As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, the need for clean energy innovations is ever-increasing. Clean energy technologies are not only eco-friendly but also contribute to greater efficiency, which means lower utility bills and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
If you’re looking for some inspiration on how you can advance your green building certification or want to find out what other green building owners are doing, keep reading for some innovative clean energy ideas.
LED Lighting and Solar Panels
Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are quickly becoming one of the most popular forms of lighting in smart buildings. Not only are they more efficient than traditional incandescent lights, but they also last longer and provide better color rendering. In addition, LEDs can be programmed to automatically adjust their intensity and color temperature as the day/night cycle changes.
Accompanying solar panels with energy-efficient lighting is a brilliant way to take advantage of photovoltaic technology. By combining both technologies into one system, buildings not only save money but also reduce carbon emissions because both types of energy come from renewable sources.
Energy Dashboard and Thermal Storage
In order for green building owners to maximize their green achievements even more, an energy dashboard that tracks how much energy a building consumes can be a useful tool. This way, if there’s always a spike in the early evening, the owner can pinpoint where to make efficiency upgrades.
Thermal storage units are also an excellent way for green building owners to bank extra solar heat during sunny days and then use it at night during cool seasons. If there’s no need to have a space heating system running while solar heat is being stored, this means more money saved on utility bills.
Renewable Energy Credits and Solar-Powered Air Conditioning
Solar air conditioning consists of rooftop panels which power compressors that operate air handlers below them. Not only do these systems produce clean energy, but they also reduce electricity costs by using free sunlight rather than burning fossil fuels or using electricity from the grid.
In addition to solar-powered air conditioning, purchasing renewable energy credits is a great way for green building owners to offset carbon emissions caused by running a cooling system all day long. A combination of both strategies results in a building that is completely self-sufficient which means it produces cleaner energy than it consumes and also doesn’t have to rely on utility companies for electricity or natural gas.
Use Sustainable Construction Materials
When building a green building, the materials used to do it are of special importance. For example, using sustainable construction materials like bamboo or recycled steel can not only make your project greener but also ensure that you’re getting high-quality products at affordable prices.
When you decide to construct your commercial building from scratch, using your own equipment means you can buy used or reliable equipment at affordable prices and maintain it with the latest upgrades. Good thing there is a lot of construction equipment that is for sale which you can buy when you need them.
Since many construction companies spend a large amount on heavy machinery, there’s always an opportunity to save money by purchasing them outright instead of rental fees. It can help save the environment too by lowering demand for new equipment that has to be transported.
Smart Building Software
There are many advantages to using a commercial green building software program on your construction project. Not only will it help you find energy-efficient buildings but by plugging verified data into its database, you’ll have access to real-time information about carbon emissions, specifically ones caused by specific buildings in the city. This includes everything, from public schools to commercial office buildings, which allows you to prioritize future green projects while being more strategic with the investments you make.
Green building software is a great tool if you’re looking for an easy way to track the performance of your commercial building in comparison to others in your industry. In addition, it can provide data about energy consumption and water consumption which helps when trying to find cost-saving opportunities so you can reduce utility bills and maximize savings from tax incentives.
Electric Car Charging Stations and Green Roofs
Not only do green building owners save money and reduce carbon emissions by switching to alternative energy sources such as solar and wind, but they also contribute to a cleaner environment through electric vehicle charging stations. Depending on where your property is located, you may be able to sell electricity back into the grid, which means even more revenue for your business. Several states, including California and Florida, require new commercial properties to install at least one electric vehicle charging station per each 100 parking spots within their building area.
Solar air conditioning consists of rooftop panels which power compressors that operate air handlers below them. Not only do these systems produce clean energy, but they also reduce electricity costs by using free sunlight rather than burning fossil fuels or using electricity from the grid.
Green roofs are another great strategy for green building owners to reduce their reliance on city water systems while reducing stormwater runoff through rainwater collection. Along with producing clean energy, whole-building wind turbines can provide additional revenue for your business over time as well as reduce carbon emissions on the environment.
Green buildings can offer a wide range of benefits for business owners and the public alike. From reducing carbon emissions to saving money with tax incentives, it’s worth learning more about green building technologies so you can decide if they’re appropriate for your commercial property.
