As a company heavily invested in sustainability and green practices, Solar Innovations, Inc. is promoting ways to reduce commercial energy consumption. When Solar Innovations, Inc. constructed its new facility, there were a number of components integrated into the plan. Before one walks through the front door of the Solar facility, one can see the sustainability initiatives in plain view. Placards in the parking lot designate preferential parking locations for both HOV and fuel efficient vehicles. Solar’s own products are featured at the main entrance to increase thermal gain and reduce energy consumption in the winter months. The integrated shade system can also be drawn in the summer to reduce solar heat gain, increasing energy efficiency in the summer months.
Several areas of the facility also utilize motion sensors connected to lights. This way when a room is no longer occupied, the lights will automatically be turned off, reducing energy consumption throughout the building. Whenever possible, seek to reduce the thermostat settings in the building, even overnight or on a weekend, not just when closing for a long holiday break. New automated and remotely accessible climate control systems are growing in popularity and competition is creating a more affordable product in the climate automation market, making implementation easier than ever.
As was the case with the former Solar Innovations, Inc. facilities, replacing old windows with newer more efficient models create a reduction in energy consumption year round. These new windows, fabricated by Solar, utilize insulated, energy efficient glazing effectively reducing energy loss and creating a cost savings. As well, any appliances or devices such as microwaves, toasters, stoves, ovens, or refrigerators common in company cafeteria areas should be upgraded to energy efficient models. Any technology that regularly uses energy throughout the business day, such as overhead projectors and computers, should be adjusted to maximize their “sleep” and “hibernation” modes. If possible, encourage employees to turn off devices at the end of the work day as well.
Each step and practice instituted may seem small, but when instituted companywide and also across the country, every incremental change will create an exponential reduction in energy consumption across America.