Plan for a Greener Future

NO COST

Plant deciduous trees on the south and west side of the facility to shield building from sunlight;

Reduce heating temperature and increase cooling temperature by one or two degrees;

Keep entrance doors closed to retain conditioned air;

Maintain space under slightly positive pressure, which reduces infiltration of outside unconditioned air;

Turn water-heater temperature down to code minimum for washroom lavatories;

Reduce general light levels and illuminate merchandise only at higher levels. Using high- and low-lighting also helps sales; and

Use hand dryers in lieu of paper towels in restrooms, which cuts down on waste and reduces storage needs.

LOW COST

Require all motors to be high efficiency;

Replace back-of-house incandescents with compact fluorescents;

Better insulate hot-water heaters;

Inspect the economizer to make sure it is functioning properly.

“A malfunctioning economizer can add as much as 40% to a building’s annual energy costs,” said Ken Golovko, client operations director, WD Partners.

Inspect HVAC filters monthly and replace as needed, especially if they are located near a dirty or dusty environment; and

Inspect and clean condenser coils regularly.

MEDIUM COST

Use motion-sensor lighting controls in nonpublic areas;

Use water-conserving toilets and waterless urinals;

Use“auto-sensing” lavatory faucets;

Institute recycling programs for customers and employees;

Eliminate cleaning products that use toxic chemicals or produce toxic gases;

For new construction/TI projects, write contracts requiring general contractor to separate and/or recycle construction waste;

Suggest approved (Green Seal, etc.) finishes, adhesives and sealants during the Finish Schedule review; and

Use awnings and window/storefront treatment for shading.

HIGH COST

FOR THE BUILDING:

Install skylights and interlocks with lighting for automated dimming;

“These systems can be modified to ensure the right amount of light is reaching product,” Golovko added. “There is even a product that tracks the sunlight and has mirrors to provide more uniform light distribution.

Change all signage from fluorescent/neon to LED, which will result in reduced energy and maintenance costs, plus reduced waste generated by relamping;

Use ENERGY STAR, high albedo, or vegetated roofs to reduce HVAC costs and heat-island effect;

Establish specifications for fixtures, finishes and furniture that have a high recycled content, use rapidly renewable materials and/or have Green Seal certification;

Establish a corporate building policy that uses the United States Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program as a base guideline for all work.

“This should be done whether or not LEED certification is a goal,” Golovko advised.

Replace T12 fluorescents with T8s and electronic ballasts. Add reflectors and new lenses to reduce the number of lamps required;

Add occupancy sensors or timers in addition to relamping;

In stores with high ceilings, use T5 lamps and indirect fixtures to improve both efficiency and light quality; and

Use reflective roof coating to reduce peak cooling demand by up to 15%.

FOR THE SITE:

Use LED lighting for the parking lot; and

Light parking lots only to 1 FC. Consider using metal halide.

“Although less efficient, it has a blue spectrum that makes it easier for eyes to see under low-light conditions,” Golovko said.

FOR MECHANICAL SYSTEMS:

Use outside air monitoring and CO₂ sensors to ensure optimal mix to maintain air quality;

Use tankless water heaters, which can have a long-term payback;

Maintain “floating head” pressure on the compressor to reduce refrigerant temperatures;

Use evaporative condensers in drier climates;

Use display-case shields in grocery stores, which can reduce refrigeration load;

Remove air moisture through desiccant dehumidification systems; and

Relamp grocery display cases with T8 lamps and electronic ballasts.

“Relamping and moving display-case lighting to outside the cases can reduce energy consumption by up to 15%,” Golovko noted.