Commercial buildings consume about 18 percent of all energy in the United States. They also contribute more than 16 percent of the country's CO2 emissions.
Unfortunately, much of this energy is waste, a symptom of inefficiencies in HVAC, lighting, or other systems. The good news is that there are some simple energy management practices commercial real estate owners can put into place to limit the amount of energy their buildings consume.
Below are some strategies for better sustainability in your Maple Valley property. Keep reading to learn the best ways to keep utility costs down without sacrificing comfort.
Conduct an Energy Audit
Before jumping into adjustments to your commercial properties, it is worth carrying out an energy audit. This is a meticulous analysis of how buildings consume energy. It will help you identify where the greatest inefficiencies lie so you can prioritize upgrades.
Upgrade Your HVAC System
HVAC systems have a lot of moving parts that must all work together to deliver heated or cooled air throughout the building. If any aspect of your HVAC system is not operating at optimal levels, other parts have to work harder. That leads to wasted energy.
For this reason, regular maintenance of HVAC systems can help improve efficiency. It also can help catch minor problems before they become major ones.
Leveraging technology, like smart thermostats, can go a long way to improving energy efficiency as well. You might consider integrating sensors and professional software to monitor HVAC operations.
Consider Replacing Windows
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 30 percent of energy used to cool or heat buildings is lost through windows. Especially if you have an older building, upgrading to more energy-efficient ones can save substantially on utility costs.
Replacing windows can be a major undertaking, depending on the size of your units or buildings. Keep in mind that it is also a great investment, not only in terms of energy savings but for ROI as well.
Install Efficient Lighting
Installing energy-efficient lighting is an easy way to reduce energy costs. Bulbs are a good place to start. LED bulbs use at least 75 percent less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent ones.
Also, consider installing automated lighting in your buildings. This can adjust the requisite level of lighting based on ambient light. It will ensure tenants have ample visibility without any waste.
Adopt an Ongoing Optimization Plan
Energy management is not a one-time fix but an ongoing endeavor. That is because technology is always changing. The tools available today will be replaced or upgraded tomorrow.
This means you should always be on the lookout for ways to improve energy cost efficiency in your properties. Small tweaks can add up to big savings over time. So, even seemingly minor upgrades can yield major results.
Learn More About Energy Management
Now that you understand the importance of energy management, you can implement eco-friendly practices and policies to keep your utility bills low and your tenants happy. A professional property management company can further advise you on the best options for better building performance.
PMI Puget Sound is a full-service real estate management company. We offer a range of services, including marketing, rent collection, and property management. Reach out to us today to learn more.
