Energy efficiency has become a priority for a great deal of businesses in recent decades, with many implementing cost-effective retrofit upgrades to reduce the energy they consume, lower their operating costs, and contribute to a future that’s more sustainable for everyone.
Here are 10 retrofit energy-efficient upgrades your business could implement:
1. Solar power systems
Having a solar system installed by commercial solar installation companies to generate clean and renewable energy that can offset your business’s energy consumption can save you money, impress investors, and help the planet.
Even if you don’t have room on your roof for a solar array, ground-mounted panels could be an option, or you could even have them installed on a roof over your parking area.
2. LED lighting
Revolutionizing the lighting industry for the commercial sector, LED lights can significantly reduce a business’s power consumption, making them more energy efficient. By converting a higher percentage of electricity into usable light, LED lighting can last for many more hours than traditional lighting, saving businesses huge sums of money in the long term. Not only that, but LED lighting offers improved light while also looking modern and aesthetically pleasing.
3. Building automation systems (BAS)
Centralizing the control of such things as lighting, HVAC, and security, building automation systems can help businesses optimize their use of energy, thanks to the scheduling and controlling of systems according to the weather and building (or room) occupancy. They can also help a business improve the quality of its indoor air by adjusting ventilation systems appropriately. Lastly, they can be integrated with existing security systems to give building managers and business owners the ability to monitor and control them remotely.
4. HVAC systems with high efficiency
Businesses can reduce the amount of energy they consume drastically by upgrading to HVAC systems with high-efficiency technology built in, as well as improve the ambient temperature indoors. Variable refrigerant flow systems, or VRFs, provide temperature control that’s much more precise and energy efficient overall. Newer chillers and boilers can help a company reduce its energy consumption by as much as 30%.
5. Window films
Easily applied to existing windows with minimal fuss and cost, window films are a great way to boost a building’s energy efficiency by regulating the temperature, reducing the amount of glare, and protecting flooring and furniture from harmful UV rays.
6. Smart thermostats
Enabling you to control cooling and heating systems remotely, smart thermostats are a fantastically convenient way to reduce energy consumption and save money on utility bills.
7. Water-efficient fixtures
Simple and cost-effective, having low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets installed can significantly reduce the amount of water consumed and help while helping to lower energy bills.
8. Energy-efficient motors
Reducing the amount of energy fans, pumps, and compressors consume is simple by upgrading to high-efficiency motors.
9. Regular building and equipment maintenance
Having lighting fixtures, HVAC systems, and other types of building equipment maintained professionally on a regular basis can enhance their performance, make them last longer, reduce energy consumption, and make the indoor temperature more comfortable.
10. Improvements to building envelope
From improving the insulation and air sealing to weatherstripping, improving upon a building’s envelope will help companies lose less energy, pay less on their energy bills, and make the whole space more comfortable inside.
To make a real difference to energy consumption, working with a solar company in Calgary is the best option. Switching to solar is one of the most effective ways to lower your building costs and your carbon footprint. But if you don’t have the budget for a solar installation, there are plenty of smaller, cheaper, and simple retrofits to make your business more energy efficient overall.
