The trend toward green construction practices, projects, and technologies is only continuing to grow in 2021. Implementing these practices allows construction companies to construct greener buildings that are more energy efficient and better for our environment. For commercial buildings especially, it’s crucial to consider facility efficiency improvements for 2021 and beyond.

TOP 3 WAYS TO IMPROVE FACILITY EFFICIENCY

Sustainability is important—is your organization’s building structure up to par? Buildings use about 40% of the world’s energy and contribute to as much as 40% of global carbon emissions. In the United States, facilities are responsible for 49% of the country’s energy use and three-quarters of all electricity usage. Here are Skilled Services’ top ways to improve facility efficiency and how they can limit energy output to create a better environment for all. 

PRESERVATION

Letting buildings deteriorate is costly to everyone involved, whether it’s the owners, patrons, or environment at large. The upkeep and improvement of older buildings is sometimes the greenest option overall—especially when the building is historically significant to a community.

Additionally, a 20% income tax credit is available for the rehabilitation of historic, income-producing buildings. Preserving buildings is a great, sustainable option, but it can also save you money by not having to start from square one. With tax incentives to top it off, it truly is an affordable way to be green. As contractors go along in the preservation process, ensure they have strategic energy management systems in place to give the building an efficient edge.

FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS

Sustainability improvement projects specifically aim to improve energy efficiency and operations. Certain facility improvements can contribute to long-term sustainability, affordability, and safety and include:

• Window Improvements
• Control Improvements
• Lighting Improvements and Design

This list isn’t comprehensive but should be insightful into the kinds of improvements that can be made toward a more energy-efficient facility. 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADES

Sometimes the things that require energy-efficient upgrades aren’t what you’d normally expect. Because commercial buildings are the cause of a large portion of global emissions, every utility used can be conserved or upgraded in some way to help make structures more sustainable. 

If your business is looking for opportunities to save money, energy efficiency upgrades are a great place to start. This can include automated HVAC systems, eco-friendly lighting, or even window and door insulation. Not sure where to start? Have a contractor do an energy audit of your property to help point out blind spots you may have missed. These people are experts in the industry and will often have access to knowledge or technology that is best for your commercial property in the long term.

FACILITY EFFICIENCY AT SKILLED SERVICES

With the Tennessee Energy Efficiency Loan Program, accessing energy-efficient upgrades for facilities has never been easier. This program offers up to six years of financing at 2% interest for qualified energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. This can mean huge savings for Tennessean commercial building projects.

At Skilled Services, we understand our responsibility to minimize environmental impact with energy-efficient solutions for facilities in our community. The green building movement is important, and we are proud to be a part of it. Our expert team follows all building codes and is familiar with special legislation that can save you money. We consistently deliver the most environmentally friendly options at the best price. Curious what going green could look like for your commercial building? Contact us today to make an appointment.