When we contemplate global issues, our thoughts often turn to pressing concerns like climate change, sustainability, and the importance of eco-friendly products. It's no coincidence that our perspective on how we construct and conduct business is transforming globally. We're becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of our actions and are committed to shaping a future that conserves energy and money and benefits the planet.
Terms like "going green," "utilizing green products," and "LEED certifications" frequently dominate conversations about change in industries such as construction and manufacturing. However, the question that looms large is, how do we truly define "Green"?
Climate change is an undeniable reality, and while various arguments exist about its root causes, the fact remains that it's happening. Governments, regulatory bodies, and professional organizations worldwide are responding by introducing stricter efficiency standards and setting deadlines for buildings to achieve specific levels of efficiency soon. While these are laudable objectives, most of the emphasis is on new equipment and structures. Unsurprisingly, over 80% of buildings and equipment are already operating. Equally important is the realization that many facility owners need more financial resources for a complete overhaul of their energy-consuming equipment to meet these goals. Even with a budget, numerous changes come with an extended return on investment (ROI) period, often exceeding a decade. Such extended payback periods rarely align with corporate budgetary considerations, making businesses hesitant to embark on energy-efficient or green initiatives.
To overcome these formidable challenges, property owners and facility managers can embark on their journey toward sustainability by addressing the efficiency of their existing equipment, particularly focusing on HVAC systems – typically the single largest energy consumer in any building.
A straightforward starting point for energy conservation is regular maintenance. Ensuring that HVAC systems operate as intended, or even better, is crucial. Facility owners and managers can then explore the market for enhancements that can provide cost-effective improvements to HVAC system performance, such as advanced controls, dampers, insulation, corrosion protection, and more.
Remembering that every system boasts an initial efficiency and performance rating established in a controlled lab environment is crucial. These ratings may or may not accurately reflect real-world performance when the system operates on a rooftop. Moreover, these ratings are often tied to specific conditions the systems may or may not encounter during their service life.
Addressing the operating conditions and efficiency of already-installed equipment is vital to swift and meaningful progress in combating climate change. Most HVAC equipment boasts a service life of 15 years or more, and delaying efficiency enhancements until equipment replacement is due will not expedite our climate goals. Solutions like CoilSafe, CoilSafePlus, and ThermalBlock can be applied on-site, extending the lifespan of equipment while enhancing its efficiency.
Adopting solutions that can be integrated into existing equipment is imperative to boost efficiency, extend lifecycle, and provide businesses with rapid ROI opportunities. Energy Performance Solutions takes pride in offering affordable coating solutions to jumpstart or enhance your energy-saving efforts, bringing you closer to achieving your sustainability objectives. Reach out to our team today to learn how we can help you make a difference. Together, we can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
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