The modern world requires businesses and individuals to look for greener, more energy efficient alternatives where possible – and facilities management is no different.
Bristol-based industry leaders Almeda share their thoughts on the importance of being energy efficient – and how facilities management can help.
Energy efficient – what does it mean?
Energy efficiency refers to using less energy to perform the same task or achieve the same outcome. This reduces energy waste and helps protect the environment.
In the context of buildings and facilities management (FM), being energy-efficient means that they consume less power or fuel to operate effectively without compromising performance for the businesses and individuals at the site.
FM companies manage the heating, cooling, lighting, or powering appliances – as well as how the buildings operate. All of these impact the environment and energy efficiency.
Energy-efficient technologies should reduce greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing the amount of energy needed.
Why is it important?
When it comes to the reasoning behind implementing greener, energy efficient strategies for facilities management companies, there are a few things to consider:
- Reduce operating costs
- Corporate social responsibility
- Less demand on energy grid
- Increased facility performance
- Tackling climate change
These are just a few examples of why it is important for facilities management to help energy efficiency at the core of everything it does.
Making a building and facility energy efficient
When it comes to updating a facility to become more energy efficient, there are a few easy ways to do this.
Lighting
Modern lighting systems include the use of LEDs because they use significantly less energy and has a longer lifespan.
A recent adaptation includes the use of smart devices and controls.
These include the implementation of motion sensors, dimmers, and smart lighting systems that adjust brightness based on natural light levels or occupancy.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and other energy documents
To ensure that buildings, sites, facilities and business parks are up to standards, FM providers should have the latest energy performance certificates (EPCs) from the Government.
Buildings will need display energy certificates (DECs) or air conditioning inspection certification and reporting if they meet the required standards.
Smart devices
Aside from the lighting, there are many other smart applications that are changing buildings and making them more energy efficient.
The use of smart technology to control heating, cooling, and lighting based on occupancy and preferences is becoming increasingly popular.
Insulation and windows
As our industries and technology evolve, there are many different ways that simple parts of building construction can be adapted to be more energy efficient.
Things like insulation in walls, attics, and roofs to minimise heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer are very useful.
By installing double or triple-glazed windows with low-emissivity coatings and weather stripping to reduce drafts and can help retain heat.
Green and renewable energy
Facilities can utilise renewable energy to help the environment and cut costs.
This can include solar panels to generate energy, reducing dependence on the electrical grid in the UK.
Sustainable practices can help businesses hit their energy targets.
HVAC systems
By replacing old heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems with energy efficient models, it can drastically reduce energy use – especially if it is a large facility.
Preventative maintenance for HVAC systems can ensure optimal performance and avoid wasting energy.
Heating
Correctly insulating pipes and avoiding leaks will keep heating systems in top working order.
Alternatively, on-demand water heaters can reduce the energy used in heating water.
Leading FM companies will know how to effectively optimise sites and facilities to that ensure that they are as energy efficient as possible.
If you would like to speak to Almeda about how we are energy efficient as possible, or about our reactive maintenance, facilities management, or building fabric services, call 0117 937 6320 or email [email protected].