Harnessing the Power of Deep Energy Retrofits in Your Building Projects
As energy efficiency continues to gain more attention and the energy efficiency retrofit market develops, the benefits to architects continue to improve. According to The American Institute of Architects, building operations account for more than 75% of all electric use, and buildings are responsible for more than 40% of all U.S. carbon emissions. Because this is such a large percentage, the U.S. can’t address the energy and climate challenge without altering the way our buildings are designed and operated. American businesses are improving their operating conditions with plans to upgrade energy efficiency in their building. While this is a start, it’s more important that building owners see energy efficiency as a core business priority. But to do this, they must fully understand the benefits that it offers.
What is deep energy retrofitting?
A deep energy retrofit is a process that is performed in order to achieve large energy savings than conventional retrofits. For example: creating energy efficiency in most buildings is achieved by upgrading old systems with newer, more efficient technology. This is a standard retrofit, but it’s limited. It could prevent a building from even more efficient technologies with even greater savings. Designing a new approach for higher energy savings is called deep energy retrofits and aims for a savings of 50%. Deep energy retrofits are effective in cutting energy use, saving building owners money, and providing business for architects.
What are the existing trends used to improve energy efficiency?
Why should architects take advantage of this opportunity in the market? The energy efficiency market is a growth opportunity for architects. The architect community has engaged in multiple efforts to reduce energy waste by incorporating more energy efficient building design and construction. Deep energy retrofits reduce energy waste for a more sustainable environment, save building owners money to possibly create more construction for the economy, and can also be a source of business for architects. Other incentives for considering energy retrofitting include long term savings for building owners, the economical demand for energy efficient buildings, as well as incentives from the financial community.
What are some examples of sustainable products used in construction?
When designing and constructing a building, the products that you install into a facility are important. You want to make sure that you’re not adding products that are made up of harmful material that could be hazardous to a person’s health. Scranton Products bathroom partitions, lockers, showers and dressing compartments, and vanities are made up of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). This material reduces environmental impact and offers both initial and long-term improvements to the indoor air quality of your projects. Made from recycled materials, HDPE plastic resists mold and mildew for improved air quality and is one solid color throughout, so you’ll never have to deal with harmful emissions from paint. Be sure to take these ideas into consideration as an architect for a more sustainable environment. Click here to find out where to buy Scranton Products.
