If you own or manage a commercial building, you will know how important it is to manage energy consumption. You may also understand the impact of energy charges on your bottom line. In today’s world, reducing your energy consumption is no longer an option but a necessity. Commercial spaces like retail spaces, offices, and hotels are the largest electricity consumers in the U.S. energy market.
Reducing energy consumption in commercial spaces will minimize the strain on the electricity grid. Recently, electricity rates in Texas have slightly declined as commercial buildings are actively trying to reduce their energy consumption. Proper planning, advanced technology, and behavioral changes are required to reduce energy consumption. By reducing energy usage, buildings gain monetary goals and contribute to environmental commitment.
This blog will explore the significant energy-consuming systems in commercial buildings and provide practical tips for optimizing energy consumption. It will also discuss the need for reduced energy usage in bigger buildings.
Major Commercial Systems That Consume High Energy
Commercial sectors consume energy in many ways, including extensive cooling or heating systems, lighting systems, building infrastructure, water heating, various equipment and appliances, and many more. Identifying the elements that consume the most energy in your commercial buildings is crucial to reducing energy consumption. Besides, identifying these high-energy-consuming systems will help you implement energy-saving strategies in your building. Let us look at some of the systems that may be consuming a significant amount of energy.
- Heating or cooling systems
- Ventilation
- Lighting systems
- Motors
- Refrigeration
- Machinery
- Unique equipment for laboratories or kitchen
- Elevators and escalator systems
- Data centers
- Building automation systems
Studies conducted by the national survey show that, in the United States, HVAC was resolved to account for approximately 51% (national volume) of total energy consumed in commercial buildings in the year 2003. Lighting was set to account for 21%, and all other end uses account for the balance of 28% (EIA, 2008).
The day-to-day activities in your building and the total number of employees occupying the space directly impact the energy consumption in your commercial space. Also, the machines or appliances that are used in the building will influence energy consumption.
Why Reducing Energy Usage is Imperative in Commercial Buildings?
Energy consumption is pivotal as its benefits are expanded to financial, economic, and social regularities. Let us look at why commercial buildings, especially those considering providers like Constellation Pennsylvania, should aim for reduced energy consumption.
Environmental Benefits
Commercial buildings are responsible for a considerable share of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing energy usage has many environmental benefits, including reduced carbon emissions and protection of the surroundings. By implementing measures to lower their energy usage, you are contributing to improving the world’s climate change crisis and improving local air quality.
Cost Savings
Considering the vast size, complexity, and constant operation of machines in commercial buildings, energy usage is usually very high. Reducing energy expenses can potentially result in significant cost savings, as energy expenses constitute a major part of a commercial building’s operational costs. Implementing energy-saving strategies will help business improve their bottom line, especially during economic downturns.
Conservation of Resources
By regulating and using energy wisely, commercial buildings contribute to the responsible use of natural resources. By controlling their energy consumption, businesses help conserve these valuable resources for future generations.
Tips to Reduce Energy Consumption in Commercial Buildings
Reducing energy consumption in commercial buildings is a heterogeneous process that requires a combination of procedures to optimize various aspects of building functioning and design. Here are some tips that can help commercial buildings reduce their energy consumption.
1. Use of Renewable Energy
Leveraging renewable energy to power up your commercial space is a massive advancement towards environmental conservation. Besides, it will considerably reduce your carbon footprint. Explore options for integrating renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines into the building’s energy sources. On-site green energy generation can offset power usage from the grid, reduce utility bills, and minimize reliance on fossil fuels, leading to long-term sustainability objectives.
2. Accurate Power Supervision
By implementing adequate power management, the wastage of energy through inactive machines can be controlled. Also, make arrangements to shut off the power automatically when the equipment is not in use. It is relevant to appoint power supervisors in every commercial building to use electricity effectively.
3. Energy Audits and Monitoring
Regular energy audits will help you identify areas of high energy consumption and benchmark your building’s energy performance against similar commercial spaces. Building management systems (BMS) can monitor energy consumption continuously and understand the areas where energy is being consumed above the benchmark. These insights will allow you to devise energy conservation strategies for your buildings.
4. Upgrade Lighting Systems
Switching to energy-efficient lighting inside the office space will help you save a lot of energy, as almost one-fourth of your energy consumption comes from lighting systems. LED lights consume the least amount of energy compared to other forms of lighting systems. They not only reduce electricity usage but also have a longer lifespan and are heatless. If your building has traditional incandescent lighting, it is high time you replace it with a more energy-efficient system. Older lighting methods consume more electricity than modern systems.
5. HVAC Maintenance
HVAC systems are significant electricity consumers in commercial buildings. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, HVAC systems account for almost 40% of the energy consumption in commercial buildings. Regular maintenance of your HVAC systems is crucial to ensure optimal energy consumption and proper functioning. Consider retrofitting your system to energy-efficient HVAC equipment, such as variable frequency drives (VFDs) for motors and energy-recovery ventilation systems.
6. Enhance your Building Insulation
A properly insulated commercial building can save you much energy and money. Insulate the walls, roofs, and windows to reduce heat absorption during summer and heat loss during winter. Make sure that there are no air leaks. Installing reflective coatings on roofs will reduce the cooling load. A properly insulated building will eliminate energy wastage and eventually contribute to lowering your electricity bill.
Conclusion
Reducing the energy consumption in commercial buildings might be challenging. It may involve economic factors and might only sometimes be affordable. However, with proper planning and help from experts, you can considerably reduce energy consumption in your commercial building spaces.
