Energy conservation and sustainability are huge concerns for a lot of people in the U.S. In fact, 63 percent of Americans have said that they want to see an increase in energy conservation to help combat issues like climate change.
In response to the increase in demand for energy conservation efforts, many businesses are looking for ways to conserve and be more energy-efficient. One of the best ways they can do this is by changing the type of lighting they use.
Read on to learn about some of the best commercial lighting options you may want to consider if you’re looking to make your property more energy-efficient.
Why Choose Energy-Efficient Lighting?
If you’re on the fence about switching up your lighting and making your business more energy-efficient, consider these benefits. There are plenty of reasons to prioritize new, greener lighting moving forward, including the following:
Small Investments Yield Big Returns
When it comes to making your office a greener place, lighting is one of the most affordable places to start.
You can update your lighting without having to spend a fortune on renovations. In exchange for some small upfront investments, though, you can see a big return.
You’ll be amazed at how much lower your electricity bills are. Better-lit office spaces tend to help workers be happier and more productive during the day, too. This, in turn, can yield better results for your company’s bottom line.
Better Financing Options
Businesses that make energy-efficiency a priority tend to be more appealing to lenders than those that don’t. If you’re hoping to increase your chances of securing financing in the future, taking steps like upgrading your lighting now could benefit you farther down the line.
Higher Rental Rates
If you’re a property owner who rents out space to other businesses, upgrading the lighting situation could also mean asking for higher rental prices.
If you can boast more energy-efficient lighting, you may be able to raise the rent on your properties and bring in more money. You may attract higher quality tenants, too, when you make these kinds of improvements.
Competitive Advantage
Finally, prioritizing energy efficiency, even in something as simple as the way you light your property, can make your business more appealing to customers.
With so many Americans focusing on sustainability and conservation, there are tons of people who want to support businesses that are making concentrated efforts to improve their practices.
Your business will get a reputation boost when you change to energy-efficient lighting, and you may find that you’re attracting new customers.
Energy-Efficient Commercial Lighting Options
Clearly, it’ll behoove your company to make energy-efficient lighting a priority. What kind of lighting should you choose, though?
Listed below are some of the most popular and energy-efficient options you may want to start using:
Halogen Incandescents
Halogen incandescent lightbulbs are the most basic lighting option to consider if you’re looking to make your property more energy-efficient.
They contain a capsule that increases bulb efficiency by holding gas in place around a filament. These bulbs meet the federal minimum standard for energy efficiency, and they come in a variety of colors and shapes.
LED Lightbulbs
There are plenty of options that are more energy-efficient than halogen incandescent lightbulbs. For example, there are LED lightbulbs. LED is short for Light-Emitting Diodes.
These lightbulbs are some of the most energy-efficient options on the market. They last much longer than halogen incandescents, and they use significantly less energy.
CFL Lightbulbs
Compact Fluorescent Lamp (or CFL for short) lightbulbs have a curly shape to them. They are another good option to consider.
These lightbulbs cost more money upfront, but they often pay for themselves within a few months of installation. From there, businesses start to save a considerable amount of money after making the switch.
Some people have concerns about CFL lightbulbs because they contain a small amount of mercury. As long as you recycle them in an appropriate way, though, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Desk Lamps
If you’re looking for a more energy-efficient way to light your office, consider investing in individual desk lamps, too.
You can use portable lamps that are battery-operated to help light up dimmer areas of the office. This helps to protect your employees from eye strain. It’s still a more energy-efficient solution than installing tons of glaring overhead lights, though.
Larger Windows
For those who are building or renovating their commercial space, be sure to include plenty of large windows throughout the property.
Large windows will allow for more natural light in the building. This, in turn, will reduce the need for lots of energy-sucking overhead lights.
Giving your employees more window and natural light access is better for morale, too. They’ll be more energized, positive, and productive. All of these things are great for business.
Translucent Skylights
You may want to consider installing some translucent skylights, too. Skylights allow for more natural light to come in from above and gives your office a brighter, happier feel to it.
Skylights do the same as extra windows when it comes to allowing for additional light to come in. This, in turn, minimizes the need for excessive overhead lights or lamps.
Upgrade Your Lighting Today
You now know more about the different energy-efficient commercial lighting options available to you. Are you ready to upgrade your property?
Keep this information in mind as you begin considering your different options and figuring out which type of lighting will work best for you.
If you want to learn more about how to make your business a bit more green, don’t forget to check out some of our other resources today. The Green Business section is full of useful tips and tricks.
