Energy Efficient Building

What makes a energy efficient building?

Nearly every commercial building owner claims his or her building uses energy efficiently, which leads to the question: what does it really mean to have an energy efficient building? At the simplest level, an energy efficient building is one that eliminates energy waste and uses resources in a sustainable manner.

Facilities that are designed specifically so that every component is sustainable and maximizes energy usage fit the ideal energy efficient building definition, but even owners of older buildings can improve the way their structures use energy.  By retrofitting their facilities to meet green building principles, building owners can cause their facilities to use energy more effectively, decreasing their consumption of fossil fuels and reducing their environmental impact, while creating indoor environments that are more responsive, comfortable, and secure.

Why is having an energy efficient building important?

Now that we’re seeing the effects of climate change almost every night on the news, energy efficiency is taking center stage in most discussions about commercial buildings. Commercial buildings account for approximately 20 percent of the energy used in the United States. Most of this energy is produced by burning fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gas emissions, pollutes our planet, and contributes to climate change. Experts estimate that as much as 30 percent of the energy used in commercial buildings is consumed unnecessarily. Tenants and corporate clients understand the need to preserve natural resources and minimize our carbon footprint, and they are looking to do business with companies that share their concerns.

How to create an energy efficient building

Designing a commercial building according to green building principles, where the site, materials, and all components are sustainable is the best way to create an energy efficient building. If you have an existing structure, there are certain steps you can take to retrofit your existing structures to help them use energy more efficiently. These measures enable owners of existing to enjoy the benefits of green building principles, creating facilities that are more sustainable, less expensive to operate, and have increased appeal for current and prospective tenants. 

• Install an energy management solution To operate as efficiently as possible, commercial buildings need to have an energy management solution in place. Advanced Control Corporation can install an energy solution that includes a powerful building automation system that will use occupancy sensors, scheduling, and automation to adjust environmental conditions according to occupancy. Since 30 to 40 percent of the average commercial building is unoccupied at any given time, having an energy management solution turn off lights, heating/ HVAC, and other energy use in unused sectors can improve the energy efficiency of your commercial buildings by as much as 30 percent.
• Engage utility monitoring to optimize and track energy usage Utility and power monitoring can rein in out of control utilities and ensure your building operates as efficiently as possible. The knowledgeable support staff at Advanced Control Corporation can show your personnel how to use the latest utility monitoring dashboards and advanced energy management software to track and optimize energy use. If you have multiple tenants in your building, sub-metering can help you track and measure each tenant’s individual energy consumption.

If you are interested in enjoying the benefits of an energy efficient building, Advanced Control Corporation can help. Whether you are designing a new facility or renovating an existing structure, our knowledgeable experts can design the ideal energy management solution to maximize your building’s energy efficiency and minimize your carbon footprint. Contact Advanced Control at 954-491-6660 to get started on the path to greater energy efficiency today!