Green commercial design lowers your company's carbon footprint, which in turn can have many benefits for your work environment and employees. Some key factors that influence commercial designs and reduce carbon footprint include the use of renewable construction materials, water conservation, and more.
Did you know that the green building materials market in the United States is projected to grow by 12.7% between 2022 and 2030, according to Fortune Business Insights? The steady growth of this economic sector highlights the increased demand for eco-friendly structures in the U.S. Overall, these types of buildings will play a large role in carbon footprint reduction as a whole.
What Does Carbon Footprint Mean?
Carbon footprint refers to the amount of greenhouse gases that an individual or a business releases into the atmosphere. There are both direct and indirect carbon emissions; for instance, purchasing clothes at a store does not directly impact carbon footprint, but the indirect impact refers to the energy used to manufacture and ship the clothing to the store.
What Causes the Biggest Carbon Footprint?
The Environmental Protection Agency reports that transportation in the United States causes the highest amount of carbon emissions, at a staggering 28% of total emissions. Transportation emissions have led to innovations within the car industry, with more manufacturers touting eco-friendly features for newer models.
Electric power follows as a close second, at 25%. More homeowners and businesses are relying on solar panels to reduce their electric bills and put less strain on the grid with electricity usage.
How Can Carbon Footprint Influence Commercial Designs?
Carbon footprint has a huge influence on commercial decisions, especially new construction. With a blank slate, it is easier than ever for builders to incorporate elements such as timber structures in commercial development, or other factors that lower their overall carbon emissions.
Sustainable Building Materials
Sustainable building materials are making waves within the construction industry. Companies are relying more on recycled materials, preventing the manufacturing of new materials that use additional energy.
Some of the most popular renewable building materials in today's commercial building designs include:
- Recycled Steel: Reusing metal avoids the energy-heavy production of new steel
- Bamboo: One of the quickest-growing plants that is also highly durable
- Rammed Earth: Using natural dirt and soil to create structures, rather than bringing in outside materials
- Timber: A more eco-friendly alternative to elements such as concrete or steel
Water Conservation and Recycling
Rather than piping in new, clean water for essential business functions, water conservation and recycling help commercial businesses save money and resources.
One of the simplest methods for water conservation is using reclaimed water for landscaping. You can keep your greenery lush and healthy all year long without worrying about excessive water usage or higher bills.
Automated Technology
Automated technology can save corporations quite a bit of time and money, especially when it comes to energy usage. Automated thermostat systems will adjust when the temperature does, and you can even program them to power off once a certain temperature is reached.
Motion-detector lights will turn off lighting if they have not sensed movement for a certain period. This can be a lifesaver if employees accidentally leave the lights on or frequently enter and leave work areas.
Energy-Efficient Power Solutions
With climate change increasing temperatures in many parts of the country, electricity usage is also going up. Solar panels and batteries are among the easiest solutions for a company that wants to keep employees comfortable but save money on electricity.
Natural Plant Life
Greenery does more than just create a positive environment. When plants produce more oxygen, they also pull carbon dioxide out of the air, reducing overall emissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Adapt Existing Buildings to Lower Carbon Footprint?
Yes, although adaptation options may be limited, especially for older buildings. You may need to work with a construction consultant to determine how much of your building can be redesigned for a lower carbon footprint, and which elements may be better left alone.
The easiest ways to change a building design for fewer carbon emissions is by working from the outside. Installing solar panels on the roof, for instance, will not touch much of the existing infrastructure, but can save you a significant amount of money on electricity usage.
Placing more greenery within and around the buildings is a simple way to reduce carbon footprint. Hanging plant life outside windows, for example, may provide more shade and consequently lower air conditioning bills during the warmer months.
Are There Any Downsides to Eco-Friendly Commercial Design?
There can be. Cost is a major factor, and for small businesses, it may be prohibitive. Sometimes, liquid capital on-hand is more advantageous than investing in eco-friendly design.
Higher-quality materials that reduce carbon footprint are almost always more expensive. They also tend to be thinner, meaning that they will need to be replaced sooner than traditional building materials.
Builders also need to ensure they comply with local construction codes, which could add even more to the cost. Sometimes, it is better to make smaller changes that are cost-effective, rather than tearing down a building to the studs to make major renovations.
Does Building Design Influence Company Outcomes?
It can. A depressing work environment lowers employee morale, which can then lead to lower productivity overall. Employees may not care as much about their work product as well, leading to reduced quality.
Employees who feel like they can thrive in a work environment will start their workday more motivated. Being surrounded by greenery can also have a tangible effect on your productivity and mental health, per Greater Boston Behavioral Health.
Consider a Low-Carbon Building for Your Next Commercial Design
Your building's carbon footprint does not just influence how much power you use; it can play a large role in eco-consciousness and employee morale. With this guide, you can determine whether low-carbon building elements are the right choice for your next commercial project.
Would you like to learn more about the latest innovations within the industrial space? Take a look around our website today for more eco-friendly construction solutions.
This article was prepared by an independent contributor and helps us continue to deliver quality news and information.