# 5 Amazing Ways to Make Commercial Buildings More Sustainable

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/12/5-amazing-ways-to-make-commercial-buildings-more-sustainable/
- Published: 2021-12-21T15:47:30-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Rising global environmental awareness is influencing various industries. Consumers
are searching for carbon-reduction methods, using their purchasing power to improve
ecological conditions. Eco-consumerism places sustainability-enhancing demands on
businesses and pushes them to make emission-reduction improvements. Companies are
adopting green practices to improve [conservation efforts and remain competitive](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/02/furniture-led-light-energy-savings-explained/)
in their industries. They may begin shrinking their carbon footprints by enhancing
the [sustainability of commercial buildings](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/06/people-and-planet-building-a-sustainable-future/)
like office spaces and manufacturing facilities.

![5 amazing ways to make commercial buildings more sustainable](https://i0.wp.com/
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resize=420%2C279&quality=52&ssl=1 "5 Amazing Ways to Make Commercial Buildings More
Sustainable - The Green Living Guy")

## **Where Does a Building’s Pollution Come From?**

Commercial buildings use the highest amounts of energy to support their heating,
ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The[ devices consume nearly 35%](https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2017/03/f34/qtr-2015-chapter5.pdf)
of a commercial structure’s power supply.

Lighting consumes the second-highest quantity of energy,[ using about 17%](https://www.eia.gov/consumption/commercial/reports/2012/lighting/#:~:text=Introduction,electricity%20besides%20the%20Other%20category.)
of the supply. Most global power derives from fossil fuels, like coal and natural
gas. During combustion, the energy sources release greenhouse gases into the environment.

When the gases invade the atmosphere, they[ limit Earth’s ability to create](https://environment.co/the-effects-of-fossil-fuels-on-the-environment/)
and maintain life-sufficient surface temperatures. Water exploitation also interferes
with a [building’s](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/keurig-sustainability-efforts-in-water-stewardship/)
sustainability. Overconsuming freshwater sources may contribute to resource depletion.

Individuals can minimize the emissions and resource exploitation associated with
their [buildings by adding eco-friendly](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/06/room-dining-eco-friendly-building-for-eating/)
appliances, features and materials. When [business owners invest in sustainable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/09/philips-buys-into-the-sustainable-technology-business/)
building upgrades, they can shrink their company’s carbon footprint and meet consumers’
needs.

## **1. Install Renewable Energy Systems**

An effective [way to produce a sustainable commercial](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/05/6-effective-ways-to-build-a-sustainable-business/)
building is by adding renewable energy systems. [Photovoltaic](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/06/solar-energy-car-wash-a-sustainable-business-model/)(
PV) rooftop solar panels create emission-free electricity on-site, minimizing a 
company’s emissions. The technology also[ delivers the most affordable energy](https://www.carbonbrief.org/solar-is-now-cheapest-electricity-in-history-confirms-iea)
source on the market and helps businesses save money on their utilities.

## **2. Purchase Rainwater Harvesting Systems**

Construction professionals can also add [rainwater](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/05/students-demonstrate-advancements-in-rainwater-harvesting-as-rainfall-averages-rise-testing-the-boundaries-of-an-aging-infrastructure/)
harvesting systems to a commercial building, decreasing reliance on the conventional
water supply. The technology collects stormwater in barrels and transfers it to 
an irrigation device or through a filtration system. After water[ moves through a purification structure](https://www.britannica.com/technology/rainwater-harvesting-system),
the technology pumps it into faucets, showerheads, hoses and water fountains.

Business owners can reduce water exploitation when using a rainwater harvesting 
system. They may also conserve the city supply, decreasing dehydration levels.

## **3. Install Sustainable Weatherization Materials**

A business owner can also develop a sustainable commercial building by adding sustainable
weatherization materials. Weatherizing a structure increases its stability and longevity,
reducing waste production over time. Environmental engineers created fiber cement
[ panels using reclaimed water](https://www.equitone.com/en-au/equitone-system/)
to minimize resource exploitation.

The panels are also recyclable, supporting a circular economy and reducing mining
pollution. Water- and windproof materials additionally [improve a building’s sustainability](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/11/5-sustainable-kitchen-improvements-you-can-make-today/)
by supporting HVAC efficiency.

## **4. Add Cool Roofs**

Builders develop conventional roofs from asphalt and other dark materials. Solar
radiation can raise a roof’s temperature in the summer, making HVAC systems work
harder to cool a building. Cool roofs derive from light-colored, reflective materials
supporting thermal emittance.

On high-temperature days,[ conventional roofs absorb 54 F](https://heatisland.lbl.gov/coolscience/cool-roofs)
more heat compared to cool roofs. Business owners can prevent urban heat islands
by installing sustainable roofing materials, decreasing water displacement and preserving
biodiversity.

## **5. Utilize the Modular Construction Method**

Individuals can also develop [sustainable commercial buildings using modular construction](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/08/green-building-licensing-standards-for-sustainable-practices/).
Structural components are created in a controlled environment rather than on-site.
Developing multiple modules in one place helps construction[ professionals repurpose unused or recycled](https://www.modular.org/HtmlPage.aspx?name=why_modular)
materials.

This construction method also decreases emissions by increasing dry material use.
Some facilities additionally use carbon-capturing technology to collect and filter
pollution before it reaches the atmosphere. Once builders develop all modules, they
transport them to the construction site in one trip, minimizing transportation-related
emissions.

## **Future Technologies Supporting a Sustainable Commercial Building**

Environmental engineers and scientists are developing green technologies and improving
the sustainability of [construction and building](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/04/konami-wins-2016-naiop-spotlight-award-for-sustainablegreen-building/)
maintenance. These techniques help the planet in the long term and ensure the structures
have a positive environmental impact. 

**Author Bio:**

Jane is the Editor-in-Chief of [Environment.co](https://environment.co/) and an 
environmental writer covering green technology, sustainability and environmental
news.

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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