the conversion of sunlight into electrical energy. This reduces the building’s reliance on the energy grid. 

Building Information Modelling Software (BIMS) that helps designers create digital 3D models of a facade. This can also help in discovering more energy-efficient materials for informed decisions.

Robust Roofing Solutions 

The second area of renovation for commercial buildings to improve energy efficiency would be the roof. Commercial properties are generally towering high and receive intense heat rays from the sun. 

When the roof is not insulated well or constructed using materials that absorb too much sunlight, the building will overheat. Conversely, it will also allow too much heat to escape during the winter. As a result, utility costs will rise. 

A pitched roof or one made using energy-efficient materials is a must for a green building. Moreover, any damage to the structure will also impact energy efficiency. For instance, Peak Builders & Roofers of Denver states that cracking, curling, and missing shingles are signs that a roof needs to be replaced. 

Even water leakages are major red flags. Energy efficiency reasons or not, do you need a roof replacement? Get expert services for a durable solution. Click here! 

Insulation of the Basement 

Usually, basement floors and walls are made of concrete. Since this material has a low R-value, heat can escape it quite easily. The heat inside the building generally moves out from the sides and even into the soil through conduction. 

Furthermore, if a building has any cracks or gaps, even more heat loss will take place. Hence, it is crucial to insulate the basement properly. Some ways in which this can be done include using rigid foam boards, batt insulation, and closed-cell spray foam. 

Implement Energy Monitoring and Management Systems 

Energy monitoring and management systems have become popular in recent years. These are computer-aided tools that interpret and process energy data. This data is then made available to users for proper energy management. 

The best part is that these tools may be used for devices or equipment that generally consume too much electricity. They include pumps, dampers, and fans. Now, the most important question is how you can implement an energy monitoring and management system efficiently. Here are the steps – 

• Start by creating a team that is committed to energy efficiency, monitoring, and management. 
• Based on the collected data, analyze environmental performance. 
• Establish powerful energy-saving goals to measure current performance against. 
• Create an action plan to address energy consumption issues. Execute it through clear communication, personnel training, and regulation of progress. 
• Finally, you must review the action plan periodically to see if further changes are needed. For instance, if a singular renovation enhances energy savings by 10%, see if another area can be renovated. 

Invest in Renewable Energy Sources 

The concept of a Green building stands on the solid foundation of renewable energy sources. The current market for renewable energy is still growing at a steady rate of 3.44%. It is expected to maintain this pace until 2029. 

Commercial property owners need to take advantage and make use of energy-efficient sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. Another great option would be switching to lighting solutions that consume less electricity. 

A prime example would be LED bulbs which tend to use up 75% less energy when compared to their incandescent counterparts. They also tend to last much longer, up to 25 times. 

These lights also tend to emit less heat. When combined with renewable energy sources, they can help lower energy consumption and costs. 

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has already released the Better Buildings Initiative Progress Report. Both public and private sector organizations have joined hands to combat the climate change crisis. 

The report has highlighted around $22 billion in energy savings. Will a net zero become a reality soon? If it has to happen within this decade, rigorous measures will be required. This naturally boils down to the requirement for commercial properties to become as energy-efficient as possible.