In recent years, enthusiasm to improve a building’s energy-efficiency and reduce its overall carbon footprint has grown. Lighting design has been at the forefront of this movement.

It is no surprise that commercial buildings consume a tremendous amount of energy, which we have learned over the years is not always necessary and can be avoided with changes in lighting, controls, heating and air conditioning systems, and ventilation improvements.

Whether you are designing a new building, renovating an existing building or looking to improve your new home office, incorporating these two simple tips will get you well on your way to a more sustainable and energy-efficient work environment.

Natural Light | Day Lighting

Designers and architects are always searching for ways to inspire and bring space to its full potential. By using natural lighting, it makes a space feel more welcomed and productive while maintaining the commitment to sustainable design.

Taking advantage of natural light is one of the best and easiest ways to reduce a space’s dependency on man-made lighting. Research shows that integrating nature and natural lighting into the workplace improves one’s happiness, creativity, and performance. Results showed that “respondents who worked in environments with natural elements had a higher level of well-being, productivity, and creativity. One-third of respondents said the design of an office would affect their decision to work for a company.“

LED Lighting

When considering lighting design, use energy-efficient LED lighting fixtures. By using energy-efficient LED lights, they use less energy to light the same area as traditional lights and are giving off less heat “Fluorescent lamps use 65%–75% less energy than incandescent bulbs to provide the same amount of light”. Not only are LED lights the most efficient lighting source on the market, but they also have a high life-cycle – 10-times more than traditional light bulbs.

• Energy-efficient light bulbs cannot only be used in commercial spaces but in our homes too. There are several LED light bulb options in the market place to convey the look and feel you want in your space. Utilizing LED light bulbs will not only save you money; they will reduce the burden on your HVAC system.

By following just a few steps, we can help improve the energy consumption in both our homes and businesses. During this crucial time, many of us are continuing to work from home, which means our energy consumption is increasing. When deciding where to set-up your office, look for a place where you can turn off the artificial light and utilize the natural light coming in through your windows. For inspiration on how to design your home office, take a look at our recent blog, “An Impromptu Home Office – Creating A Work Space.”

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As a fully integrated design-build firm, we specialize in architecture, engineering, construction, and development to help organizations with building needs all across Upstate New York. Visit us on the web at www.vipstructures.com or contact us on the sidebar by filling out our short form fill. Subscribe to our blog to get the latest news about what is happening in the A/E/C/D world.