Are you conscious of the environmental impact of your building or business?
As we continue to progress, our carbon footprint also grows. Buildings and construction account for 39 percent of carbon dioxide emissions every year.
The good thing about the internet is that we’re more aware of these environmental issues. It’s why more people want to reduce the carbon footprint they leave. Continue reading to learn how to reduce carbon footprint as a building owner.
1. Plan To Reduce The Carbon Footprint Of A Building Early
Most people don’t know they leave a significant carbon footprint in construction.
Plan well before you build a commercial or residential building. Work with a sustainable construction company to cut down on your carbon footprint. For example, you use local materials to help save on transportation costs.
2. Schedule Your HVAC Systems
Using efficient HVAC systems is how you reduce the carbon footprint of a building. You can ensure your HVAC systems are efficient by scheduling when they need to turn on. Use a smart HVAC system that can read the temperature and season.
Installing low-energy humidifiers in the building can also help. Also, your ventilation system shouldn’t run 24/7. When it’s not necessary, make sure your ventilation system turns off.
3. Use Solar Lighting And Smart Lighting
Sustainable buildings allow natural light to become your primary light source.
Designs like these cut down the time you use artificial and electrical lighting. Newer buildings also use smart lighting. These systems have sensors that determine the best time to turn the lights on or off.
Smart building designs also use solar control window films. They allow light to pass but keep UV and heat energy out. Thus, they cut down on cooling systems costs.
4. Integrate Functional Landscaping Around Zero-Carbon Buildings
Landscaping often refers to beautifying the exterior area of a building. However, you can take it further by being more intentional with your landscaping. A significant step is to use climate-smart plants.
For example, you plant deciduous trees, which reduce carbon dioxide. Reducing hard paving with gravel also allows rainwater to seep into the ground. It provides a more natural view, which attracts the eye.
Improving your landscaping won’t only attract more people to your business building. You can provide a home to critters and insects, especially if the landscaping covers a large area. The plants also reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere.
5. Ensure Leak-Proof And Well-Maintained Plumbing
Did you know that the average person wastes up to 30 gallons of water per day? Water is a precious resource, but we aren’t always aware of its scarce resource now. It’s why recycling water for building construction is vital.
You can do this by collecting and using rainwater for the cement mixing. You can also use rainwater as the flushing water in toilets. Those are only a few ways to reduce carbon footprint.
Learn The Best Ways To Reduce The Carbon Footprint Of Your Building
Remember that you don’t need or won’t always have the chance to do grand things. Even small changes can make a significant impact in the long run. We hope you use the methods above to reduce the carbon footprint of your building.
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