It is undeniable that commercial buildings are important aspects of economic activity, housing businesses, offices, and other essential services. However, for decades, many of these structures have operated without a significant focus on environmental sustainability. This has led to the building sector and its value chain being responsible for 39% of total global energy-related carbon emissions.
Many buildings are constructed with little consideration for energy efficiency, leading to substantial waste and environmental impact. Yet, with the growing awareness of climate change and the urgent need for sustainability, energy-efficient buildings have been recognised as a small yet crucial step towards decarbonisation and greater sustainability.
Carbon Footprint of Commercial Buildings
While people tend to be more conservative with their residential electricity usage, it’s no secret that commercial buildings, like offices, are often treated as just places for conducting business. If a staff member has no sight of the energy bill or knowledge of the energy consumption, it is less likely that they will actively engage with efforts to reduce levels.
This mindset of treating the office like a hotel has perpetuated wasteful energy practices, such as leaving lights on unnecessarily, heating and cooling systems running inefficiently, and any office equipment using power even during periods of inactivity. Our investigations have shown that some buildings are wasting 30% of their total energy consumption per year.
However, the tide is turning as awareness grows and energy-efficiency solutions become more accessible worldwide. Businesses, property managers, and building owners are increasingly recognising the importance of greening their buildings, not only to reduce their carbon footprint but also to enhance their attractiveness to tenants and buyers. Even small changes can significantly improve a building’s energy efficiency rating, making it more appealing to both potential tenants and buyers.
All Eyes on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
The imperative for such actions is underscored by the growing global threat of climate change. Within the EU alone, buildings are responsible for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of GHG emissions across the entire lifecycle from construction to usage and demolition. Focusing on Ireland, the overall emissions from the construction environment account for 13% of overall GHG emissions. It is clear that the need for sustainable practices in the built environment is particularly pressing.
On a regulatory basis, both at the EU level and within individual countries like Ireland, regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. The EU has been a leader in sustainable development and their commitment to net-zero targets has been impressive. With the Paris Agreement’s influence, there are increasing investor and tenant demands that push for sustainable development and green building practices. In Ireland, investors and corporations are aligning their strategies with ESG principles, as climate change becomes an increasing threat in the minds of investors.
Many investors, not just in Ireland, are looking to transition their investment profiles to net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. Businesses themselves are also recognizing that decarbonization is not just an ethical imperative but also a strategic necessity to mitigate risks, reduce operating costs, and maintain a social licence to operate.
Vivid Edge’s Turnkey Solution
his is where Vivid Edge’s turnkey solution comes into play. By helping businesses fund and implement energy-efficient upgrades, Vivid Edge aims to help property managers and owners curtail energy waste and bolster the sustainability credentials of their buildings.
Here at Vivid Edge, our small improvements, such as solar, lighting, mechanical, and equipment upgrades play a key role in minimising waste in commercial buildings.
At the end of the day, our goal is to make commercial buildings:
- More sustainable to work in
- More environmentally friendly
- More attractive to potential tenants
- More valuable for potential buyers
- More resilient to energy inflation
Enhancing energy efficiency in your commercial building is not just a matter of reducing energy bills and cutting costs, it’s about investing in the future. By embracing sustainability initiatives, businesses can play a pivotal role in building a greener, more resilient future for all.
