Brooke Chaplan https://www.unitedcontractinggroup.com 2m 478 #green
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
There are many ways to go green. Some are big and costly projects while others are quite easy and affordable. If you are looking for some ideas for transforming your office building into a greener environment, here are some tips.
Update Your Lighting
If you can, introduce more natural daylight by adding windows. If that isn’t possible, switch out your dated light fixtures for LED lighting. LED lights require less energy and the bulbs last about 6 times longer than fluorescent and incandescent ones. While you are at it, place lights that don’t need to be on all the time on motion sensors and timers.
Replace the Roof
If it is time for a new roof, consider upgrading to a membrane that reflects the hot sun while keeping the conditioned air inside the building at a comfortable temperature. Speak with a roofing professional, such as United Contracting Group, about which surface would be most appropriate for the climate in your area. This could be reflective EPD for a flat roof or standing seam metal for a pitched roof.
Consider Renewable Energy Options
While you are thinking about a roof replacement, do some research on solar energy. Solar panels can provide your building with a renewable source of energy that can save money on electricity costs. Your utility company may offer attractive incentives for doing this.
Monitor and Maintain HVAC Systems
It isn’t unusual for office buildings to be too cold in summer and too warm in winter. An easy way to remedy this is to leave the thermostat set at a constant temperature. 78 degrees seems to be the magic number for daytime heating and cooling. After office hours that can be increased to 85 degrees in summer and decreased to 65 degrees in winter. You also should get on a maintenance schedule to have the equipment serviced, cleaned, and filters replaced. Routine maintenance ensures that equipment runs more efficiently.
Bring Nature Indoors
By introducing living plants into the indoor office environment, you will be adding oxygen and cleaning the air. Green plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. They also are sponges for airborne pollutants, such as dust, mold, mites, and pollen. There have been studies performed that show that plants can increase productivity by reducing stress and improving mood. This is a very affordable and easy way to transform your office building into a green space.
Summary
Anything you can do to your office building to make it a greener environment is a win-win. Employees will work better and your wallet will be lighter. It can be a return on investment project, such as replacing the roof or installing solar panels. Or, it can be as simple as swapping out lights, maintaining the HVAC system, and introducing plants.
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