Eco-friendly designs are no longer merely a trend; they are the standard. The need to design buildings with the future in mind and create more ecologically friendly houses and offices has become critical in light of the present climate change we are witnessing.

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From an environmental standpoint, eco-friendly designs are beneficial, but there are further advantages. Businesses with environmentally friendly and energy-efficient buildings can benefit from rebates, tax benefits, and lower total energy costs, but architects and builders must take into account current energy requirements. Similar to this, homeowners who choose to make energy-efficient home modifications have access to a number of programs.

Continue reading as we go over a few things to keep in mind when you build, renovate, and plan for future improvements. 

1. Aim For Energy-Efficient Lighting 

Lighting changes are perhaps the first and most significant ones. At the very onset of your project, it is important to design with the allowance for more natural light. Alternatively, you can replace your current bulbs with more energy-efficient ones. 

This is significant for businesses since office buildings account for the highest percentage of all illuminated floor space compared to other types of structures. The simplest method is to switch to light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, which consume between 25-30% less energy compared to fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. Changing out 100 bulbs that are left on for eight hours a day will also save you a ton of money; you could save more than $1,000 a year by doing so.

Architects and builders should also make an effort to include as much natural light as possible in new commercial projects. Natural light is wonderful for the productivity and health of your employees, and it can help you use less artificial light overall.

In addition to everything that has already been mentioned, installing digital lighting controls that automatically turn on or off based on certain conditions, such as occupancy, timed schedules (based on when employees are typically in the office), and those that switch off or grow dim when there is enough natural lighting, are other fantastic ideas for creating eco-friendly designs.

LED lighting should be used in homes, and owners should consider spending money on gadgets that let them control, dim, and switch off lights when not in use. Installing skylights, larger windows, or glass doors are large remodeling projects that can help achieve this easily. We’ll talk more about this in a later section. Additionally, because LED bulbs produce less heat than conventional bulbs, your air conditioner won’t overwork to offset the impacts.

2. Invest in Appliances That Are Both Water and Energy Efficient

In addition to conserving electrical energy, homeowners and businesses should also seek to invest in water and energy-efficient devices. To do this, businesses like restaurants should seek to:

• Work to decrease all wastage of food 
• Establish a startup and shutdown strategy to prevent running equipment when it is not necessary
• Teach staff about ways to save energy and water
• Choose more effective cooking techniques, including utilizing a griddle rather than a broiler
• Utilize low-flow spray nozzles to pre-rinse dishes
• Purchase Commercial Food Service Equipment that is ENERGY STAR certified for new designs or to replace worn-out equipment

For a more environmentally friendly home, owners should also make sure their home appliances are ENERGY STAR certified and operating effectively. They should seek to:

• Check for leaks frequently (and fix them)
• Purchase a tankless or solar-powered water heating system
• Install water-saving toilets in place of outdated ones
• Consider installing low-flow faucets and showerheads

3. Ensure That Your Windows and Doors Are Energy Efficient

We did say we’d talk about energy-conserving doors and windows later on in this piece and so here it is. Large windows and doors not only help by letting in more light from the outside, but newer, more energy-efficient glass will also better insulate your home or building so that you don’t lose heat or air conditioning.

Additionally, you can save a lot of money. According to the Department of Energy, changing out single-pane windows for double-pane ones can result in annual savings of between $126 and $465! 

Home and business owners should look towards investing in:

• Glass with two or three insulated panes 
• Low-e technology, which serves as a kind of internal sunscreen by obstructing UV radiation and improving temperature management

Both homeowners and architects may easily implement these energy-efficient solutions into their projects, whether it be a sliding glass door system for an open-concept restaurant or a gorgeous makeover that allows for unlimited views from the living room.

4. Use Solar Energy 

Investing in solar energy may seem pricey, however, the cost reductions and long-term advantages make it worthwhile. Over the course of the solar panel system’s lifetime, the typical home can save between $10,000 and $30,000. Additionally, that is before utilizing tax breaks and other incentives.

Regarding your water usage, solar energy is another option. A solar-powered water heater can reduce your water heating costs by 50–80%, according to Energy.gov.

5. Use Smaller Homes

There is no getting past the fact that huge homes and structures use more energy. Consider whether you can get away with less if it is beneficial for your house and business.

For instance, you might just need a little location to handle a varying staff because so many businesses are shifting toward more adaptable work-from-home programs. These days, “tiny homes,” which have an average floor area of 186 square feet, are very popular and have several advantages. Of course, it costs less to cool, heat, and use other amenities in smaller places.

Finally, choosing a prefabricated home, that is constructed off-site and then delivered to your lot, is another similar piece of advice. Prefab homes often take less time to construct and are more durable and waste-free since they are so precisely manufactured in factories.

Why Choose Cover Glass? 

Are you looking for extra eco-friendly designs idea for your upcoming project? In order to provide your business or house with the greatest frameless glass door systems, Cover Glass collaborates with architects, homebuilders, companies, and individuals.

With no frames surrounding them, our glass panels are unlike any other product on the market, allowing you to design a stunning open-concept area that benefits from unrestricted vistas, a more open lifestyle, and an abundance of natural light. You will also participate in the eco-friendly revolution if you use our Low-e technology.