Commercial buildings account for 20% of total energy usage in the United States¹. This not only takes a toll on the environment, but on daily operational costs for businesses and property owners. As energy prices rise and sustainability becomes a growing concern, optimizing energy efficiency in your commercial building is more important than ever. 

In this blog, we explore the best commercial renovations for energy efficiency that meet tenant needs and maximize the ROI of your building. 

5 Best Energy Efficiency Upgrades for Commercial Buildings

Energy efficiency upgrades offer many potential advantages for businesses, from lower energy bills and improved functionality to a smaller carbon footprint. Below are some practical upgrades that can improve the energy efficiency of your commercial building.

1. Install LED Lighting Fixtures

Upgrading a commercial building with LED lighting allows businesses to save money on energy bills, maintenance, and replacement costs. LED lightbulbs use 90% less energy than traditional bulbs while producing the same level of brightness and they also last 15 times longer.²

2. Install Smart Lighting Systems 

Smart lighting systems give you complete control over the color temperature, brightness, and timing of LED fixtures throughout your building. This boosts comfort and productivity, and it also enables you to use dimmer settings that consume less electricity.

Over time, a smart lighting system can add up to significant energy savings in commercial spaces.

3. Upgrade HVAC Systems

Heating and cooling contribute to almost 40% of a building’s total energy consumption³. Outdated or faulty HVAC systems consume even more energy because they operate less effectively, so the system must work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. 

Upgrading to high-efficiency HVAC equipment can reduce energy consumption by up to 50%, depending on your region⁴. This can lower your electricity bill and lead to substantial cost savings over time. 

4. Improve Natural Lighting

Increasing the natural light in a commercial building can significantly reduce energy consumption. Natural light inherently encourages tenants to use less artificial light while maintaining visibility. It can also help keep the building at a comfortably warm temperature, resulting in less HVAC use. 

Installing skylights is a great way to brighten up a building. You can also install more south-facing windows to let in more natural light without strong afternoon heat or distracting glares.  

5. Install Smart Thermostats

Installing a smart thermostat is a great way to lower energy usage while maintaining a comfortable environment within the building. These systems automatically optimize the climate based on factors like: 

• Previous temperature-setting patterns 
• Outside temperatures 
• Periods of inactivity 
• How long it takes to cool or heat the entire building 

By upgrading to smart thermostats, you have the potential to save 8% on heating and cooling costs⁵. 

Maximize the Efficiency of Your Commercial Building with DRF Builders

With the right strategic renovations, commercial buildings can consume less energy and leave a smaller carbon footprint, translating to lower operational costs and a more positive impact on the environment. 

At DRF Builders, we have years of experience completing a broad range of commercial construction projects with immense care and attention to detail. We specialize in commercial construction and offer comprehensive remodeling and renovation services to help you maximize the efficiency, functionality, and beauty of your commercial properties. Contact us online today or call (707)-888-0713/ID# to learn how our team can bring your vision to life.