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Ideas to make offices more energy efficient

April, 2022

Ways to make offices more energy efficient
 
Energy efficiency is a critical factor in building and construction work. As the world’s natural resources get depleted, all entities are trying to preserve and carefully manage these resources. Commercial buildings are no exception.
State of affairs

Offices are in fact amongst the largest energy consumers in the country, next to the retail, industrial, health, and hospitality sectors. In addition, heating and lighting take up most of the energy produced in the country. Such consumption confirms the importance of energy efficiency in all new buildings and renovations of old buildings.

Many of these ideas you will already be aware of but it is worth recapping.

1. Invest in certified energy-efficient devices
 
Specifically, invest in Energy Star-labelled products – with regards the

UK, this label is used on office equipment and shows that a product has achieved energy efficiency standards set by the EU. These products consume less power than similar products. Consuming less energy leaves more for future use while buying time for natural resource rebuilding efforts.

2. Adopt modern architectural designs
 
In the past, office blocks were enclosed cages that needed lighting round the clock. Seeing as lighting is one of the biggest energy consumers countrywide, adopting an open plan style office layout helps minimise the need to keep the lights on. By using more natural light, the building will use less energy for lighting. Additionally, using more steel and glass in construction with proper sealing prevents heat loss. This option adds to energy conservation since the building won’t need as much heating.

3. Use energy-efficient and longer-lasting materials
 
Besides lighting, the floors and walls are the following energy loss points in a commercial building. There are energy-efficient commercial flooring products such as luxury vinyl tiles that have balanced heat retention and dissipation. This way, you won’t need to constantly heat the offices when it’s cold or cool them down during summer. Commercial carpets and carpet tiling boost energy efficiency by retaining heat during cold seasons.

4. Make the commercial building smart
 
Installing smart thermostats, smart lighting, and other automated devices helps monitor energy use and increase efficiency in energy consumption. For example, smart lights turn off when no one is in the office. Similarly, a smart thermostat regulates the office temperature far more accurately than people.

Conclusion
 
It’s essential to find ways to preserve energy and consume it responsibly and sustainably. Designing energy-efficient commercial buildings is an excellent strategy since commercial buildings are among the biggest energy consumers.

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