Energy use accounts for about one-third of a commercial building’s operating expenses. Luckily, during the master planning stage, developers design layouts that reduce energy consumption. Here are a few of the ways the decisions you make during the design phase affect the building’s electrical demands.

How to Build an Energy-Efficient Facility

1. Seal & Insulate

Commercial HVAC systems approved by EnergyStar® help keep costs down. To improve further efficiency, choose insulation with high R-values, or a measure of thermal resistance. Commercial facilities have R-value requirements for insulation, but picking products with figures higher than the minimum requirements may result in energy savings. 

2. Opt for Low-Consumption Fixtures

Certain equipment is designed to consume fewer resources. For light fixtures, choose light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, which consume around 75% less energy than incandescent lighting and last longer than other alternatives. Water-efficient faucets, toilets, and urinals also include automatic sensors that prevent energy and water waste.

3. Harness Solar Power

Renewable energy is cost-effective. Solar panels, for example, reduce your dependence on electricity. Net metering incentives also allow you to store excess solar energy in the grid so you can draw power as needed at no additional cost. To reap the power of natural light further, install windows throughout the building.  

4. Consider Orientation

The way a building faces affects how much light it receives. In North America, south-facing areas receive the most amount of sun throughout the day. Laying out the building to face the south increases heat gain in the winter, reducing the need for heating systems.

When landscaping, place trees to shade areas that require cooling. Double- or triple-paned windows are also useful in south-facing areas to prevent heat gain in the summer. 

Master planning allows property owners to develop efficient and practical buildings. Jackola Engineering & Architecture, PC is a design-integrated firm that provides architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering services for commercial clients in Vancouver, WA, and Kalispell, MT. Their master planners thoroughly assess all aspects of your plot to design comprehensive road maps for successful development. To schedule an appointment, call (406) 755-3208 for Kalispell or (360) 852-8746 for Vancouver. Visit them online to learn more about the many markets they serve.