Commercial Real Estate Energy Efficiency Tips
Commercial real estate energy efficiency does more than improve the environment. It increases profit margins in two ways. First, it builds value in your property because green buildings rent at a premium and sell for a higher price. Second, it cuts operating and maintenance costs to improve margins.
Average energy consumption in commercial buildings
The U.S. Department of Energy has estimated that commercial buildings produce 16 percent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions annually. When you make changes to improve commercial real estate energy efficiency, you will contribute to lowering that number. You will also contribute more profit to your bottom line. Buildings with lower emissions and lower building operating costs per square foot have a higher property value, a trend that is only growing.
Commercial building owners pay an average of $6.79 per square foot in non-fixed operating expenses.
Energy use typically accounts for one-third of total operating costs for commercial office buildings.
About 17 percent of electricity usage in commercial buildings goes toward lighting, making it the largest end use of electricity.
Additional commercial real estate resources
Interested in finding more ways to lower your commercial real estate energy consumption? Check out our related resources for more exciting strategies.
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