The UK’s commercial sector makes up a significant portion of
the country’s economy. However, being such a large part of British economic
output does have its drawbacks, especially when it comes to the environment. Christopher Botten
of the Better Buildings
Partnership, has estimated that close to 20% of the UK’s total CO2 emissions
derive from the commercial sector, making it a particularly guilty culprit when
it comes to reducing our carbon footprint.
However, with anxiety around the catastrophic effects of
climate change looming over the horizon becoming ever more apparent, the UK
government has set itself targets to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by the year
2050. While these targets are designed to tackle the climate issue across the
whole of the UK, British businesses are now being pushed to consider how they
too can reduce their carbon emissions.
In direct response to this, more and more new and existing
buildings are being developed with sustainability at the heart of their designs
in order to combat the significant issue of commercial emission creation. This
has led to a variety of innovative solutions in building design which have revolutionised
the way certain buildings run.
As lift designers and manufacturers who specialise in
eco-friendly solutions for businesses, we’re fascinated by this burgeoning
trend. With this in mind, we decided to take a closer look at how commercial
buildings are doing their part for the environment.
Why invest in sustainable design?
As a building owner or designer, you may be considering what
the actual real-term benefits of investing in sustainable solutions are. Of
course, aside from the obvious ecological benefits associated with eco-friendly
building design, putting sustainability at the heart of your project can
provide a host of advantages.
For example, by relying on sustainable solutions for a
variety of systems, you will have a direct impact on your overall energy
consumption. This will invariably reduce the building’s utility costs as you
end up using traditional energy sources less and less.
Sustainable design can also help to promote a happier, more
productive workplace, as many green solutions incorporate natural designs which
can have a positive impact on the general mood of office spaces and the
building at large.
Finally, it’s no surprise that many businesses are looking
to improve their eco-friendly credentials. A recent survey of 30,000 people
found that over 60% of those questioned gravitated towards organisations that
committed to reducing emissions. With this in mind, businesses will more likely
choose a premises with a more environmentally friendly approach.
Using eco-friendly materials
It doesn’t matter whether you’re building from scratch or
renovating your premises, ensuring that you’re using environmentally friendly
materials when carrying out any form of building work is essential.
Construction waste is responsible for around 32% of the UK’s landfill waste
, meaning it’s
more important than ever to invest in recycled and sustainable materials.
This issue should be split into two categories: the first
being investing in recycled materials and the second being utilising materials
that can promote sustainability. Examples of both include materials such as
recycled steel, bamboo and sheep’s wool. All of these materials can be easily
reused or recycled, minimising waste and helping to improve the circular
economy.
Prefabricated methods
Prefabrication methods can also be an excellent way to
improve sustainability. As traditional methods of construction can be a
particularly wasteful and energy-inefficient process, it unfortunately creates
large amounts of CO2. On the other hand, the increasingly popular method of
modular construction gives builders much more control over the process, leading
to minimal wastage.
Precast concrete is a prime example of quality prefabricated
construction. Made entirely in a factory to the exact standards required,
precast concrete makes very little waste and has no negative impact on the air
quality.
Integration of green solutions
While the construction and renovation of a building is
paramount in promoting sustainability, there are a host of ways a building
owner can add or retrofit green solutions into the premises. If you’re looking
to add sustainable solutions to your building here are just a few to consider:
Solar panels
The poster child of the environmental movement, a quality
set of solar panels for your building can really pay dividends when it comes to
increasing sustainability. Offering a great return on investment, solar panels
are cheaper than they’ve ever been and can act as great money savers in the
long-run, effectively paying for themselves.
Of course, they are also extremely beneficial at reducing
your environmental impact by minimizing air pollution and the dependence on
nonrenewable energy sources.
Eco
lifts
For buildings that span multiple floors, it’s likely you
have some form of lift in place to make ascending and descending easier.
Unfortunately, while very useful for employees and visitors, older models can
be especially energy hungry. However, with recent innovations in the industry
over the years, eco-lifts are now readily available for the eco-conscious
building owner.
New eco-lifts utilise new technologies that heighten
efficiency and minimise energy consumption. For example, eco-lifts are usually
‘machine room-less’ (M.R.L), meaning that, in comparison to standard models
that require a full machine room to operate properly, eco-lifts need no such
thing, which can cut energy usage by up to 50%.
Many eco-lifts are also fitted out with energy-saving LED
lighting. Again, in comparison to the halogen bulbs of a standard elevator,
LEDs are 80% more efficient and last up to 10 times longer, easily making them
the sustainable choice.
Finally, eco-lifts are fitted with technology that allows
them to go into hibernation when not in use, which can significantly reduce
energy consumption. With all of this in mind, if you’re looking for
sustainability, an eco-lift is essential.
Energy-efficient lighting
This one is a bit of a no-brainer, especially as many
traditional lighting options are being phased out of the market at the moment.
However, it’s important to note how beneficial a set of highly efficient bulbs
can be to a commercial premises.
For a long time, the biggest downside of energy-saving
lighting was that they were excessively bright and harsh on the eyes. Luckily,
this issue has been rectified, with a eco-lighting offering a range of colours
and lumen levels to fit your exact specifications.
Living walls
Slightly out there in comparison to the above, living walls
can be striking examples of your commitment to being environmentally friendly
and have become one of the most important sustainable features in buildings
around the world.
In layman’s terms, a living wall is basically a vertical
structure that holds vegetation. The idea was originally patented during the
1930s, but has recently made a resurgence. With an increased amount of
plantlife taking up a smaller amount of space, you’ll benefit from purified air
while also acting as a beautiful, natural addition to your space.
Improve your sustainable credentials with an
eco-friendly lift from ADL Lift Services
Whether you’re designing a new building or retrofitting your
space to increase sustainability, an eco-lift is a great investment. However,
it is equally important to ensure you’re investing in quality and, with ADL
Lift Services, you can rest assured you’re working with the best that Scotland
has to offer.
With a combined experience of over 80 years in the industry,
our team of highly experienced lift specialists have helped countless customers
with a wide range of elevator solutions. Offering everything from repairs and
servicing, to the design and manufacturing of highly efficient and eco-friendly
lifts, we will do everything necessary to ensure you have the perfect elevator
for your building.
If you would like to learn more about how ADL Lift Services can help you, visit our
website
or get in touch with a member of our friendly team on 01698
277 009 to further discuss your requirements.
