Power bills a problem? Top 5 tips to save energy in a commercial building

It is said quite often that power saving is simply put, money saving. But, ever since commercial buildings have arrived, the proverb has become a postulate among the power saving crusaders. They have been asking for energy audit being done regularly there so that the energy gets wasted there should be used for welfare purposes. It gave sustainable buildings concept to all commercial property owners that forced them to follow energy conservation initiatives. 

Talking about the energy conservation and energy saving ideas  Shabbir Kanchwala, Senior Vice President at K Raheja Corp said, "These initiatives are good for the health of the buildings and the people working out of it. They also help reduce costs through water and energy conservation, the benefit of which is passed on to its occupiers." He said that these energy saving tips not only help you save the money that you pay for your power bills, it also helps you make your property a sustainable one.

Shabbir Kanchwala of K Raheja Corp gave five energy saving tips at the commercial buildings which are as follows:

1] Net Zero Concept Buildings: Net Zero Concept buildings depend on renewable sources to produce as much energy as they use. One of its many features is that it does not depend on any external source for energy and water. Extensive use of a renewable source of energy like solar panels and wind turbines etc. stand among the technologies used to achieve net-zero status. The long term benefits of energy saving compel companies to consider it as a good investment.

2] Glazing: Glazing is another technique used wherein a Low ‘e’ double glazed glass is used to reduce the heat ingress into the building. These windows help make the indoor area more comfortable, brings in maximum daylight which dramatically reduces energy costs and helps to create a brighter, cleaner and healthier environment.

3] LED Lights in Common Area: Light emitting diodes, commonly called LEDs, are the real unsung heroes in the field of energy efficiency. Lighting is a major contributor to overall building energy consumption. Lower power requirement than ordinary incandescent lamps & CFL’s, high efficiency & long life are the major advantages of using LED lights. They give maximum luminaires i.e. more light at minimal power consumption. Installation of LED lights in all common areas at Mindspace lift lobbies, street lights, entrance lobbies etc.

4] Integrated Building Management System: IBMS is automatic centralized control of a building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning, lighting and other systems through a building management system. The objectives of building automation are improved security, occupant comfort, efficient operation of building systems, and reduction in energy consumption and operating costs and improved life cycle of utilities. At all Mindspace buildings, IBMS of international brands & standards have been installed to run the building more efficiently.

5] HVAC and Electrical: Today’s modern constructions employ HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) as functions that designate them as modern homes and buildings. Warmed or cooled or dehumidified air flows through a series of ducts that are distributed to all the rooms of a house. A central HVAC system is a quietest and convenient way to cool an entire place. HVAC Systems should consist of water-cooled screw chillers with a high coefficient of performance and eco-friendly refrigerant. AHU’s, cooling towers, pumps; jet fans with variable frequency drives are modulated by centralized IBMS with the installation variable air volumes inside the designated areas. AHU’s are interlinked with Heat Recovery Units to reduce the cooling load on the chiller. For better IAQ, the use of Demand Control Ventilation system with Co2 sensors is a must. The main objective is to reduce the electricity consumption of the building from the electricity grid, fossil fuel based thermal power dominated grid and thus contributes to the reduction in emissions of pollutants including GHG emissions. The use of daylight and occupancy sensors for common area lighting and use of LED’s for energy conservation is an option that many are turning to.

Asked about how much energy was saved after adopting the above-mentioned steps Shabbir Kanchwala, Senior Vice President at K Raheja Corp said, "These energy saving techniques result in 20% reduced power bills for client organizations at Mindspace along with providing them with a healthier work environment."