Building Efficiency: It Will Cost You To Wait
Posted on 21. Jun, 2010 by Shay Walsh in Blog
Shining a Light on Greater Building Efficiency
In efforts to make buildings greener, understanding the basic interactions between lighting and energy efficiency is at the heart of the process. Commercial building managers are taking on the task of developing a more holistic understanding of lighting and how upgrades like retrofits, smart controls and management systems bring swift returns on investments as well as continued savings.
The longevity these upgrades can represent is only one element of the larger process. Looking at the big picture there is even greater savings, better energy performance and enhanced worker productivity possible. Facilities around the world are working toward achieving cost-effective high performance green buildings by incorporating lighting upgrades and other strategic improvements to amp up savings and building performance. Applying integration principles from the onset in the design of retrofit projects and new buildings will go a long way toward accomplishing savings in cost and time, and maximizing efficiency.
Increasing worker productivity within the walls of green buildings points to the effectiveness of designs where all the components of a lighting system work together. The lighting design must take into account the building envelope and windows. Similarly, a window retrofit should take into account building orientation and available natural light.
Image Courtesy of GreenBiz.com
Clients are taking into consideration all the available strategies and are attempting to gauge the right time to invest in efficiency upgrades such as lighting. With the speed of advancements in technology, should a company invest now or wait for the next iteration to begin efficiency upgrades?
While the initial cost may seem hefty, the return on the investment will be well worth it. An integrated system may cost 10 percent more than one that is not, but at least twice the savings result. Further returns on the investment include a better space, greater comfort and control, higher productivity, better retention of employees and tenant and greater property value. Technology and efficiency experts suggest the best time to start is always now, but before doing so dispel any popular myths and know the realities of efficient lighting upgrades while keeping in mind that it isn’t the net present value, but it will cost you to wait.
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