Commercial buildings are an environmental concern because they are responsible for substantial carbon emission levels. Immediate action is required to inculcate carbon saving strategies and reduction of carbon emission from commercial buildings. However, the parties involved in these structures act as a barrier in the implementation of these energy saving techniques. The said parties, both the owners and occupiers, are reluctant to dedicate their financial resources towards the environmental-friendly venture. The following are 10 solid tips on how the relationship between landlords and tenants of commercial buildings ought to be fostered with regard to the reduction of environmental impacts.
Signing a Green Lease
By signing a non-contentious green lease, both the property owner and the occupier agree to adhere to provisions that relate to their environmental objectives on how they plan to run the commercial building. For instance, by agreeing to sharing energy consumption data or sub-metering for efficient energy use.
Establish a Green Commercial Building Management Center
Setting up such a center is ideal for both occupiers and owners as they exchange information, share energy saving ideas, evaluate performance, and agree on areas that need to be improved. Such an environmental unit in a commercial building gathers information from Environmental Data Resources and after that it helps to regulate the use of energy, enhance recycling, and increase energy savings leading to a better environment.
Smart Automatic Meter-reading and Sub-metering
Automatic meter reading gives a periodic update review of energy consumption details. This forms an effective way of minimizing energy use, as most users will be able to keep track of their consumption rate allowing them to control their energy use.
Sign a Green M.O.U.
A memorandum of understanding is a flexible document that records a gentleman’s agreement. It is not legally binding and it can be entered into at any time during a lease period. Both the landlord and the tenant can outline their objectives in relation to environmental management in their commercial buildings.
Conduct an Audit on Energy
Energy data needs to be scrutinized to pinpoint the area where reduction on energy can measures should be implemented. The owners should undertake this task but put into considerations the recommendations of their occupiers.
Reward Achievements
In case a property owner or an occupier excels in minimizing energy use or saving energy, congratulations should be in order with a celebration to recognize their efforts justifiable. This should motivate both parties to be sensitive to the environmental issues of commercial buildings.
Conduct Retrofit Projects
Owners and occupiers of commercial buildings find it challenging to finance and carry out retrofit works that would help reduce energy use.
Undertake No-Cost Initiatives at the Beginning
Most commercial buildings have the potential to slash their energy consumption with over 20%, with little or no cost. Many organizations will fail to help in protecting the environment thinking that it is a costly venture, rather than a money-saving one.
Utilize your Property Agents
Property managing agents as well as sales and letting agents play a vital role in advising occupiers and property owners on the environmental performance of commercial buildings. They act as channels of relaying the sustainability characteristics of buildings to owners and occupiers. They are so significant in enhancing environmental performance of commercial buildings, especially where environmental objectives are stipulated in their service charters.
Evaluate and Review Performance
It is prudent for the management of commercial buildings to incorporate measures that will help them know on where to focus their efforts and understand the results attained. In this case, environmental objectives and targets are assessed with respect to actual data to enable the implementation of necessary changes.
