Increase Efficiencies While Protecting Our Planet
The benefits of running a facility that focuses on sustainability and energy efficiency are countless. Not only does a green building attract visitors and tenants, but it can also save your facility unnecessary costs. Building a facility management program that emphasizes sustainable practices might be less time-consuming and costly than you think, and your return on investment can make a huge impact. By implementing these tactics, you can run a more efficient facility while protecting our planet.
1. Implement Occupancy & Motion Sensors
Smart technology can play a major role in boosting sustainability in your facility. Sensors allow facility managers to detect the traffic of people coming in and out of a room or area without physically being present in the space. These sensors provide information to an automated system that informs an action. Occupancy or motion sensors can be incorporated in:
Indoor Climate Control
HVAC sensors make accurate adjustments based on whether they detect occupants in a certain room or space. This allows for a more accurate approach to reducing the energy consumption used for heating or cooling. For example, sensors could prevent energy from being used to blast air conditioning in an empty conference room.
Lighting Fixtures
Sensors also work in tandem with lighting fixtures by triggering lights to turn on/ off or dim in a space based on occupancy and movement. Not only does this save energy and costs, but it also prolongs the life of your bulbs or equipment so fewer replacements are needed.
Cleaning and Disinfection
It’s a given that your facility should be safe and clean at all times, but it’s also important to not overuse your resources and personnel when it’s unnecessary. Motion sensors in spaces like bathrooms allow for devices to detect movement and use this data to decide when cleaning and disinfection is needed. The more people that come in and out of a bathroom, the more often disinfection is automatically triggered.
2. Switch to LED Lighting
A simple, but reliable way to make your facility more sustainable is to switch to energy-saving LED lighting. Not only do these bulbs use less power, but they also last up to 12 times longer than typical bulbs, which means less waste and replacement. They even contain less harmful materials and are overall the most sustainable choice.
3. Use Green Cleaning Practices
Swap out your old cleaning products with green cleaning solutions made without harsh chemicals such as nonylphenols, phosphates, or sulfuric acid. Work with a facility services provider that complies with OSHA regulations and is consistent with the U.S. Green Building Council LEED specifications. Your facility is cleaned on a daily basis and by using green practices, you can better manage your resources and improve the well-being of those in your space.
4. Schedule a Complete Energy Audit
A complete energy audit can help facility management uncover problems that weren’t visible before, which can make a huge impact on your energy expenses. Issues with insulation, equipment functioning, or air quality can be tricky. Audit teams can help you create the best plan of action while considering the usage and occupancy trends in your space. This will allow your team to implement a tailored energy program that uses innovative solutions to help you optimize the operations of your facility while saving money and reducing your carbon footprint.
Partner With UG2 to Create a Sustainability Plan
At UG2, our teams are trained with the goal of treating our customers and the planet with the utmost respect and care. Our experienced staff can help you create and execute a plan for your facility that combines industry best practices with the latest innovations to ensure a clean, healthy, and sustainable space for all. Contact us today to learn how we can transform your facility.