Most commercial property owners would like to lower their energy bills. Beyond this, emissions are harmful to the environment, and businesses have the power to make an impact by reducing their carbon footprints. Fortunately, there are a few relatively simple adjustments owners and managers can make in their commercial properties to improve energy efficiency and contribute to a more sustainable world. Read on to learn more.
Reduce Water Usage
A great way to make your commercial property more eco-friendly is by evaluating your use of water. It is estimated that businesses use more than 25% of the water in metropolitan areas. Cleaning and distributing water draws a lot of energy. Conserving water however you can will make an impact and even save your business money.
Bring your water use down by identifying leaks on your commercial property. Even one leaky faucet can waste hundreds if not thousands of gallons of water. Also consider installing low-flow water valves to conserve water.
Implement Recycling
Adding recycling bins throughout your commercial property is an easy way to make a change. Your workers, tenants, and/or customers are likely to recycle if the option is available to them. Work with your local waste management system to arrange recycling pickup. Many cities also offer composting options as part of their recycling programs. You can even recycle older office supplies, electronics, and lighting fixtures, so make sure to do some research and partner with some recycling pickup programs. Not only will this reduce your carbon footprint, but it also shows your community that you care about doing your part in protecting the environment.
Change Your Environment
There are some simple changes you can make in your space to make it greener. Move things around to maximize natural light and reduce the need for lighting. Use LEDs instead of older, traditional light fixtures. Invest in reusable cups for your break rooms or kitchen spaces instead of paper cups. Use timers to control your thermostat and lights and prevent energy waste. If you can, work with an eco-friendly maintenance service and/or energy company. Look into your local options to see what resources are available to your business.
Upgrade Doors and Windows
Small businesses in the United States spend more than $60 billion per year on energy. A significant amount of that energy is ultimately wasted due to leaky, poorly installed, or out-of-date commercial windows and doors. Most buildings constructed more than a couple of decades ago have inefficient windows and doors. Older windows often have only a single pane of glass, which allows for the transfer of heat and air from the inside and outside and make it difficult to control internal temperatures. The more energy you need to use to keep your commercial property comfortable and habitable, the higher your energy bill and your emissions overall.
Fortunately, you can upgrade to more efficient materials with the help of a commercial window and door installation company. They can help you choose products that are designed to keep heat in or out depending on the season and install windows and doors properly to prevent leaks in the future.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, there are countless changes you can make to improve your carbon footprint, both big and small. Companies of all sizes can make a difference by adjusting their day-to-day practices and prioritize small changes. Improving energy efficiency benefits you, your staff and customers, your community, and the world overall, so there’s no reason not to make some positive changes. Look into local sustainability efforts, and make a plan for a more sustainable, cost-efficient commercial property.
