Many of the working population spends most of their day in an office. Thus, energy usage at the workplace can be extremely high resorting in exorbitant bills for the business owner. Daily consumption through heating, air conditioning, lights, and devices like computers can make energy efficiency efforts a challenge. Whether you own or lease your building, you can still incorporate some simple heating, cooling, lighting and power tips right away. But establishing energy efficient architectural designs can have a big impact on new construction as well as existing retrofit renovations.
Improving Energy Efficiency
Retrofit and renovations provide an opportunity to upgrade the energy efficiency of an existing commercial building. Such modifications may decrease energy demand and operational costs. Whether the goal is to become a net zero energy building, LEED certified, KMB incorporates numerous green elements in every project we do.
Sustainable commercial design examples include a living wall, energy efficient mechanical systems, rain water harvesting, daylighting, LED lighting, water saving plumbing fixtures and more. And the benefits are numerous; below are just a few:
Decrease Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Architecture 2030 reports that building construction and operations-related energy use accounts for almost 50 percent of total GHG emissions. Through a comprehensive commercial design, sustainable architecture practices can not only improve the environment, but also increase energy efficiency. Additionally, energy efficient buildings are designed to have healthier, cleaner indoor environmental quality, which means health benefits for occupants.
Green Buildings Boost Business
In a recent Nielsen global survey on corporate social responsibility, more than half (55%) said they are willing to pay extra for products and services produced or offered from green companies that are committed to positive social and environmental impact.
According to the EPA, green building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction. Greening the design of commercial and industrial buildings can lower total operational costs, reduce waste, increase productivity and even boost business!
Reduce Operations Costs
A recent study by the U.S. General Services Administration and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found that green buildings indeed cost less to operate. After examining a year’s worth of data from 22 LEED certified buildings across the country, and comparing their maintenance costs to those of non-LEED buildings, the results showed that LEED buildings cost 19% less to maintain.
Compared to national averages, more key findings about the LEED buildings in the study included:
- 25% less energy use
- 19% lower aggregate operational costs
- 11% less water
- 36% fewer greenhouse gas emissions
- 27% higher occupant satisfaction levels
Design Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Here at KMB Design Group, we have always been passionate about improving energy efficiency in businesses. As a full service engineering solutions provider licensed in the United States and Europe, we take a systematic approach to develop comprehensive engineering solutions for all of our clients. From conception through site acquisition, engineering and construction, we focus on collaboration and communication throughout the entire process. Contact us to get started today!