The green movement is influencing all sectors of real estate, including commercial real estate. Investors and buyers are now searching for buildings that are compatible with their sustainability goals. Good sustainability practices don’t just mean better relations with the public. They are essential in saving water and energy and also keep the air quality around the property in check. More and more buildings are being designed with environmentally-friendly features by keeping sustainability in mind. In this blog, we will explore the tips for making commercial real estate sustainable.

LED Lightings

One of the major ways commercial buildings are going green is by switching to LED lighting. Light-emitting diodes, or LED lights, are gaining significant popularity as alternatives to incandescent and fluorescent lighting in commercial real estate. This has caused the price of LED technology to go down. Investing in LED lights not only saves the environment but reduces energy costs. Switching to LED lights and using motion sensors can save 90% of energy. LED lights also use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.

Utilize Renewable Energy Sources

Generating energy on-site with the help of solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy sources helps the building reduce its dependence on non-renewable energy sources. It reduces the negative impact of the building on the environment by reducing its carbon footprint. On-site electricity generation also leads to cost savings in the long term. Although the initial installation cost is high, the energy generated offsets the costs as time passes. This leads to lower energy bills and a more sustainable building.

HVAC System Optimization

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It refers to the control of temperature, humidity, and purity of the air. Its goal is to provide thermal control and acceptable indoor air quality. Optimizing this system reduces a building’s energy usage and costs by 20-40%. Before putting up an industrial office space for sale, it is essential to make sure that the air quality is in its optimum condition and that it is comfortable to stay in. 

Water Conservation

This is one of the most important steps in maintaining sustainable commercial real estate. Making simple changes in how water is used reduces its negative impact on the environment and saves money on utility bills. One of the simple ways to do so is to install low-flow fixtures and appliances. Low-flow toilets and faucets use significantly less water than the traditional models. They offer a better way to save water without compromising on performance and comfort. Additionally, a rainwater collection system is also an excellent way to conserve water in commercial buildings with large parks and gardens.  This way, water wastage is drastically reduced as rainwater is collected before it can pass through the storm drains.

Choose Sustainable Building Materials

Eco-friendly buildings are much needed for commercial buildings, now more than ever. Using reclaimed and recycled products is a great way of reducing wastage while doing new construction. Low-VOC paints are a great way to reduce the environmental impact of an industrial estate. Flooring options such as corks and bamboo are a sustainable way to reduce environmental impact. Bamboo is one of the most available resources, as it grows quickly.

Smart Building Technology

Smart building technology has gained popularity due to its various benefits. It refers to the integration of advanced technology into the building’s design and operation. They are thermostats that access real-time weather and regulate the indoor temperature. These systems automatically turn on and off depending on the outdoor temperature. Before purchasing an industrial office space for sale, checking whether the building has these integrated features is essential.

The Bottom Line

Sustainable practices are not only good for the environment but also improve the impact of the property. Additionally, sustainable structures reduce natural resource exploitation and air pollution. These practices are also implemented with the employees’ well-being in mind and boost their morale. These techniques are mostly easy to implement and are cost-effective ways to reduce the carbon footprint, while also saving money in the long run.