As a business owner, you have many balls in the air at all times. You are concerned about the health and happiness of your employees. You are concerned about profits, and keeping the costs down in your production. And, you are always looking for ways to maximize your workspace, ensuring that you are utilizing it at high capacity while keeping maintenance costs as low as possible. No one likes to see their hard-earned profits going towards higher-than-necessary electric or heating bills or complex maintenance issues that could have been prevented.
Additionally, if you are paying attention to the state of our world and our environment, you are likely concerned about minimizing your ecological footprint as a business owner. Now more than ever, ensuring that you are doing all you can to implement business practices that support the sustainability of our planet is one of the most important considerations you can make. When it comes to construction, it becomes even more so – not only will making thoughtful choices throughout the construction process positively impact your ecological footprint, but it can support the longevity of your business as well.
The most basic aspects of your building can present some of the biggest challenges, as well as some of the most innovative solutions for incorporating sustainable techniques into the construction of your storefront. From roofing, to siding, to landscaping and lighting, these elements play an important role in the success of your business. Not only are they important parts of the aesthetic appeal of your building, but they serve a critical purpose in preserving the virtue of your structure for years to come.
For instance, when taking on a roofing project for your commercial space, you’re certainly considering many important aspects – materials, function, and durability. Choosing sustainable practices can actually speak to several of these points, all in one. Even more importantly, selecting a commercial roofing contractor that has the same vision and values in mind – especially if you’re interested in advanced techniques such as solar power, sustainable materials or a built-up-roofing system – can make or break a project that influences the success of your business.
In this day and age, each time we construct a new building we are using precious natural resources to create the space. And, with these resources growing more scarce every year, we can only in good conscience choose techniques that care for the environment in the best way possible.
Solar power is one of the most prominent pieces of technology at the forefront of the energy conservation movement. More and more, installation costs are easily written off by the energy savings over time that just continue to build over the years. Solar panels also allow you to be more self-sufficient, which, as we all know, is a great move to make heading into the new decade.
Indeed, as of recently, new products have been added to the solar power industry to meet the growing demand! Solar roofs, solar shingles, and solar tiles are all being continuously developed and enhanced in order to increase their viability and effectiveness. Some of them are specifically designed for residential buildings, while some are more appropriate for large office buildings. If you’re interested in solar power for your new building – or an addition to your existing structure – make sure to ask an expert so you can be sure to select the correct option for your particular situation.
Choosing the proper materials for your roof, to ensure its durability as well as sustainability in construction, is also an important consideration. Clay, concrete, slate, and metal all offer unique elements to a structure when used for roofing projects. Clay and slate have been used for centuries for their durability, ease of access, and rustic aesthetic appeal. Concrete and metal are also very durable and can bring a solid feel and sense of the modern to any structure that employs them for their construction.
Another exciting innovation in the world of sustainable roofing materials are shingles made from recycled materials. If you’re concerned about keeping your space warm, common for those creating a workspace in cooler climates, these recycled shingles can assist you with maintaining a comfortable temperature. Even the choice of color for your roof can pay huge dividends. Choosing a white-colored roof can help keep your space cool and cut down on air conditioning bills in the summer, which can easily become very expensive.
Natural light is also an important addition to your coworking space that can create positive effects on your employee’s wellness and productivity. For those with sensory issues or sensitivities to light, replacing fluorescent lighting with natural lighting can make all the difference in keeping them happy, engaged, and part of the team.
If you’re constructing your building from scratch, you have the opportunity to put in ample windows and skylights to allow the natural sunlight to filter in. Not only will this allow you to fill the space with plants, but it will also cut down on energy bills – another score for your bottom line!
If you own the building, look at the “bones” – does it need any repairs? For instance, gutter cleaning services, landscaping services, or investing in window upgrades could make all the difference between a space that you’re happy to occupy for years as your business grows and one that you’re itching to move from as soon as possible. Moving can be just as stressful for a business team as a family, and especially if you’re wanting to create a homelike feeling in your office, setting up a sense of stability is key to comfort.
As you can see, if you approach customizing your ideal workspace with knowledge and conviction about not only the aesthetic appeal of your building but your passion for preserving the environment through sustainable building techniques, you are certain to enjoy productivity for years to come. And every time you enter your building, you can feel the pride that comes with making choices to construct a fine piece of architecture that stands the test of time – while not putting excess pressure on our precious natural resources.
