When choosing new commercial premises there are a few considerations to take into account, one of them being energy efficiency. Choosing premises that are energy efficient with good heating, cooling, lighting and insulation can help you to keep unnecessary energy use to a minimum. When looking at new premises for a business move you will want to look at these factors so you know what your ongoing costs will be.
Energy Efficiency Reduces Operating Costs
Many businesses will incur energy costs on a regular basis. If a building has old heating systems, inefficient lighting and poor insulation then you may have to pay more for your electricity and fuels. Choosing energy efficient premises with modern equipment will help you cut down on these costs. Even a small reduction in your monthly utility costs can add up over a few years and help your business reduce its costs.
This can make your business more efficient with their money. If you’re not spending as much on heating/cooling and lighting then that money could be invested into developing your staff, upgrading equipment, marketing or other areas within your business. Prior to signing a lease agreement you should look at what utility data is available. This will help you understand how energy efficient the building is. Ask if any improvements have been made recently to make it more energy efficient.
Efficient Buildings Improve Workplace Conditions
Energy efficiency can help your staff be more comfortable in the building. Having good insulation, good ventilation and good heating and cooling systems will help to keep the building at a consistent temperature throughout the day. If the building doesn’t have good energy efficiency and is always fluctuating in temperature then this can make people uncomfortable. Choosing a building that has good systems will help you create a more suitable working environment.
Large windows can help to reduce the need for lighting. If the building has large windows in the right place then there won’t be as much need to have lights on during the day. Energy efficient lighting systems will also help to provide enough light but use less electricity. Look at how much natural light the building can provide. Do they have lighting controls? How does the ventilation system work?
Building Systems Influence Long-Term Maintenance
Having energy efficient building systems can help you save on energy costs. Older heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can be very inefficient, causing frequent breakdowns and difficulty keeping a consistent temperature. Modern systems with good controls will help you save on energy by adjusting the amount of heating/cooling depending on how many people are in the building. Prior to choosing a building you should look at how old the equipment is, how well it has been maintained and if any equipment is due for replacement. Especially if you’ll be using the premises for ongoing operations.
If you’re moving specialist equipment you may want to know how well the building will be maintained. If the building isn’t able to provide suitable working conditions then you may incur extra costs. When organising relocation services with your move you should ensure that you’ve organised the move to coincide with your property checks, setting up the utilities and equipment. This will help ensure that the premises will be able to help you with your ongoing operations.
Energy Performance Supports Environmental Objectives
Many businesses consider environmental factors when choosing commercial premises. Using less energy will reduce the amount of greenhouse gases created from generating electricity and using fuels. Energy efficient buildings can have good insulation, energy saving appliances, smart lighting and systems to stop unnecessary heating/cooling. Choosing an energy efficient building will help your business reduce its environmental impact.
Energy efficiency can also help how you showcase your environmental goals to your customers, staff and other commercial partners. If you have set sustainability goals then you may want to know how energy efficient your building is. Looking at the energy ratings, certifications and utility data will help you make an informed choice. Make sure you know what is being measured by each rating as different certifications have different criteria.
Property Selection Requires Financial Assessment
Whilst energy efficient commercial premises may cost more to rent/purchase you should look at how much you’ll be spending overall. The amount of money you spend on utilities, maintenance, replacing equipment, lease terms and how many people you expect to occupy the premises will all have an impact. Comparing the premises will help you to see if the energy savings will be worth the extra cost.
You should also consider what changes you can make once you’ve moved in. Installing smart thermostats, energy efficient office equipment, occupancy sensors and raising awareness amongst your staff can all help to reduce energy use. Ensure that you know what changes you’ll be able to make as part of your lease agreement and if the landlord will be maintaining the major systems. This will help you to avoid any unexpected costs.
Conclusion
Energy efficiency should be an important consideration when choosing new commercial premises. It can impact your ongoing costs, working environment, maintenance and environmental goals. By looking at the building systems, utility data and ongoing costs you’ll be able to make an informed decision. Choosing premises that will help your current operations whilst ensuring your business remains financially stable and using resources responsibly.
