Transforming buildings into more energy efficient spaces has been a big deal for the last few decades, and it’s not just something homeowners do to get rebates on their solar panel systems.
Increasing energy efficiency can have a positive impact on your business and the brand image you portray to the world.
If you have yet to get on board with this concept, here’s why you should start today.
The first reason to prioritize energy efficiency is to save money.
Even if you care more about the environment than taming your cash flow, you can’t run a business if your expenses are too high.
Taking steps to become more energy efficient will lower your heating and cooling bills, and depending on your current situation, that can amount to saving hundreds or thousands every year.
Energy usage in a commercial space is somewhat unpredictable from month to month.
However, most business owners can save money on power by upgrading the building’s transformer.
You may not realize that the power company charges you for all of the electricity that is sent to you from the main station, but when that electricity passes through your transformer, a significant amount of energy is lost in the process of converting the voltage.
However, some transformers waste less energy than others.
Transformer manufacturers are required to produce units that meet certain energy efficient standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy.
While you aren’t required to replace your transformer, when you buy one that meets or exceeds the energy efficient standards, you’ll see significant savings on your monthly energy bills.
Making your business energy efficient will reduce your carbon footprint.
It’s possible to lower your greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by simply investing in energy efficient systems for your building.
Whether you own a business or you’re a commercial real estate investor, making your properties energy efficient will significantly increase their value.
Energy efficient properties often sell for a higher premium even when there are comparable features.
People are willing to pay more for a building thy know will help them save money on utility bills far into the future.
When a building is well insulated, you’ll use far less energy to heat it during the winter and cool it during the summer.
In addition to lowering your utility bills, it will increase comfort levels for everyone who works in your building.
For example, they won’t have to huddle up next to a heater or layer their clothing just to stay warm when it’s chilly outside.
In a well insulated building, heat will stay in the building rather than escaping out the roof.
Weatherproofing your building will also include drafts coming from windows and doors.
Insulation will also keep cool air in during the hot summer months when you have to run the air conditioner all day long.
A more surprising benefit of having an energy efficient building is how it will prevent pollutants from building up, like dust and pollen.
There’s also less of a chance for mold growth because energy efficiency keeps moisture out of the building.
Another important point to consider is that future laws might require you to meet certain energy efficient standards and there could be consequences for not following through.
The sooner you make your buildings efficient, the better.
There’s no way to know exactly what the future laws might be, but it’s a safe bet to say that the United States might end up following standards already established in Europe.
Nothing will financially impact your business more than customers who either love you or want to boycott you.
Today’s consumers expect the businesses they support to be concerned about the environment, even if it’s just through small actions.
People want to spend money with businesses that take environmental issues seriously, and 23% are willing to pay more for products and services provided by businesses that actively work to reduce their carbon footprint.
In addition to customers, there are plenty of job seekers who look for businesses with sustainable practices and if you want access to top talent, sustainability will help.
This goes beyond just making your building energy efficient, however.
Running a sustainable business means reducing your carbon footprint throughout the entire chain of operations.
If you haven’t already prioritized energy efficiency for your business, now is the time.
When you do, you’ll get ahead of potential future laws and your building will be a more pleasant place to work.
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