Why high-rise buildings with little to no budget should still invest in green energy?

Addressing energy consumption initiatives in high-rise buildings can be difficult with no budget.

As cities continue to grow and urbanization increases, high rise buildings have become a common sight in many parts of the world specially the greater Toronto area. These towering structures provide a convenient way to house a large number of people in a relatively small area, but they also come with their own set of challenges. One of the biggest challenges facing high rise buildings is their energy consumption. These buildings can be huge energy hogs, and without proper management, they can contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

For buildings with little to no reserved budgets for upgrade of their capital equipment, investing in green energy may seem like an impossible task. But the truth is, there are many ways that buildings can reduce their energy consumption and become more environmentally friendly, even on a tight budget.

High rise buildings can be huge energy hogs, and without proper management, they can contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

Here are 8 ideas to consider:

1 - Make use of natural light and ventilation. One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reduce a building's energy consumption is to make use of natural light and ventilation. This can be achieved by installing large windows, skylights, and other openings that allow natural light to enter the building. In addition, strategically placed windows and vents can be used to create natural airflows that can keep the building cool without the need for air conditioning.

2 - Install energy-efficient lighting and appliances. Another simple way to reduce a building's energy consumption is to switch to energy-efficient lighting and appliances. LED lights, for example, use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they last much longer too. Similarly, energy-efficient appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines can save a significant amount of energy compared to older, less efficient models.

3 - Invest in solar panels. Solar panels are a great way to generate clean, renewable energy, and they can be a cost-effective option for buildings with no budget. Solar panels can be installed on the roof of a building, and they can generate clean energy all year round.

4 - Improving the building's insulation: Ensuring that a building's walls, windows, and roof are properly insulated can help to keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer, reducing the need for heating and cooling.

5 - Using passive solar design techniques: By carefully designing the layout and orientation of a building, it is possible to take advantage of natural heating and cooling effects to reduce the energy consumption of the building.

6 - Regular maintenance and upkeep: Ensuring that equipment is well-maintained and operating at peak efficiency can help to reduce energy consumption. This may involve regular cleaning and servicing of equipment, as well as replacing worn or faulty parts.

7 - Upgrading equipment: In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to upgrade older, inefficient equipment to newer, more energy-efficient models. This can help to reduce energy consumption and save money on energy bills over the long term. Changing operating practices: Making small changes to how equipment is used can have a big impact on energy consumption. For example, turning off equipment when it is not in use, or using energy-saving modes when available, can help to reduce energy consumption.

8 - Using energy-management systems (BAS): Energy-management systems are computer-based tools that can be used to monitor, control, and optimize the energy use of equipment. These systems can help to identify areas where energy is being wasted, and provide recommendations for improving energy efficiency.

Knowing what your options are is half the battle. A properly executed energy audit done by a trust source such as your engineers should be the first step of ensuring you're doing all you can to not only save energy but to also save our environment.