24 May Reducing Energy Usage in Commercial Buildings : Untapped Profit Potential

Commercial buildings consume a huge chunk of energy for lighting, HVAC systems, and more. Naturally, they are also the biggest contributors to the ecological footprint. New York City is on a mission to become greener by reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. 

Implementing energy efficiency in commercial buildings will result in sustainability and compliance with the stringent measures set out by authorities for environmental protection. However, a motivational factor for property owners to engage in power savings is the associated financial benefits. Dive into this article to understand how lower electricity usage will contribute to profit and ways to achieve that. 

Financial Advantages of Energy Savings

Property owners should consider power conservation because it translates into the following monetary benefits:

• Lower bills: The soaring electricity costs can be a huge burden for building owners. The implementation of power-efficient measures will bring down your utility bills. You will be able to save around 30% on your bills by reducing electricity consumption in commercial properties. 
• Enhance Property Value: If you reduce business energy costs, it will create a positive impression for your building in the real estate market. Nowadays, tenants often look for sustainable properties. By embracing power efficiency, you will be able to increase the occupancy rate and rental income.
• Tax Incentives: The government offers various rebates and other benefits to encourage energy efficiency. These programs can cover your cost of executing conservation measures. It will ultimately improve your returns from these investments. 
• Protection from Fines: NYC has laid out several Local Laws to attain its goal of becoming power efficient. If you don’t adhere to these regulations, you will have to bear hefty fines. So, embracing the electricity conservation methods will help you stay compliant and prevent burning a hole in your pocket. 

Strategies for Power Savings

A few simple measures that can contribute to commercial energy savings are as follows:

Maintain Your HVAC Systems

Frequent appointments with an HVAC expert can enhance the performance of your system and avoid expensive repairs. Dust and debris might clog the vents or filters. Moreover, some of the components might stop working efficiently after a few years of use. Your HVAC system comes under a lot of pressure due to these issues. Hiring professionals ensure that they conduct a comprehensive examination and clean various components of your system to guarantee optimal efficiency.

Look After Insulation

The exterior of your property should be able to reduce the need for heating and cooling. Your insulating materials should aim to seal off any potential air leaks. Modern constructions can incorporate top-notch insulation and innovative wall structures that provide extra insulation. Upgrading doors and windows in older buildings can prove to be a wise financial decision to prevent air leakage.

Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances

Old appliances like refrigerators and water coolers use up a lot of electricity. You should replace them with newer models that are designed to be more power-efficient. Some property owners consider investing in smart controls that switch off systems automatically when not in use. 

Commercial properties can also save a lot by upgrading their lighting systems. Traditional lighting technologies like incandescent bulbs are quite inefficient. You should look for replacements like LED lights to reduce power consumption. Moreover, they are highly durable. 

Replace or Retrofit HVAC Systems

You might need to replace your entire HVAC system to make it consume less electricity. But a retrofit can be more practical before complete replacement. Retrofits can include one of the following:

• Replacement of the compressor
• Attaching fan controls for the condenser
• Enhancing ventilation based on demand control

All of these measures can lower energy bills without compromising your level of comfort. You should consider retrofits particularly when you are dealing with a large HVAC system using too much electricity. If you are planning to replace the whole HVAC system, remember to check out the energy ratings. 

Perform an Energy Audit

The first step in this process often involves conducting an energy assessment at your establishment to identify possible areas for improvement. You can conduct the assessment yourself. But it is always better to hire a professional to analyze your energy usage. 

A good starting point in managing your energy consumption is to examine your electricity bills. Additionally, review your service, maintenance, and repair records. It is essential to inspect your HVAC and lighting systems thoroughly to evaluate their overall condition and efficiency. 

You may discover that you can reduce energy usage by addressing issues that are inexpensive or cost-effective to resolve. At times, it can be as simple as rearranging furniture that obstructs vents.

Educate Tenants and Occupants

If you are trying to figure out how to reduce energy consumption, you will have to work together with tenants and occupants. Talk to them about the importance of saving power and simple ways to do that. Make employees embrace the habit of shutting off lights and other systems when not in use. It will prevent unnecessary wastage of power and help you save on your bills. 

Ending Note

The benefits of commercial electricity savings go beyond staying environmentally conscious. Get in touch with the experts at The Cotocon Group to bring down your property’s power usage and unlock immense properties in return. From performing energy audits to implementing upgrades, the professionals can help you with everything for long-term cost benefits. So, embrace energy efficiency and watch your profits soar high with a positive impact on the planet. 

FAQs:

What is the meaning of optimizing power usage in properties?

Power optimization in buildings refers to enhancing energy efficiency. It helps in finding the optimal design and measures for properties that can help meet energy performance requirements. 

Which systems inside commercial buildings consume the most electricity?

Usually, HVAC systems use up a lot of power. Lighting systems also take up a lot of energy. But embracing power-efficient options can lower bills and lead to conservation.

Why is energy conservation important in commercial properties?

Commercial establishments are the largest source of power consumption. Conservation measures can lead to sustainability by bringing down carbon emissions. Moreover, it can lead to financial benefits like lower bills and tax rebates.