Terry Darrow

We’re all familiar with ways to go green for in office buildings, but how many industrial properties are adopting the same practices? In truth, probably not enough. Reducing energy consumption, and thereby operating costs, is on everyone’s mind. It’s driving both industrial owners and occupiers to improve their buildings performance.

By making changes to industrial facilities, property managers can have a significant impact on workplace performance, waste, longer leases (amen), and an increasingly greater competitive edge when selling the property.

Sustainability-minded property managers can help find savings in a number of places in an industrial building:

• HVAC: Heating, ventilation and air conditioning accounts for approximately 70 percent of industrial building-related energy consumption. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, basic improvements to HVAC operating systems can reduce energy expenses by 11 percent on average.

• Lighting: Lighting accounts for 20 percent of industrial building-related expenses. Solutions include re-lamping to lower –wattage fixtures, de-lamping to fewer fixtures or adopting “bi-level” lighting concepts that dim lights in infrequently accessed areas until occupancy sensors turn lights on to full power. LED lighting and day-lighting are also gaining ground. • Office areas: Industrial users often overlook energy use in office areas, yet the savings potential can be significant! Energy assessments include tackling usage areas such as plug loads and lighting strategies.

• Renewable Energy: Renewable energy concepts like rooftop solar panels and ground source heat pumps can reduce existing greenhouse gases; support corporate/tenant goals; and enable owners to earn roof rent or offset building improvement costs.

The best way to locate and quantify energy savings is through an energy assessment, where specialists can review utility bills, operating practices, and energy-related equipment. Or by tapping into your current management team you may be able to unlock great rewards. Happy savings hunting.

As managing director, Terry Darrow leads Jones Lang LaSalle’s Dallas-Fort Worth industrial group. Contact him at terry.darrow@am.jll.com.