Businesses are becoming increasingly interested in ways to operate more sustainably, both to save money and to appeal to a growing segment of the population that is striving to live in a more environmentally-friendly way. If you own a growing business that might require new buildings in the near future, here are three ways to have more sustainable construction.
1. Install Adequate Insulation
Using enough insulation in your building will save energy costs all year long. Insulation keeps heat out of the building during the summer months and keeps cold air out during the winter months. The increased efficiency that comes with proper insulation is better for the environment and for your bottom line, as less energy is required to keep the inside of the building at a hospitable temperature. As an added bonus, proper insulation dampens traffic noise from the street if you are seeking a quiet office environment.
2. Capitalize on Natural Light
Especially important if you live in a region that gets a lot of sunlight, making good use of natural light by having large windows and skylights saves energy by requiring you to use less artificial light. While newer LED lights are very energy efficient, the amount of energy used can add up when you have a large space. Every little bit of energy consumption counts, especially if your building needs to comply with something like the AB 802 benchmarking Los Angeles CA report.
3. Choose Environmentally-Friendly Materials
When designing and building a new space, you have the unique opportunity to engage in environmentally-friendly practices from the very beginning of the process. Some sustainable materials include bamboo floors, solar panels, and composite roofing shingles. Using these materials sets a good example for how to use the building throughout its lifespan.
Consider these three options if you are looking to build an environmentally-friendly warehouse or office.
