For many companies, it’s a high priority to create energy efficient spaces that keep bills and energy consumption low. Energy efficient buildings can qualify for various tax rebates, credits and savings, and they tend to require less serious repairs over time. The design of these types of  buildings plays a huge role in keeping these levels where they need to be. 

Building Design

Choosing the materials used in constructing these buildings is the first step to creating an energy efficient building. From double-pane windows to insulated concrete, the options are  limitless. The orientation of the sun also affects how much energy will be consumed. For instance, if the western side of the building is covered in glass, the building will be much warmer and require more energy to keep it at a comfortable temperature. The use of solar panels holds a big draw for those looking to significantly reduce their carbon footprint, as well.

Lighting

Natural light is the best way to reduce energy consumption! While it is impossible to have natural lighting in every room of a building, it is important to use as much of it as possible when designing a space. Properly insulated windows and blinds will allow plenty of light while also reducing the heat they allow. LED lighting is a popular option when natural light isn’t enough because they use around 50 percent less energy and they last longer than incandescent lights. LED lights are able to be put on a dimmer to allow you to adjust the lighting in accordance with how much natural light is coming into the building.

Cooling the Building

Keeping air circulating well throughout the building is a crucial part of saving energy because it keeps the AC units from having to work as hard to keep the space cool. This begins during the building phase with insulation. It’s important to have proper insulation and ventilation around the ducts and tubes that carry air throughout to ensure that the air remains cool as it travels to the further parts of the building. Making sure there are no spaces where cold air can escape makes all the difference in keeping energy bills low. Choosing an Energy Star-rated high-efficiency HVAC system will require less energy to function and keep the building comfortable. Having insulated glass doors that close automatically can significantly reduce the amount of AC escaping as people enter and exit the building.

No matter the industry, including more energy efficient designs and processes holds a high return on investment. If you’re looking to create a space that meets your needs and will hold its value, contact Benchmark Builders today!