Stewardship of a business means spending money wisely, providing security on property, and using resources with low negative environmental impact. As business owners, making small changes can make a big impact.
It is easier to make construction decisions that have a positive or neutral effect on the environment. It will be necessary to discuss with your contractor the environmental initiatives that are important to you in addition to any code requirements for going green. There are minimum standards for achieving a LEED certification on your new build, which you can learn about here.
According to the US Green Building Council (responsible for LEED), here are the items to consider when building: integrative thinking, energy, water, waste, materials, location, transportation, sustainable sites, health and human experience, regional impacts, innovation, global/regional/local context. With these items in mind, you can achieve one of the levels of LEED certification as you build. Here are four items to consider when constructing your new self-storage or updating your existing business.
- Add a green roof or living wall to your construction plans. Green roofs or living walls provide much-needed insulation (especially in Florida), reduce heating and cooling costs, absorb rainwater, and release oxygen. A green roof or living wall is easy to maintain and aesthetically pleasing to customers. Check out this green roof on SafeGuard self-storage in Louisiana. Additionally, if a green roof or living wall isn’t an option, consider a lighter-colored roof the next time you replace, repaint, or repair. Lighter colors reflect light and heat rather than absorbing them. Lighter color roofs require less energy to cool.
- LED lighting saves money and provides long-term sustainability. LED lighting is something that you can quickly change if you have an existing structure and you’re looking to be more eco-conscious. By updating old incandescent or fluorescent lighting, businesses can reduce energy usage by up to 75 percent.
- Harness the power of the sun with solar energy. Solar panels are a substantial investment that may take a few years to provide a return; however, the investment should not be dismissed on cost alone. Solar panels can supply all the power necessary for your self-storage location and even provide energy back to the grid. With Florida’s sunny skies, this is an investment worth considering. King 625 Storage in Pennsylvania uses solar panels to lower energy usage. There may be tax initiatives to help recoup some of your investment. If solar panels are not an option, you can use solar film or panels on windows to keep your air-conditioned space cooler and provide a uniform aesthetic for your exterior.
- Install or update the existing HVAC system to provide a more efficient heating and cooling system for your building. While HVAC is one of the more expensive items to consider when building or improving, Florida Public Utilities offers incentives to business owners to encourage more green options.
Green buildings save investors more over time despite upfront costs that can be challenging to absorb. Consider the long-term investment and reward for green initiatives. A commercial property can have a positive environmental impact by adopting changes at current and future properties.
At Coastal Storage, our team of experts looks at creative ways to improve the efficiency of our self-storage clients as they run their business. Being energy conscious is something we take seriously. We would love to work with you on your next self-storage venture. Call our team today at 904-591-0140.