January 15, 2023 admin

6 Ways to Improve Energy Efficiency in Buildings Without Sacrificing Design

Did you know that you can implement energy efficiency into your commercial building’s design without sacrificing style?

Energy efficient elements can be sleek, stylish, and highly adaptable. Plus, sustainable and energy-saving elements can contribute to any design plan you have in mind.

Whether you’re into sleek modern edges, rustic vibes of the southwest, or emulating the long-existing designs in historic neighborhoods, the energy efficient options are abundant.

While you’re in the initial design phase, keep these 6 ways to improve energy efficiency in buildings in mind.

Design With Efficiency at Top of Mind

Energy efficient materials can help building owners save money while also reducing the building’s carbon footprint. From environmental conscious, recyclable materials to insulating properties, you can lower your energy bill and prevent items from eventually ending up in a landfill. Additionally, you can do all of this in your next build without sacrificing design.

Get in touch with Wade Architectural Systems today for energy-efficient building materials.

1. Incorporate Passive Design Techniques

Like any build, it starts with the framework.

When designing a building, keep energy efficiency in mind from the beginning. This allows Wade Architectural Systems to complement architects’ designs with the best materials for the job.

Rather than finding ways to improve energy efficiency in buildings in the final touches of a build, you’ll have better results if you include them in your designs from the very beginning.

For instance, high-efficiency HVAC systems can help keep your building comfortable without overconsuming energy. This helps lower greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

2. High-Efficiency HVAC Systems

When building a commercial grade structure, you want to make sure all tenants and visitors are always comfortable. High-efficiency HVAC systems can cool a building in the hottest climates and keep another warm in the depths of winter snow.

Typically, combustion heating and traditional HVAC systems emit ozone-depleting gasses. In fact, 10% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. stem from the use of fossil fuels for heating and cooking in buildings.

This is why including sustainable, high-efficiency HVAC systems in your design plans is imperative to a green building. Moreover, these high-functioning, greener HVAC systems continue to increase in available options.

Plus, there are cost-saving benefits to going green, too. The U.S. Department of Energy has estimated that Energy Star-certified equipment can decrease the annual cost of energy bills by up to 30%.

3. Sustainable Materials

In addition to planning for efficient appliances and layouts, every material used throughout the building process can affect its energy efficiency.

At Wade Architectural Systems, we proudly distribute CENTRIA metal panels. For use on roofing and siding, these architectural metal panels are sustainable, durable, and improve energy efficiency in buildings. They are built to last decades, withstand various climates across the world, and are made from recyclable materials. This keeps them out of landfills when their work life is complete.

CENTRIA metals, when used with proper insulation, helps to keep buildings at a comfortable temperature year round. In high-heat climates, the panels keep the cool air in. During cold winters, the metal panels retain heat.

Additionally, when used with select colors, the smooth surface reflects up to 90% of solar heat preventing its absorption into the building.

Furthermore, you can incorporate other energy efficient elements into your design with sustainable flooring, long-lasting LED light bulbs, and more. Learn more about CENTRIA and request product information here.

Want to learn more about sustainable materials to improve energy efficiency in buildings? Contact us today!

4. Incorporate Continuous Insulation Systems

Proper insulation is at the core of energy efficiency in buildings, no matter the climate. To help buildings reduce power consumption, many architects and builders are moving toward LEED-certified StronGirt thermal bridging and continuous insulation.

StronGirt is made from fiberglass, which offers many advantages over the use of conventional girts. For instance, steel girt systems are susceptible to corrosion that weaken structures over time.

In addition to their superior durability, StronGirt’s quick and easy installation reduces the cost of labor. The attachment system is compatible with all types of insulation and cladding systems. This allows architects and builders to utilize their preferred materials.

Furthermore, this environmentally friendly fire-retardant resin system with a laminate design is made from environmentally conscious materials. This helps architects and builders meet the requirements for a fully LEED-certified building.

Architects can also opt for complete insulation systems, like MetalWrap. Designed with CENTRIA’s advanced thermal and moisture protection (ATMP), MetalWrap is an ultimate barrier system.

5. Renewable Energy Sources

To help prevent potential climate change catastrophes, many experts agree that it is time to transition to a clean energy economy. This is one where buildings use electricity powered by renewable, zero-carbon emission sources within energy-efficient buildings.

Builders and building owners alike can help accelerate the transition to a clean energy grid by opting for green energy providers. We encourage everyone to do their due diligence through research on the subject. However, many states have a list of energy providers with easy filter options to view only those that source green energy. For example, Texas’ Power To Choose is a website that informs residential and commercial energy consumers of all their options.

In addition to green energy providers, you can also help to improve energy efficiency through the materials in the building. Again, CENTRIA metal panels are a popular choice for sustainable and renewable materials. Not only are the panels recyclable, but they help to lower the energy necessary to operate a commercial building.

6. Smart Landscaping

There’s nothing like beautiful landscaping inside and outside of a building to create a thoughtful and inspiring work environment.

When working with a landscape architect, make sure to emphasize your energy-efficiency goals. While plants help to beautify spaces and clean the air around us, there are several options to keep sustainability a goal in the planning.

For instance, native plants are popular options because they thrive in their respective native climates. This translates to lower maintenance, less water in many instances, and their ability to bounce back after major weather events.

Moreover, architects can optimize outside spaces with Parasoleil shade systems. These customizable, durable artisan structures provide shade without trapping heat. Instead, the patterned panels allow for filtered sunlight and airflow, keeping users as comfortable as if they were sitting under a tree’s canopy.

Wade Architectural Systems is Your Partner in Building Designs that Prioritize Energy Efficiency

The team at Wade Architectural Systems partners with architects to provide the right materials for energy-efficient building designs that also fit within the budget. We’re much more than a materials distributor. In fact, we ensure each order is right by providing detailed installation drawings for builders to follow.

Since proper installation is crucial to taking advantage of any type of materials’ energy-efficient properties, we make sure all clients are set up with everything they need from the start. Additionally, we will ensure all warranties are in place so you will be set for any future obstacles or changes.

Ready to learn how Wade Architectural Systems can help you? Contact us today.