Commercial buildings account for a significant percentage of carbon emissions, and with growing climate change concerns, it is necessary to pay more attention to these structures. Luckily, it is possible to develop these buildings to be more eco-friendly for greater sustainability. Here, we look at seven ways to make commercial buildings more sustainable.
1. Utilize natural light
Reduce reliance on artificial lighting by maximizing your windows to bring in as much natural light as possible. The larger the windows in a commercial building, the easier it will be to allow light into larger spaces, and improve the building’s overall thermal performance using triple glazing or architectural films. Remember, opting for large windows comes with the mandate of stepping up your property maintenance to ensure both exterior and interior surfaces are clean throughout the year.
2. Opt for sustainable construction materials
The best way to consider the impact of a commercial building is through a life-cycle assessment, which is used to determine a structure’s actual environmental footprint. This holistic approach to evaluating a building considers all elements right from how the construction materials will be extracted and processed to the waste it leaves behind. In the end, this assessment shifts the primary focus during construction to the use of green and sustainable materials that will make the building energy-efficient while reducing potential environmental pollution.
3. Use enough insulation
One of the best green construction techniques is incorporating more insulation into a building’s structural elements. This will help improve the building’s heat retention capabilities, reducing the annual heating and cooling demands.
4. Implement green roofing and living walls
A defining attribute of the world’s most eco-friendly buildings is the implementation of green roofing and living walls. Essentially, this involves introducing plant life into a building to help purify the air, regulate temperatures naturally, and encourage biodiversity within the surrounding area.
5. Prioritize renewable energy generation
Commercial buildings can actively reduce fossil fuel dependence by generating their electricity through installing renewable energy infrastructure. Choosing to install solar panels on your facility allows you to utilize a naturally available energy source while reducing your energy bills and CO2 emissions. The best part is that you get to use a readily available space as you can easily install solar panels on your rooftop or ground space.
6. Consider water efficiency
The best way to be responsible with water when constructing a commercial building is by finding innovative ways to harvest, store, and use this precious resource efficiently. One way to do this is by installing a dual plumbing system where reclaimed water gets to be used for non-drinking purposes such as flushing toilets and irrigating gardens. On the other hand, you get to use treated water for drinking and cooking purposes.
7. Use smart technology
Today’s norm is for sustainable buildings to rely on smart technologies to control heating and cooling demands without constant manual changes. This reduces the building’s energy expenditure while ensuring the installed mechanical systems operate efficiently.
Endnote
Times have changed, and when creating commercial buildings, it is vital to consider their environmental impacts and how well suited they are for the future.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
