How to Increase Efficiency in Your Commercial Building in Sacramento, CA 

Whether you're a building owner, facility manager, or contractor looking for ways to improve efficiency, there are practical ways to reduce environmental impact while keeping costs down. At Cooper Oates, we’ve always focused on sustainable solutions that deliver long-term savings while helping you increase the return on your building investment.

With Earth Day just around the corner, April is a great time to reflect on how commercial buildings can play a bigger role in supporting a healthier planet. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day is acknowledged by over 190 countries around the world to raise awareness for environmental protection. Real change, however, happens at the local level- just one building at a time. So, what can you do to lead a positive impact?

Smart Small

Sustainability doesn’t have to mean an overhaul of upgrades- even small changes can make a large difference. Here are some ideas to start your venture into more sustainable operations:

• Encourage tenants and staff to turn off lights, faucets, and electronics when not in use.
• Report leaks, clogs and other maintenance issues promptly to your mechanical service provider to allow for quick response times to minimize wasted resources
• Consider swapping outdated bulbs for LEDs which can cut lighting energy use by up to 75%. According to the U.S. Department of Energy. Using occupancy sensors in shared spaces can reduce wasted energy as well during off-hours.
• Clear signage and accessible bins for recycling and waste disposal can also help promote a greener workspace.

HVAC & Plumbing Upgrades That Make a Difference

When you’re ready to make an even bigger impact, mechanical system upgrades and retrofits can lead to both financial and environmental benefits. High-efficiency HVAC equipment such as Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems significantly lower energy usage by 20-40%, helping reduce operating costs while improving occupant comfort.

Having an updated Building Automation System (BAS) for remote monitoring and control can lead to significant energy savings as well, allowing you to optimize performance wherever you are.

Heat pumps are another strong option to move towards sustainability and long-term savings. These systems provide both heating and cooling while using significantly less energy than traditional units. They’re ideal for Northern California’s moderate climate and are eligible for a variety of rebates and tax credits. (Check out our other blog post here to learn more about the pros and cons of heat pumps!)

There are many options for sustainable plumbing upgrades, too. Low-flow toilets and faucets can reduce water use by 30% or more according to the EPA, and leak detection systems can help prevent expensive damage by identifying small issues before they escalate.

Regular Maintenance Pays Off

Even without fancy mechanical upgrades, making sure your equipment receives regular maintenance will improve its efficiency in the long term. If you forgo regular maintenance, your system will end up needing to work harder than it has to, and things may not be running as smoothly as you’d think until something goes wrong. Consistent maintenance often catches issues early on, so you can plan intelligently for an upgrade- not only when disaster strikes.

Sustainability Is a Long-Term Strategy

Going green isn’t just about being eco-friendly, it’s about protecting your investment. We know that the profitability of your business is your number one priority. So, if environmental benefits don’t cut it for you, remember all the ways that sustainable upgrades can benefit you to reduce utility bills, boost tenant satisfaction, and can even increase property value. We’re just happy it can benefit the earth at the same time!

Let Us Help!

Need help identifying where to start? Cooper Oates works with all types of commercial and industrial buildings Sacramento to implement sustainable HVAC and plumbing solutions throughout the life cycle of your facility. Contact us today to get started on improvements to your mechanical system.