Retrofitting your existing commercial building allows you to conserve time, money, and the environment. This move is smart for your bottom line and the future, so learn more about how retrofitting increases sustainability.

Perform an Energy Audit

Evaluate the energy usage of your existing building by inspecting the building’s systems and reviewing utility bills from the past two years. With the energy audit results, you can determine which systems to update and which systems to replace during the retrofit process. Here are a few examples of possible fixes you may discover during your energy audit.

• Fix air leaks
• Replace clogged filters
• Improve water system efficiency
• Change wiring
• Add insulation
• Install usage sensors

Reduce Air Leaks

Air leaks waste energy by allowing hot and cold air to escape from your building. Use a retrofit to install high-performance windows and doors, solar shading devices, and wall and ceiling insulation. These features can stop air leaks and help you conserve rather than waste energy year-round.

Manage Water Efficiently

You may use water to operate your building’s cooling, plumbing, or cleaning systems. Whether you need a little or a lot, it’s important to conserve water usage while meeting your needs. In a sustainable retrofit building, you can install an energy-efficient water usage system with monitors. In real-time, you will see how much water you’re using and make adjustments as needed. You can also equip a retrofit building with a recyclable water system to further conserve this natural resource.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Indoor allergens harm your employees’ and client's health, wellness, and job performance. With a retrofit, you can improve indoor air quality and reduce environmental contaminants. First, consider fresh air intake and natural ventilation options. Next, install monitors to track contaminants like chemicals, mold, dust, and cleaning supply fumes, too. Then, create a plan to breathe better indoors.

Utilize Space Efficiently With Sensors

Install sensors to measure occupancy data. Then, the lights and HVAC systems automatically adjust based on usage. This feature can reduce the building’s energy usage and save you money. You can also use this data to see which spaces you could repurpose as you minimize waste.

Monitor Energy Efficiency Performance in Real-Time

Rather than wait until utility bills arrive in the mail, add smart meters to your retrofit building plan. Smart water, gas, and electric utility meters can control demand based on occupancy and allow you to see the building’s energy usage in real-time from any electronic device on or off the property. Use the data to adjust your usage and other details as you improve sustainability.

Add a Green Roof

With a green, vegetated, or living roof, your retrofit building can offer numerous sustainable benefits. Use this feature to reduce your building’s heating and cooling needs and the heat island effect. A green roof can also help you manage stormwater runoff and lower roof maintenance costs.

Retrofitting your commercial building can be a smart move. You could save money and protect the environment with this sustainable construction option.