Sustainability is becoming one of the priority focuses in facilities and buildings today. Eco-friendly practices can not only help lower your building’s costs but can also help reduce environmental impact.
According to the Global Energy Review 2021 by IEA, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact global energy demand in buildings, with nearly three-quarters of the global demand from the industry and buildings sectors. With that being said, it is time for buildings and facilities to adopt sustainable, everyday practices. Here are six eco-friendly practices your building should follow:
1. Automatic Sensors
Technology with automatic sensors is crucial for any building as it reduces electrical costs by minimizing the electricity in unoccupied spaces. These practices may include installing motion sensors and dimming lighting that turns on when a room is occupied and turns off when empty. Additionally, installing automatic systems for high touchpoints such as soap and water installations will dispense the appropriate amount needed to avoid any waste.
2. Automated HVAC controls
Thermal leak detectors are a useful technology system that can track leaks in the HVAC system in a building. They can help reduce the building’s loss of heated or cooled air. This not only helps strengthen the insulation and air sealing strategies but also helps reduce equipment waste by boosting the lifespan of your AC and furnace.
3. Natural lighting
Making use of natural lighting is energy-efficient as it does not require any extra work or electricity. The use of large windows in a building allows for natural light to shine in to reduce the use of electrical lighting. It is also important to use energy-efficient interior lighting, such as LED and CFL bulbs, to help save energy. Integration of solar-powered equipment such as solar adapting lights, solar heating and cooling fans is a great use of natural lighting.
4. Recycling
Having a proper recycling program in a building is very important. A multi-purpose compost, recycling and garbage bin in busy rooms is useful to ensure items are being disposed properly. Having a garbage schedule is essential to ensure your building’s waste is being disposed accordingly and on time.
5. Products with clean ingredients
Facility cleaning has been crucial in the past year, and using green and bio-degradable cleaning products can help keep your building eco-friendly. Whether covering floors or counters, there are many cleaning products that are non-toxic for humans and safe for the eco-system. It is also important to stay updated on new innovations and practices.
6. Employee training
Staff and employees can help by doing their part! Training building occupants and educating them on green initiatives are important, as they can not only keep the building clean but also carry it onto their daily practices at home. This may include forwarding educational e-newsletters to employees, hosting regular meetings and encouraging them to bring reusable/recyclable items into the building.
Overall, building operators and managers can highly benefit from sustainable practices. Going green is great for your building, as you reduce your carbon footprint while helping the ecosystem. With the new findings and research studies being conducted, these are one of the many ways your building can be eco-friendly.