The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International has published its top-10 ways for making energy efficiency and sustainability a priority in commercial real estate.
They are:
1. Measure and Manage. Benchmark energy and water consumption through Energy Star Portfolio Manager.
2. Audit Yourself. Perform regular energy audits to identify opportunities for cost-effective energy reductions. Remember to perform midnight evaluations to make sure lighting and HVAC aren’t running when the building is unoccupied.
3. Get the Word Out. Institute a tenant energy awareness program, using your company newsletter and/or building announcements to keep tenants informed about energy management goals and how they can help. Provide them with energy savings tips.
4. Become Enlightened. Replace incandescent lights with CFLs, which use less energy, have a longer lamp life and produce less heat.( They should have mentioned LEDS in our view!)
5. Go Low Flow. Install low-flow/flush fixtures and hands-free fixtures in restrooms.
6. Don’t Forget Electronics. Hold an e-waste day and collect old printers, computers and electronics for recycling.
7. Use Sensors. Install occupancy sensors and photo sensors that monitor daylight. Occupancy sensors also work for HVAC controls.
8. Be Shady. Install solar shades to block heat.
9. Encourage Eco-Friendly Transportation. Install bicycle racks and electronic vehicle chargers.
10. Improve IAQ. Use high-efficiency HVAC filters and change them often. Use low-VOC paints, sealants and adhesives for building improvements.
Article appearing courtesy Celsias.
2 comments
You can also make sure that every one is working at the ideal temperature for the conditions and wearing the most appropriate clothing. To help this, I have developed the eco-wand ComfoMeter system – http://www.eco-wand.com – which measures temperature and humidity and shows what the ideal temperature is with regard to comfort and economy.
I have been to Shell Amsterdam and they are really really ambitious about this! Their complete building from bottom to top is energy efficiency. The opening was in, I think 2010? Dont remember exactly, but there are a lot of companies who can learn a lot from them!
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