As the trends of building, home ownership and commercial construction continue to lean more toward energy efficiency and low environmental impact, one technology is emerging that has the potential to change everything: the net zero energy building.

A net zero energy building is designed to produce enough energy to cover its own energy needs throughout the year. Recently, these buildings have sprouted from research labs to reality throughout the United States and beyond.

Benefits of Net Zero Energy Buildings

Aside from the obvious benefit of decreased energy costs and use, a net zero energy building also uses efficient materials during the construction process and produces less waste than its traditional counterparts. This, in turn, allows people who live in or work in net zero buildings to feel good about their impact on the environment and rest assured that they’re not contributing to worsening energy problems.

How to Make an Energy-Producing Commercial Building Project

While there are currently very few buildings that qualify as true “net zero” buildings, there are many ways to make a commercial building produce some of its own energy. Some of the most popular methods are as follows:

• Lighting Arrangement. Arranging a commercial building to face to the southwest is a great way to make use of passive solar warmth and lighting. In addition to raising the internal temperature of the building, this also provides ample natural light that makes the space feel large and clean. Keep in mind that the temperature changes produced by passive solar arrangement can be significant, so it’s critical to install blinds or other methods to block or mitigate the light as needed.
• Shut-Off Switches. While this change doesn’t cause a building to produce its own energy, adding shut-off switches to non-critical appliances and systems can stop them from utilizing electricity when they’re not in use.
• Solar Energy Systems. Solar energy systems can be used to produce power, heat water and more. In addition to producing power for a commercial building, these can also send power back to the grid for increased savings.

Nationwide Construction: The Choice for Commercial Builders

As the world continues to evolve, commercial buildings will need to adapt. Renewable energy sources, passive solar and eco-friendly materials will become paramount in commercial building projects, and having a commercial building company that understands them will be essential.

At Nationwide Construction, we work hard to ensure sustainability and eco-friendliness in our projects in the hope that, one day, every building can be a net zero energy building.

Contact us to learn more about what we offer and to start your free design today!