Modern cities are built on commercial properties. From the skyscrapers that form the dramatic skylines to the properties that line the outskirts, commercial property has become the backbone of the cities we know and love today. One thing that commercial properties need help with is energy efficiency. Given their size, heating them properly is a tricky task that requires lots of forward thinking. So, if you’re planning on increasing the energy efficiency of a commercial property, here are tips to get you started.
Why is Energy Efficiency Important?
With the current cost-of-living crisis raging on, we don’t need to tell you how important energy efficiency is. The potential for energy saving in these buildings is very high. Commercial buildings are also responsible for up to 43% of current energy usage, marking them as one of the biggest consumers in the UK.
Energy efficiency in such buildings is also important because of the employees that work there. With some buildings hosting multiple offices, shops and other businesses, it’s essential to keep people working there comfortable.
How to Increase Energy Efficiency
To put it in simple terms, there are many ways to make a commercial building more energy efficient and save on energy costs. From adding roof insulation, using smart meters, sealing drafty areas, optimising voltage, upgrading lighting, using renewable energy sources, and utilising building management systems, the options for improvement are endless! These changes not only benefit the building and its energy expenses but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Roof Insulation
The average commercial property with a flat roof can lose up to 25% of its heat through the roof. To retain more heat in a commercial building, add quality roof insulation that will keep the heat from escaping. And with many different types of insulation to choose from, a professional survey is an excellent way to see which insulation is best for your commercial building.
Smart Metres
Modern technology is a godsend regarding energy efficiency and can provide crucial information that we often miss. By installing smart metres, you can control the amount of electricity and heating you are consuming.
To increase energy efficiency even more, consider a combination of smart metres, automated lights, and thermostat devices that will waste less electricity and reduce costs for you and your tenants.
Draught Proofing
Due to commercial properties being more spacious, it can take a while for a room to heat up to total capacity. Invest in draughtproofing solutions to make these rooms as energy-efficient as possible.
This can be as simple as adding insulation strips around the doors and windows to more significant projects like adding insulation to the walls.
Voltage Optimisation
Voltage optimisation can vastly improve energy efficiency. The technology is designed to regulate the incoming power supply and reduce the voltage supplied to suit the device at the other end. In the UK, the National Grid is set at a higher voltage than necessary, meaning that you often consume more volts than your devices need. Consequently, it can increase your bills significantly, waste energy and lead to high carbon emissions.
Lighting
Lighting is another area that can significantly impact energy efficiency in commercial properties. Replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with LED lights can greatly reduce energy consumption and lower costs. LED lights are more energy efficient, last longer and produce less heat, making them a better option for energy savings and employee comfort. Additionally, installing automatic lighting controls can help reduce energy usage by automatically turning off lights in unoccupied areas, reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
Renewable Energy Sources
Another way to increase energy efficiency in commercial properties is by incorporating renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines. Not only do they provide a clean and sustainable source of energy, but they can also significantly reduce energy costs and help lower the carbon footprint of the building.
Building Management Systems
Finally, building management systems (BMS) can significantly increase energy efficiency in commercial properties. BMS systems are designed to monitor and control various aspects of a building’s energy usage, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. By monitoring energy usage in real time, BMS systems can detect areas where energy is being wasted and provide actionable insights to help reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several strategies that commercial property owners and managers can adopt to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy costs. From roof insulation, smart metres and draught proofing to lighting upgrades, renewable energy sources and building management systems, there is no shortage of options for improving the energy efficiency of commercial properties. By taking these steps, not only will you be helping to reduce your building’s carbon footprint, but you will also be contributing to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.
