Energy efficiency in buildings. How much money can you save through energy efficiency?

Energy efficiency in buildings is a challenge of great economic impact that has both technical and legal implications. More and more companies are launching to improve their offices, although this is something that also affects shopping centers and industries and their facilities. Thanks to the implementation of different measures, it is possible to save on energy consumption, which has a direct impact on the environment and the economy of companies.

 

In this post we will talk about what exactly energy efficiency in buildings is, how it can be achieved, and what are the benefits and the savings it can bring to a company.

 

 

What is energy efficiency in buildings?

 

Energy efficiency is a term that is applied to those appliances or buildings that consume the least amount of energy possible while maintaining the quality of their use and services. The goal is to protect the environment and achieve significant money savings. Thus, the processes carried out in buildings or by devices are optimized and the consumption will be less and less expensive.

 

There are many strategies to achieve this objective. One of them is to make workers aware of their share of responsibility. In other words, make them try to use the facilities properly. Actions such as not overusing using the heating system or not leaving the taps running are of great help.

 

 

How much can you save?

 

Opting for improvements that reduce energy consumption should be seen as an investment. Although the potential for savings varies from one sector to another and also depends on the size of the company, the savings due to energy efficiency in buildings would be around 25% of the company’s energy bill. This is not something that should cause surprise, after all, resorting to the use of efficient appliances, waterproofing a facade or avoiding unnecessary expenses make it possible to reduce the weight of bills.

 

In addition, most changes are not particularly expensive and can be considered in the company’s growth plan. For example, when it comes time to replace light bulbs, opting for LEDs will help reduce power consumption.

 

Investing in efficient machinery is a total success. Nowadays, appliances and buildings fall into a number of categories, which will be shown later. Being in one category or another makes a significant difference in savings. The higher you are in the category, the greater the efficiency and the less money you spend.

 

For example, a machine in the A +++ range represents a 76% saving in electricity consumption. By itself it is already remarkable, but by combining it with the characteristics of the building, adequate lighting and other efficient machines, the economic improvement shoots up.

 

 

How is the energy efficiency of a building measured?

 

The energy efficiency of a building is calculated by measuring the amount of energy consumed in a year, under normal conditions of activity and occupation, and taking into account the use of heating, hot water, ventilation or lighting. The result is expressed in kilowatt hours per square meter per year and kilograms of CO2 per square meter.

 

Both data are compared with the means of the official tables and in this way the letter given to the building is known, which indicates its efficiency. The classification ranges from A +++ to G. For example, a building in category A maintains an efficiency of 90% in relation to another that is in G, so it is worthwhile to carry out the necessary reforms to increase the category.

 

 

How can a company achieve energy efficiency?

 

Achieving efficiency is not an impossible task. One of the first requirements is to draw up a plan that includes the objectives that the company seeks, the actions to achieve them, who it will affect and measures to correct problems that may arise. In this way, a roadmap is created, which any employee can know and which should be based on the reality of the company.

 

Analyzing the characteristics of the premises and the building where the business is developed is the first step of the plan. The idea is to know the starting point, locate those processes that consume the most resources, identify the current energy expenditure and begin to set the most important objectives. Then will come the development of each action and its implementation.

 

There are factors that influence a higher consumption than normal. A good example is the age of the building. Generally speaking, the older the facilities, the less efficient they are. Fortunately, this fact can be solved by carrying out the necessary reforms. The facades are an important element, as they allow heat to escape. However, a rehabilitation of this element that enhances the insulation will be an optimal solution.

In addition, taking advantage of natural light, depending on the orientation of the sun, allows both reducing electricity and gas / oil consumption to power the heating. We must also pay special to the climate of the region and act accordingly.

 

It is also necessary to ensure that the building has a high airtightness, which promotes the efficiency of artificial ventilation. Air leaks increase consumption, since the appliances will have to compensate for it if it is significant.

 

At the end of the day, it is not only about taking care of the environment, since the company manages also to save money when it achieves high energy efficiency. This frees up resources for the organization to grow, while having a positive impact on the ecology of the entire planet.

In short, making buildings efficient is not an impossible task. You just have to choose to plan and take the appropriate actions. It may take time and will undoubtedly require a monetary investment, but the results will be seen in the electricity and gas bill. In addition, you will be helping to take care of the environment.

 

However, the main reason to bet on energy efficiency in buildings is to achieve an average saving of up to 25% in expenses derived from energy consumption. A figure that is worth it.