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No costs/ low costs options
- Allow your workers to wear warm clothing during cool weather. It makes little sense to keep a room hot enough that workers wear hot weather clothing.
Insulation
- Isolate unused spaces by putting up doors (or closing existing ones!) and only heat rooms that are being used.
- Insulate water heaters and supply pipes.
- Block off any chimneys not in use.
- Consider insulating your walls to a R-18 insulation value if no insulation exists.
- Consider retrofitting you roof insulation to a rigid R-30 panel or adding insulation up to a R-49 value to your attic.
Air leakages
- Seal doors, windows, framing joints, pipe and wiring penetrations with caulking, weather-stripping, or foam sealants.
Doors/ windows
- Close windows and exterior doors when you're using air conditioning or heating.
- Check all windows and door to see if any draughts need to be sealed.
- Replace all-glass doors with insulated doors, and keep them closed! Ensure doors can be easily and quickly opened and closed.
- Automatic door closures: Doors which open to the outside. For example, the main entrance, reception, car parks and delivery areas let in a lot of cold air. Fitting automatic door closures will help reduce heating and air conditioning costs by reducing air movement between different areas.
Some investment:
Refurbishing
- This is the ideal time to examine ways of saving energy. A lot of heat is lost through large windows and glass walls, so consider improving the window shading. A draught lobby prevents entranceways and reception areas opening directly to the outside elements.
Roof Insulation
- For commercial buildings less than about 1,000 square metres, or long, low buildings of two stories or less, or those in cold climates, insulating the roof can be a cost-effective measure.
Windows
- Consider adding exterior or interior double glazing if heating costs are high; Replace windows with double-glazed units and frames with a "thermal break"; Close curtains overnight – this helps retain the heat collected during the day.
Garage Separations
- Many buildings locate garages under heated/cooled space. Insulating this surface can reduce energy losses.
Sources:
www.nzbcsd.org.nz
www.contactenergy.co.nz
www.energywise.org.nz
Winter tips: www.consumerenergycenter.org
Summer Tips: www.consumerenergycenter.org |
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Energy efficient design plays a major role in healthier, more productive environments. Research tells us that energy efficient workplaces lead to higher productivity and satisfaction. 
