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As energy costs continue to rise, sustainability becomes a critical factor in building design. Commercial property owners, architects, and engineers must remain focused on energy-efficient solutions and the integration of advanced HVAC systems, smart lighting, and efficient building envelopes can greatly reduce operating costs. By aligning energy-efficient practices with the Section 179D tax requirements, building owners and designers can be rewarded for reducing energy consumption within a building. Let us explore impactful technologies that not only save on energy costs but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of buildings. Want a more personalized experience? Schedule a call with our experts to discuss energy savings on commercial buildings.
Mechanical/HVAC Systems: A Cornerstone of Energy Efficiency
Optimizing HVAC systems is one of the best ways to reduce energy use and improve building performance. Technologies like Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems offer precise control of space loads, leading to significant energy savings. Integrating multi-stage heating and cooling systems and Demand-Controlled Ventilation (DCV) ensures better air quality and efficiency. These smart systems improve comfort, lower energy costs, and can help qualify for the 179D tax deduction. A detailed explanation of each system’s function is provided below.
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD):Efficient Power Control for Lasting Comfort
VFDs adjust motor speed based on demand, reducing energy use by up to 30%. They also extend the lifespan of HVAC systems and improve comfort. Installing VFDs can help meet energy efficiency standards and increase energy savings within a Section 179D energy model.
VFDs Real Case Set Up
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems:Compact, Efficient, and Adaptive Climate Control
VRF systems provide efficient cooling and heating by adjusting refrigerant flow for different zones. This technology is state of the art and differs from traditional methods that can only provide 100% refrigerant flow. Because VRF systems can reduce refrigerant flow, the operating costs of the building HVAC are reduced. This system is also very compact and can be a sustainable design option for scenarios where space is limited.
VRF Heat Pump
Multi-Stage Heating and Cooling Systems:Precision Temperature Control for Optimized Efficiency
Multi-stage systems adjust output based on demand, reducing energy use and wear on equipment. These systems ensure a more adaptable temperature control and can lead to significant energy savings by operating at 25, 50, or 75 percent of total capacity.
CO2 Sensors and Demand-Controlled Ventilation (DCV):Intelligent Air Management for Savings and Health
CO2 sensors and DCV systems adjust ventilation based on occupancy and demand, saving energy by only supplying fresh outdoor air when needed. This helps reduce waste and improve indoor air quality, contributing to significant energy savings for HVAC systems.
Energy/Heat Recovery Units and Ventilators: A Smart Solution for Sustainability
Energy recovery units (ERUs) and heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) optimize HVAC efficiency by capturing and reusing energy from exhaust air to precondition incoming fresh air. HRVs transfer heat between outgoing and incoming air, while Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) also manage moisture, making them ideal for climates with varying humidity. These systems reduce the need for additional heating or cooling, lower energy bills, and improve indoor air quality by ensuring a continuous flow of fresh air.
ERV Field Inspection Capture
Interior Lighting: Maximizing Efficiency Through Smart Controls
Interior lighting is a major energy system in commercial buildings, but with smart upgrades like LED lights, occupancy sensors, and daylight sensors, energy savings and lighting quality may be improved. Solutions such as the ones below help optimize lighting use, cut costs, and support sustainability—all while improving the energy consumption of a building.
LED Lighting:Energy-Efficient Illumination for Cost Savings and Longevity
LED lights use up to 75% less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs. They improve lighting quality and comfort, making them a cost-effective upgrade that can help you meet the Section 179D tax deduction criteria.
Occupancy Sensors:Smart Lighting for Energy Savings and Convenience
Occupancy sensors automatically turn lights on or off based on room usage, reducing energy waste in unoccupied spaces. This is a significant energy efficient feature that should not be overlooked when designing lighting systems.
Daylight Sensors: Maximizing Natural Light for Optimal Efficiency
Daylight sensors adjust lighting based on available natural light, ensuring space lights are only operating when necessary. This maximizes energy savings and can also increase lighting comfort within a space by incorporating natural sources of light.
Captured Led Lights Along with Occupancy Sensors
Automated Lighting Controls: Enhancing Energy Efficiency Through Smart Lighting
One of the most advanced ways to manage lighting consumption in a building is to incorporate an automated lighting control system. These systems save energy by implementing operating conditions that reduce lighting loads based on space demand throughout different times of the day or year.
Automated Lighting Control Screen
Building Envelope: The First Line of Defense in Energy Efficiency
Building envelope system refers to the components that separate the interior of the building from the exterior. Components can include doors, roofs, slabs, walls, and windows. Incorporating superior envelope alternatives can help meet energy efficiency requirements for the Section 179D tax deduction.
Low Emissivity (Low-E) Windows: Maximizing Natural Light and Reducing Heat Transfer
Low-E windows function by allowing light to pass through the glass and reduce the heat transferred into the space. They help maintain comfortable temperatures year-round and reduce solar heat gain, which results in improved HVAC efficiency.
Insulated Windows: Enhancing Insulation for Comfort and Efficiency
Double, or even triple pane, windows insulate much better when compared to single-pane windows. This reduces heat transfer and improves comfort. Double pane windows may also be filled with an inert gas, such as argon, that further improves the overall efficiency of the window.
Double Pane Window
High Thermal Resistance Insulation: Boosting Efficiency with Superior Insulation Materials
Utilizing insulation with high thermal resistance values can be very beneficial to the performance of walls and roofs. Systems that have significantly higher R-Values can reduce heat transfer in space by up to 50%, which is critical for buildings located in colder climates.
Integrated Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Buildings
When energy-efficient technologies work together, they create a smart, responsive system that reduces energy consumption while optimizing building performance. For building owners and designers, the goal is to create a who listic approach where HVAC, lighting, and envelope systems are seamlessly integrated. This approach not only drives down energy costs but also increases occupant satisfaction and the building’s market value. By implementing these strategies, your building becomes a model of energy efficiency, positioning it for significant savings and potential tax incentives, including those available through the Section 179D tax incentive.
