Renovation is a crucial component of owning and operating a commercial building. The structure must be regularly updated to ensure optimal functionality, safety, aesthetics, and compliance with contemporary codes. 

One of the most pressing concerns along these lines is energy efficiency. With every remodeling project, businesses must find a way to reduce the carbon footprint of their enterprise. With this in mind, keep reading as we explore some of the best energy-efficient upgrades to consider during a commercial renovation. 

Natural daylighting is one of the most fundamental tenets of creating an energy-efficient structure. By using the sun to illuminate the building, it can greatly limit reliance on artificial lighting sources. Many commercial buildings that use a passive design concept will feature large windows or full-spanning glass walls to light central gathering spots. 

When employing this concept, there are a couple of factors to keep in mind for optimal energy efficiency. Be sure to renovate using the highest-quality framing on the market. Extra window areas can create additional points of weakness at window-to-wall transitions, so robust aluminum and steel frames are essential for guaranteeing ongoing structural integrity. 

It is also important to incorporate adequate window treatments and exterior shading devices, such as architectural sunshades to keep the sun from warming the building too much at the height of noon. For next-level energy efficiency, look at renovating with low-E glass or glazing to allow light to pass without unnecessary thermal radiation causing too much heat within the building. 

ICF Framing

Beneath the layers of cladding and insulation, the most energy-efficient structures choose advanced framing. Standard wood-panel framing options have a couple of issues that make them less-than-ideal. They usually contain minor imperfections in design that create small cracks and crevices through which air can transfer. They also absorb moisture, have minimal fire resistance, and can attract pests. If any of these issues arise, they will lead to energy-consuming renovations.

As such, sustainability-minded commercial structures are increasingly turning to insulated concrete forms (ICF) as their framing material of choice. Using a series of insulated blocks that lock in place at the building site, the frame is then set in place with concrete. This creates a solid, one-piece wall system that provides a monolithic barrier through which air and moisture cannot pass. With an R-value in excess of 23, ICF framing offers close to a 10-point advantage over wood framing panels for one of the most insulative framing solutions on the market. 

Durable Flooring Materials

The correct flooring materials are essential for an energy-efficient commercial building. The contemporary business climate is constantly evolving, so firms must be able to quickly pivot and reconfigure their space to accommodate emergent demands. Durable flooring options, such as epoxy terrazzo and polished concrete, help accomplish this. 

They can handle heavy human and machine traffic without becoming damaged, guaranteeing that as few resources as possible are used for repair and renovation. In addition, these types of hard floors are incredibly easy to clean, with little more than a wet mop needed to keep them in top condition indefinitely. 

Smart Handrails

Handrails may not be the first area of a building that comes to mind when discussing energy efficiency. Nonetheless, they should not be overlooked. Handrails play a multi-faceted role in commercial structures, promoting safety, aesthetics, functionality, and ADA compliance. 

As such, they will face heavy use that must be able to hold up over time with as few maintenance resources as possible. Black metal and stainless steel railings are popular for their heavy-duty features. They are resistant to wear and can be cleaned with a wipe of the rag. Glass railings are also increasing in popularity. They have the same low maintenance features as metal options but provide the additional benefit of clear sight lines for improved light transmission. More innovative led handrails stay illuminated after dark, guaranteeing safety for people using staircases and elevated walkways without the need for less efficient overhead lighting. 

Comprehensive Insulation

The role of sustainable building insulation is widely known for creating energy-efficient structures. By increasing R-value, the building is less susceptible to thermal transfer that will cause the HVAC system to work overtime. 

To create a truly airtight and insulative building envelope, don’t just limit efforts to the framing and exterior walls. Add lightweight polyiso cover board to the roof to keep conditioned air from escaping through the top of the building. Install below-grade insulation beneath the flooring surface, as up to 20% of a building’s heat is lost through the floors. Check door and window frames to make sure that all joints are appropriately sealed to prevent air from escaping through weak transitions. 

Choose Energy-Efficient Options for Commercial Renovations

When renovating commercial buildings, it is crucial to keep energy efficiency at the forefront. Each project must assist the march to net-zero in an increasingly environmentally-conscious business landscape. From increasing window area to installing comprehensive insulation, choose from any of the energy-efficient upgrades above for your next commercial renovation. For more of the latest trends in the commercial construction sphere, explore the resources at Commercial Construction & Renovation for the leading insights in the industry.