Category: Sustainability

Environmental Sustainability Risks and Opportunities for Florida’s Commercial Buildings

Environmental sustainability is one of the hottest topics in today’s political and economic climate. For many of us, there seems to be a zero-sum game between economic and environmental health, with many Americans fearful of the future. However, it is important for businesses to look at the opportunities that this worldwide problem brings us, as well as the changes we need to make in order to lead sustainable businesses in an ever-changing world.

Nowhere is this more true than in Florida. Our state is home to one of the most unique landscapes in the United States, and one of the most unique in the world. We are home to the one-of-a-kind Everglades National Park, hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches, incredible seafood provided from our oceans and Gulf, and a unique sub-tropical climate that brings in millions of tourists every year. Most Floridians value what our natural landscape has to offer, and have a vested interest in protecting it for both humans and wildlife to thrive.

Florida businesses are posed with unique risks and opportunities relating to environmental sustainability, which we will explore briefly and offer guidance for businesses looking to make a positive impact on their communities and greater environment:

Greatest Risks: Sea Level Rise and Pollution

The saltwater is one of Florida’s greatest assets, but also one of our greatest environmental threats to date. Because of intense ocean pollution and increased carbon capture, sea levels are expected to rise at an alarming rate over the next few decades. This puts waterfront businesses at risk of losing property value and threatens future generations of losing valuable real estate altogether. This coupled with ocean pollution can put seafood industries and the waterfront restaurants they serve at incredible risk if nothing is done to clean up our oceans.

While this risk is great to Florida property owners and the fishing industry as a whole, there is plenty that the FWC and other organizations are doing to protect the ocean and Gulf of Mexico from further overfishing and pollution. Businesses also have options to mitigate sea level rise in their communities to protect their property values as sea levels creep up on waterfront property.

Greatest Opportunities: Solar Power and Natural Resource Conservation

Florida is known as the “sunshine state” and is, therefore, one of the best places for businesses to invest in solar energy. Though solar power isn’t as popular in Florida as it has been in California, more and more businesses are investing in this alternative energy for the economic value alone. Solar energy puts the control in property owners’ hands, allowing them to generate their own energy and reduce costs dramatically over time.

However, solar energy isn’t Florida’s only valuable natural resource. Conservation efforts statewide are helping to protect our wetlands and foster safer fishing practices for local bays to ensure our seafood is a protected commodity that can support local communities for decades to come.

Florida businesses have so many opportunities to grow despite a changing environment, and at MaintenX we want to support them in doing so. Talk to your local MaintenX team about ways you can invest in energy-efficient and solar technology today.

 

 

 

How Sustainability Standards Are Changing Commercial Facilities

“Sustainability” is a buzzword we hear a lot in the world of commercial maintenance. How to reduce energy consumption, create cleaner products, and reduce waste are all hot topics at conferences and in industry news, but very few of these big ideas trickle down into everyday small business practice. However, the ideas that do stick are slowly changing the way commercial facilities are designed and operated at the ground level.

Approximately 50% of executives in the U.S. consider sustainability an important measure for their business. Incorporating environmental and social sustainability practices not only makes for a better business but can boost a company’s reputation and even save money in some circumstances. One of the most common ways in which a company can invest in sustainability is through commercial building renovations.

Commercial real estate can be designed to meet any of these sustainability goals:

  • To lower greenhouse gas emissions
  • To improve energy efficiency and waste management
  • To improve water conservation
  • To create a healthier environment for employees
  • To facilitate the production of green products and services

Through better technology development and implementation of energy efficiency measures, commercial facilities can become a part of the change toward a more sustainable future. But, how does that look for a small business in their everyday operations?

  • A building that upgrades to an energy-efficient HVAC system reduces its carbon footprint immediately
  • A small business that adds solar panels to its roofing can reduce its energy bill and its carbon-based energy consumption
  • A multi-tenant building that invests in efficient plumbing can reduce water waste and save on monthly water costs
  • A building that invests in reflective or energy-efficient roofing and windows can lower its cooling bills in the summer, thus reducing its energy use
  • A small business that switches to recycled napkins, straws, and cutlery can reduce its waste for a comparable price

These small actions are what make the sustainability movement possible at every level. From the Fortune 500 to mom and pop shops down the street, by investing in clean buildings we can invest in a cleaner future.

To learn more about sustainable options for your facility, contact your local MaintenX team today.

What is a Cool Roof System?

As businesses become more and more environmentally conscious, energy efficiency has become one of the biggest selling points in commercial real estate. Sustainability tech is the hottest trend for property owners and managers and can make a bigger difference to your clients than aesthetic choices or rent prices. If you’re interested in creating a more eco-friendly commercial building, a cool roofing system can help your facility stand apart from the rest. 

Most property owners don’t think about their roof as an opportunity to reduce energy costs, other than solar paneling. However, solar panels are still out of the price range for many and have a slow payback as opposed to other energy-efficient upgrades. A cool roofing system, however, can reduce your interior energy costs which makes a bigger impact on your tenants.

What is a Cool Roofing System?

Cool roofing systems are coated with a light-colored acrylic coating that helps reflect light away from the building. Like wearing a white shirt on a hot day, this helps your building to stay cool on hot days as opposed to black or dark-colored shingles which absorb the heat. Cool roofing systems are typically applied with a spray-on coating and can be easily added to your existing roof. 

Cool roofing systems offer a variety of benefits other than energy efficiency for your building, including: 

  • Cost-effective coating: A cool roof coating can lower energy costs, extend the service life of your roof, and is highly cost-effective to install. 
  • Durability: Cool roof coatings will often last several years or even decades if properly cared for and retouched. 
  • Compatibility: Most roofing systems can be renovated with an acrylic coating to become cool roofing systems, making them one of the easiest energy-efficient upgrades you can make to your facility. 

If you want your building to stand out as an energy-efficient and sustainable facility, ask your MaintenX team about cool roofing system upgrades. We can help you make your building a forward-thinking facility that is lower cost and easier to maintain than other buildings in your area. 

To learn more, contact your local MaintenX contractor today!