In the contemporary world, it is becoming even more crucial to be conscious of the impact our actions have on the environment. A lavish five-story commercial building with fancy glass windows and a marble lobby may look great to customers and help a business make money, but does it contribute to the rising levels of greenhouse gases? What about the electricity bills?
You may be stumped to learn that the commercial building sector is responsible for roughly 35 percent of all the energy used in the United States each year. It also means that the industry contributes 16% of carbon dioxide emissions.
If your commercial building is anything like the average, it’s probably not very energy efficient. Here are some commercial building design parameters to change that:
Appropriate Site Selection:
Paying attention to the pre-building phase can improve the energy consumption of a commercial building.
The location, slope, and orientation of your commercial building all play a role in its energy efficiency. To make the most of these factors, choose a site that:
- Has a level or gently sloping terrain
- Faces south (in the northern hemisphere) or north (in the southern hemisphere)
- It is large enough to accommodate the solar panels needed to generate all the electricity your business will use.
Air circulation velocity, also called wind speed, is another critical consideration. The faster the air blows, the more heat it can carry away from your building.
Site Planning:
Procuring the right site is only the first step in designing an energy-efficient commercial building. Once you’ve found the perfect location, it’s time to plan your construction to minimize the amount of energy your building will consume.
The distance between buildings, the number of trees and landscaping, and even the orientation of your building on the site can all have an impact on energy consumption.
Building Design:
The shape of your commercial building can also affect its energy efficiency. A rectangular building with a long, narrow footprint is more efficient than a square one because it has lesser exterior surface area for heat to travel through.
Similarly, the building material you use will also affect its energy efficiency. Brick or stone walls are more efficient than wood because they have a higher thermal mass, meaning they can absorb and store more heat.
Moreover, double- or triple-glazed windows can also help you reduce heat loss in a commercial building.
Proper Insulation:
Commercial buildings have a higher heat load than residential ones, so it’s essential to make sure your building is properly insulated.
The kind of insulation you use depends on your climate and the type of building you have. However, fiberglass or cellulose insulation is a good choice for most commercial buildings.
Additionally, you can also use reflective insulation to further increase energy efficiency, which reflects heat into the building.
Energy-Efficient Lighting:
Lighting is a crucial factor to account for when constructing an energy-efficient commercial building. The type of lighting you use will depend on the function of the space.
For example, if you’re constructing a warehouse, you’ll want to use high-efficiency fluorescent lighting. If you’re building an office space, you might want to use LED lighting.
There are many other types of energy-efficient lighting available, so be sure to research the best option for your needs.
Conclusion:
Commercial constructors in Beverly Hills, LA, can use these tips to create an energy-efficient building.
Voshall Construction has 38 years of experience in the construction industry, so if you need help constructing your energy-efficient commercial building, give us a call.
