The Center on Global Energy Policy reported that the worldwide buildings sector uses roughly 30 percent of energy for natural gas, electricity, heating, cooling, lighting, equipment, cooking, and more. Decarbonization is an important factor when it comes to the construction sector. With global warming on the rise, eco-friendly commercial buildings are in high demand, especially considering the large amount of non-renewable resources used for energy. Several environmental trends are on the rise; keep reading to learn more about them.
Water Conservation
Rainwater capture and other water-conservation methods are being tapped into by cities, hoping to lower their burden on supplies. Decades of drought have forced reclamation facilities to examine below-normal water storage, so onsite water reuse systems have been gaining popularity worldwide. These treatment techniques collect water from stormwater, wastewater, and rainwater. Moreover, the non-potable water is reused for outdoor irrigation and flushing toilets. Smart water systems also inform property managers about water consumption, leaks, malfunctions, or other issues. Electric water heaters are also on the rise, as these help decrease fossil fuel dependence.
Renewable Energy Generation
Photovoltaic systems and solar panels are used for renewable energy generation and energy storage, lowering s a building’s carbon footprint and utility bills. Between January 2022 and January 2023, the price of energy rose almost 13 percent. Ultra-large batteries store electricity so buildings can use it as a reserve when necessary. Energy-efficient heat pumps and solar panels benefit builders, as they can provide sizable savings for electricity usage.
Inflation Reduction Act
The United States’ largest climate investment initiative of all time, dubbed The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), was signed into law in August 2022. Millions of dollars of rebates and tax credits for greener and more energy-efficient building upgrades are being set by the IRA. With more energy-efficient HVAC systems, electric ovens, water heaters, etc., IRA incentives will be more attainable.
Energy-Efficient Equipment
Environmentally friendly equipment is on the rise as many buildings switch to all-electric Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology, zoning, and smarter system controls. VRF technology allows a building to be split into several zones for heating and air conditioning, depending on what is needed. Zoning is based on smart controls that improve energy usage for architects, builders, engineers, and building owners.
Building Materials
The IRA denotes funding to the General Services Administrator (GSA), as listed in Section 60503, for construction materials and low-embodied carbon rates for governmental construction projects. As these energy tactics expand, the market is expected to grow. Window glazing can reduce a building’s energy usage, as can photovoltaic windows, which can lend solar power to the building and reduce carbon emissions by up to 40 percent.
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Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/