Commercial Buildings
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Triple bottom line boosts building returns. At the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, a tabled report suggests that companies with fiscal goals tied to environmental and social platforms outperform those without a “triple bottom line” by more than 7% – and that the gap will increase as energy costs rise. As a result, companies around the world are realizing that future corporate growth will require emphasis on sustainability, and that adopting renewable energy makes good business sense on many fronts. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., for instance, is committed to environmental sustainability: “At Wal-Mart we know that being an efficient and profitable business and being a good steward of the environment are goals that can work together.” In November 2005, Wal-Mart opened its second experimental store as it tests sustainable technologies. A SolarWall® heating system was included so the sun’s energy could be used to pre-heat the fresh make-up air entering the building before reaching the heating ventilation system. The long-term cost savings potential factored into the decision to use SolarWall. According to Don Moseley, Special Projects Engineer for Wal-Mart, “If you aren’t going to look at energy as part of your business case, and some people don’t, you’re missing out on ways to reduce costs.” Solar key to commercial success. Perkins+Will, an internationally recognized design firm founded in 1935, and advocate of sustainable design, states, “Sustainably-designed commercial buildings can routinely see a 30-35% reduction in operating costs over buildings designed to minimum code standards.” John Michaels, a green architect from Arkansas adds, “Soon the most efficient commercial buildings, the ones to boast the best returns, will include some form of solar power or heating. Their lower operating costs will make them attractive on many levels. There’s no question; solar power is the key to future commercial success.” A Canadian inn owner expands on this thought: “With solar heaters and solar PV panels, SolarWall is well-positioned to help commercial enterprises harness [that] free power.” Lower long term costs outweigh the upfront ones. Long-term savings were a key consideration in BigHorn Home Improvement Center’s decision to integrate renewable energy sources when building its new multi-purpose facility in Silverthorne, CO. The designers used a whole building approach, looking at how the floors, windows, walls, electrical and mechanical systems could work best together. The SolarWall transpired solar collector was an integral part of a final design that also included photovoltaics, clerestory windows and radiant floor heating. Of their decision to install a SolarWall heating system, owner Don Sather says, “We evaluated the costs and decided it would be worth doing. It was new construction so, incrementally, it wasn’t much more in the way of cost. We also installed several area gas-fired heaters, but very seldom is it necessary to use them, so there have been savings.” Wal-Mart’s Don Moseley also believes in the cost-benefit analysis approach: “You have to look at the values associated with energy use. When they look at it, many people are surprised at the inefficiencies that might be there. Some don’t bother to make the changes, but even if you have to borrow the money to make the changes, it will be well worth it down the road.” According to Natural Resources Canada, the value ‘down the road’ can be significant: “Energy-efficient buildings yield long-term energy savings. Lower operating costs increase the resale value of the building and provide a competitive leasing advantage over standard buildings.” And, as asked one commercial building owner, “Given the benefits to the bottom line, and the ease of including a SolarWall, why wouldn’t you?!” COMMERCIAL

Canada Conserval Engineering Inc. 200 Wildcat Road, Toronto, ON M3J 2N5 T: 416.661.7057 F: 416.661.7146 E: info@solarwall.com W: www.solarwall.com U.S.A. Conserval Systems Inc. 4242 Ridge Lea Rd., Suite 28, Buffalo, New York 14226 T: 716.835.4903 F: 716.835.4904 E: solarwallUSA@solarwall.com W: www.solarwall.com A happy worker is a productive worker. No “triple bottom line” discussion is complete without mentioning employees. Employees tend to be happier in a comfortable environment, making it easier to recruit and retain skilled staff. Studies show that with proper lighting, good air flow...