Energy costs are going up; there is no getting around it. Unfortunately, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, there is no relief in sight. As prices continue to rise, those building new construction don't have to bear all the brunt. There are a number of energy-efficient strategies that you can employ make your new commercial building more economical, permanently. 

Smart design choices made early in the design process can reduce your operating costs dramatically. They can improve the comfort of future occupants and support long-term environmental goals. With advanced building systems and thoughtful material selection, these strategies help your building perform better right from the start. 

Optimized Building Orientation

Simple, yet incredibly effective, the orientation of your new commercial building can have a profound effect on its energy use. By positioning your structure thoughtfully, you can reduce heating, cooling, and lighting costs throughout the year. You can even make your building more wind-resistant in this way. That's great news for those of us who frequently find ourselves in the path of a hurricane. 

Orienting your commercial building's longest sides toward the north and south helps maximize the effects of the sun. Doing so provides consistent daylight and minimizes the harsh morning and afternoon sun coming from the east and west. In the summer, it blocks heat, lowering your cooling costs. In winter, strategic shading devices and window placement can maximize sunlight. 

By aligning openings in the path of prevailing breezes, you support natural ventilation, reducing mechanical cooling. Paired with other strategies, this lays the foundation for long-term sustainability and lower energy costs. It also improves the comfort of your occupants.

Lighting Solutions

Smart lighting systems play a starring role in the efficiency of your new commercial building. They can enhance comfort, improve productivity, and make lighting your space much more affordable. Modern lighting design focuses on the right amount and right type of light, without wasting energy.

LED Lighting

LED lighting is an immensely effective way to improve your project's energy efficiency. These use much less energy than fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. They also last much longer, require less maintenance, and have better light quality and color temperature options. 

Window Design

Well-placed windows, skylights, and light shelves are great for maximizing natural sunlight. This further reduces artificial lighting usage. Light shelves sit just above your windows, are adjustable, and reflect light deeper into the building without glare. Automated shades provide more comfortable light based on the time of day and the sun's position.

Thermal window glazing uses double or triple-pane glass with insulating gas between the panes. These layers slow down heat transfer. They function like other forms of insulation, reflecting heat in the summer and holding it in winter. Low-emissivity coatings also reflect infrared light and filter out harmful UV rays.

Smart Controls

Smart controls bring all of your new commercial buildings' energy-efficient systems together. They allow your systems to operate at peak efficiency, with minimal waste. Using sensors, automation, and real-time data, these controls adjust energy use throughout the day. 

Building automation systems (BAS) are comprehensive systems that control things like HVAC, lighting, and shading from a central platform. Sensors turn lights on and off in less frequently used spaces, such as restrooms. Programmable schedules keep usage low on weekends and at night. 

HVAC Systems

Another highly impactful investment you can make in your new commercial building is a high-efficiency HVAC system. Heating, cooling, and ventilation account for a significant portion of your energy use. When combined with building orientation and smart window planning, an energy-efficient HVAC system significantly improves your building's comfort. Not to mention the savings.

Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems adjust output according to real-time demand. They reduce over-conditioning costs and energy waste. Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) capture exhaust air and reuse it, reducing load on your system. 

Pair zoning with smart controls to heat and cool spaces based on usage and occupancy of a space. By pairing smart controls with high-performance HVAC systems, you can increase comfort, lower energy consumption, and provide long-term energy savings.

Water Efficiency

Finally, water efficiency plays an integral role in the energy efficiency of your new commercial building. It not only reduces water use but also lowers heating, pumping, and treatment costs.

Low-Flow Fixtures 

Installing low-flow fixtures on faucets, toilets, and urinals significantly reduces water use without compromising performance. Water-efficient appliances, including ENERGY STAR-rated models, further minimize water waste. 

Smart Controls

Smart controls are effective in increasing water efficiency as well. Automated shutoff valves, leak detection sensors, and real-time monitoring identify issues right away. This saves a lot of money and prevents expensive and destructive water damage.

Smart Irrigation

If sustainability is your priority, greywater systems and rainwater harvesting are worthwhile investments. These harvest water from your building or rainwater to irrigate outdoor landscaping. Together, these strategies reduce consumption, lower expenses, and create a more environmentally friendly building. 

Trust TSpark With Your Energy-Efficient Commercial Building

From design to finished product, TSpark Enterprises can lead you through the process of making your commercial building more energy-efficient. Contact us today to discuss your new commercial building project. We look forward to speaking to you!