BEK of Alaska, Inc. - http://www.bekofalaska.com
Commercial buildings are nerve centers of community life and see thousands of visitors on busy days. Commercial building is very different from residential or industrial architecture and has the onus on it to be not only functional but aesthetically pleasing as well.
Renowned architects aim to create landmarks that will change the face of the city, town or even country where it is located. The desire to amaze and please has resulted in some of the most wonderful man-made creations on the planet.
But the latest trends are in favor of creating architectural masterpieces that will also be kind to the environment without blasting crater-deep carbon footprints.
If you feel that your office systems are not functioning optimally, or are racking up huge utility bills, then it is time for a green audit.
Here are a few easy ways by which you can make your office building energy-efficient.
A building is not a stand-alone structure, but an inter-connected whole of several structures. If you are making changes to a single part, you will also have to take into account how it affects the rest of the whole.
There is no point in giving your heating system an upgrade if the insulation and air seals are not doing their job properly.
This point cannot be overstated when trying to get a building to retain and maximize its energy. If there are air leaks that allow heat to drain out and cold from outside to come in, then there is no point in installing a high-performance heating system in your office.
Air-seal all doors and windows. This is essential before you get started on insulation or installation of the heating system. Caulking and weather-stripping are inexpensive procedures and go a long way in improving energy efficiency.
If you are not sure of the vulnerable areas in your home, consider getting a building energy audit done with infrared imaging. You will be able to locate the exact spots of air infiltration and seal it tight.
Once you are done with the sealing, ensure you have the best insulation in place. There are local codes and by-laws that specify what level of insulation is required for particular rooms and spaces in your office. It is different for crawl spaces and floors, as well as for ceilings.
Proper insulation will help cut down cooling costs in summers and heating costs in winters.
You can consider retro-fitting the insulation in your office if the floors and surfaces are cold to the touch in winter, if you have exceptionally high heating/cooling costs or if there are mold problems in the office.
Most business owners feel that high energy efficiency is a hallmark of newly constructed buildings. But this is not true.
Commissioning is the process of checking the systems of a building to decide whether they are all in perfect condition and are capable of functioning the way they are intended to. When the same checks are carried out on a building that has been operational and occupied for quite some time, then the process is called retro-commissioning.
allows you to find out the flaws and repair them on time, and thereby ensure the systems work efficiently and reduce energy consumption.
Operating an un-commissioned building is a lapse on your part that can cost dearly.
Retro-fitting is cost-efficient and improves energy-efficiency. This especially matters if you are thinking of pulling out your windows and installing new ones. Windows are the main gateways for energy to escape, and causes you to consume more energy to ensure a comfortable work environment for your employees.
Experts say that retro-fitting windows with insulating counterweight pockets or installing new suspension systems will help save energy in your office building. The new-age clear retrofit films ensure 50% heat rejection, keeping heat inside during cooler months and outside during the warm summer months.
Retro-fitting should be combined with proper air-sealing and insulation. Single-glazing window panels need to be replaced with insulated panels.
Sunshine is bright and cheery and will pep up any workplace. Ensure there are enough skylights or windows to allow the warm sunshine to flood in.
In many cases, walls and office spaces block any daylight from streaming in. selective demolition will help clear clutter and blocks, and open up the office. Not only do you require lesser lighting, but your employees will enjoy the new space a lot more as well.
Energy audits help you determine the energy efficiency of your office building. Regular audits will help you make improvements, retro-fits and up-gradations in time.
There are several companies and startups in this field who will not only help you keep a tab on your energy consumption but will also help you monitor and track all consumption-related data on a regular basis.
Giving a facelift to your office will not only make it more attractive but will also help you bring down your energy requirements.
Do you know that ceiling systems also play a big role in energy conservation? Specially designed ceiling systems can reflect more light and make the work places appear brighter. This will cut down on lighting needs and allow you to install fewer lighting fixtures.
you plenty of choices for aesthetic and functional ceiling systems.
Bring a hint of green into your stark office spaces to improve indoor air quality and beautify the space.
Indoor plants purify and filter air, and provide a healthier workplace for your employees. Indoor plants also help absorb noise and contribute to a more conducive work experience.
Green plants filter out pollutants from the atmospheric air and are recommended in air-tight buildings. Energy-efficient buildings tend to trap pollutants inside and plants can help remove them.
Thus we can see that indoor plants are an integral part of green building design.
Energy efficiency helps you save on utility bills as well as is good for the environment. Do your bit and be happy with the pay-offs you get year after year.
