There aren’t many businesses that remodel every six years, so chances are that if you’re currently ready for an update, you have the potential to save a considerable amount of money by investing in modern, energy efficient products and installations.
With 29% of your operating expense being spent on utilities1, the energy efficient products that have become available over the last six years or less can make a big impact. Additionally, there are monetary incentives for making these changes. We've helped several school clients lower their energy expense and secure incentive money. As a Consumer Energy Business Solution Trade Ally, we’ve achieved 3rd place for natural gas savings for Consumers Energy school customers and helped Bullock Creek Schools maximize their incentive of more than $125,000 to offset the cost of their new heat-conserving roof, energy efficient light bulbs and other alterations.
It’s good to be aware that some energy savings are now mandated by LARA in the State of Michigan when you build new or remodel (see our blog: Michigan Energy Code). However, there are varying degrees ($$) of integration to include in your remodel plans that could save more money for your business in the long run. For instance, office equipment and other mechanical products have become increasingly more efficient even within recent years. Building systems and materials such as water heaters, HVAC systems, programmable thermostats, windows, insulation applications, LED lighting, occupancy sensors, and toilets are all more efficient than they were in the past 10 years.
Additionally, during your remodel or new build, adding more natural light reduces the need for full time lights, which according to US Energy Information Administration can be more than 17% of utility costs for commercial buildings who haven’t converted to LED.2 Bigger windows, skylights, or light transmitting panels are great for getting the most natural light into an interior space. Your architect will have further tricks for enhancing natural light, as well.
If you aren’t quite ready for a remodel right now, but are interested in tweaking your building systems to save on energy costs, most energy companies are currently offering free assessments to guide you to save on what you already have in place. Contact your energy company for a complimentary report.
However, if you are interested in remodeling or building new, Wolgast is ready and capable to be your design and construction partner to achieve these energy and cost saving applications. Call us today for more information.
1E Source Customer Direct, “Managing Energy Costs in Office Buildings”
2 U.S. Energy Information Administration, www.eia.gov, “Trends in Lighting in Commercial Buildings”, 5/17/17