Energy efficiency & business

The challenges and issues surrounding buildings & business premises

Energy efficiency & sustainabilityThe challenges

Carbon footprint The world’s energy dependence is

greater than ever. Fossil fuels are dwindling, whilst

renewable and recyclable sources are being sought.

Businesses must find ways to meet their energy needs, whilst taking all necessary steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

Employees’ Comfort

Employees working in a comfortable environment are far likelier to be productive & generally be happier.

With workplaces becoming more open, flexible & modern, comfort is always a key business consideration.

The onus is on employers to be responsive to their staff’s needs and adapt accordingly.

Where should control lie?

The debate is whether the emphasis should be on individual employees to control their own energy consumption

Or, should environmental sustainability be more centrally managed and tightly regulated?

Should employers be more actively engaged in attempting to influence staff behaviour when it comes to sustainability?

What are the solutions?How businesses can get ahead of the curve

Retro-fitting older buildings

If the UK is to meet its energy efficiency targets, then there are some who argue that retrofitting old buildings is as important as new builds.

Older office stock must be re-used if green business practices are to meet their full potential.

New technologies, e.g. Smart meters, could be used to more accurately gauge a building’s energy usage.

Retro-fitting older buildings (2)

Heating and cooling systems are key to this

Systems need to be integrated in order to work at their most energy efficient; this is often not the case in older buildings.

Another innovation is variable ventilation, with motors that can change speed depending on CO2 emission levels, or the extent to which a building is occupied.

Zero carbon buildings

Innovations such as rainwater harvesting, solar panels, heating & cooling ventilation systems and waste recycling can all help to reduce a building’s carbon footprint.

However, problems with upfront costs, procurement and supply chain management mean that building sustainable, economical buildings can pose significant challenges.

Commercial incentives

Governments and civic authorities can help businesses to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Initiatives include:

Recognising & awarding companies that cut energy use.

Offering council tax rebates for energy efficiency.

Encouraging businesses & corporations to submit data on their energy usage.

Thinking of cost as well as carbon

Incentivising businesses also comes down to reminding them that sustainability will ultimately drive down costs in the long-term.

Integrated and efficient systems can aid in the recovery of waste energy and recoup costs fairly quickly.

Solutions can include LED lights, remote IT storage & waste recycling and smart metering.

This has been a presentation by

http://www.dyerenvironmental.co.uk/