The remarkable strides that have been made to the technology used to run our homes and businesses over the last few decades, alone, wouldn’t feel out of place in a Ray Bradbury novel; but “Going Green” is far from a 21st century concept. Solar power heaters were in common use in the early 1900s; and as far back as the 1800s, many portions of the American West utilized wind technology to aide in providing power for irrigation, setting the stage for wind power’s resurgence a century later.
Even with all of the viable eco-conscious advancements we’ve made over the years, it’s the simplest steps that can leave the biggest impact on both the planet AND your wallet! So what steps can you, as a commercial property owner, take to ensure that you remain sustainable, operate cleaner, and function more efficiently? Below are 5 easy pointers that can really make a big difference this Earth Day.
5 Ways Commercial Property Owners Can Go Green
1. Solar: Going solar makes both financial and environmental sense; and the numbers speak for themselves. Commercial solar installations have increased by 487% over the past 5 years alone. Furthermore, some figures show that solar has helped reduce energy bills by as much as 90%. As such, it’s not hard to see why many commercial property owners are turning to solar. Not to mention that there are a number of tax incentives for going solar, too; so research what your state has to offer.
2. Water: Conserve water by fixing leaks and installing low-flow fixtures. A low-flow showerhead can save over 7 gallons per minute. You can also use dual-flush toilets to maximize the amount of water you save.
3. Lighting: Update your old lighting to compact fluorescent bulbs to save up to 75% of your overall energy use! If you’re looking to further reduce your impact beyond the simple change of a light bulb, why not use automated timers to shut down lights when the building isn’t in operation?
4. Air: Improve overall air quality of your building by implementing more thorough cleaning practices, including (but not limited to) dusting regularly with microfiber cloths, using environmentally friendly cleaning supplies, and cleaning/replacing floor mats and rugs on a regular basis.
5. Heating/Cooling: We all want to be comfortable in the summer and winter months, but energy efficiency is possible with a smarter approach to your heating and cooling system. Reduce your overall energy consumption by 10% with an activity as simple as turning down your heating and cooling system when you or your tenants are not in the building.
(Related Article: 6 Green Building Trends)
The Robert Weiler Company’s Mission
If you’re familiar with The Robert Weiler Company, you know that our 75+ years of experience in the commercial real estate industry has given us a unique perspective on the ever-evolving manner in which we view our world, as well as our personal impact on it.
Our mission for cleaner and greener properties doesn’t stop there! With a little research, some creativity, and perseverance, you can put yourself at the forefront of the movement! Take it from the generational experience of the Weiler family-run CRE firm, The Robert Weiler Company. Reach out to us at 614-221-4286.