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Save Money By Building A Smart Business

BEAT THE HEAT

As the temperatures hold steady near the 100-degree mark and the humidity swells, energy costs are soaring for many businesses in the Southeast. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways in which your business can both reduce costs and vastly minimize its environmental footprint.

According to the EPA and the Whole Building Design Guide, “On an annual basis, buildings in the United States consume 36% of America’s energy and 65% of its electricity. Furthermore, buildings emit 30% of the carbon dioxide (the primary greenhouse gas associated with climate change), 49% of the sulfur dioxide, and 25% of the nitrogen oxides found in the air. Currently, the vast majority of this energy is produced from nonrenewable, fossil fuels, raising concerns over energy security…It is essential to find ways to reduce load, increase efficiency, and utilize renewable fuel resources in facilities of all types.”

As if that’s not enough, ENERGY STAR has found that commercial buildings waste 30% of the energy they consume.

MAKE AN ENERGY-SAVING PLAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Whether you’re developing a new building or renovating an existing commercial enterprise, it’s to develop a clear, comprehensive strategy that:

  • Reduces heating, cooling, and lighting loads through intelligent, eco-friendly design and aggressive energy conservation techniques.
  • Carefully considers commercial roofing options such as the ENERGY STAR rated Duro-Last Roofing System, which has the highest retained reflectivity of any single-ply membrane roofing material.
  • Commits to using renewable energy sources such as natural light, passive solar heating, photovoltaics, geothermal, and groundwater cooling.
  • Includes efficient HVAC and lighting systems.
  • Optimizes building efficiency by utilizing occupancy sensors.
  • Integrates water-saving techniques to reduce water consumption and energy costs associated with heating and delivering drinkable water.

LOW-COST & NO-COST WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY & REDUCE FACILITIES COSTS

The first step to savings for any business owner is to enlist the help and support of his or her employees. Educate your employees about how their actions can impact energy use (ENERGY STAR’s communication toolkit is a great resource) and develop a reward system for energy-efficient behaviors. Once you have the support of your staff:

  • Task your facilities manager to conduct an after-hours investigation to discover what’s on when it shouldn’t be.
  • Treat your office as you would your home: turn off lights when you leave a room and use natural lighting or task lighting whenever possible.
  • Activate sleep and power management tools on computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, and scanners.
  • Consolidate stand-alone office equipment and foster a communal, shared approach.
  • Adjust your thermostats for seasonal changes and program them appropriately to maximize your building’s unoccupied hours.
  • Install shades or blinds to control the direct sun.
  • Ask your utility provider if they offer free energy audits or measure and track your energy performance using the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool.

COOL ROOFS: BENEFITS OF WHITE COMMERCIAL ROOFING

While there are many effective and inexpensive ways for businesses to reduce costs from within the walls, installing a flat, white commercial roof will dramatically reduce the need for energy consumption in the first place.

As our economy grows, and new development swallows up vacant land, it’s clear that our city and our region is growing. New business means more jobs, and that’s a wonderful thing. However, traffic, sidewalks, dark parking lots, and paved roadways are contributing to an urban island heat effect, in which temperatures in and around urban areas are appreciably higher than in the surrounding (greener) areas.

To combat this alarming problem, many businesses are installing white roofing systems — also known as “cool roofs” — to reflect the sun’s rays, minimize heat absorption, and maximize energy efficiency. A white commercial flat roof isn’t just good for your business, it’s good for your neighbors and fellow Americans. Cool roofs reduce local air temperatures, lower peak electricity demands, and even reduce power plant emissions.

Become a hero, install a commercial flat roof. Contact JBK Roofing today to learn more.