To meet the ever-growing energy needs of an increasingly industrializing population, huge capital investments are required. Determining ways to reduce our consumption is key in reducing operational costs and improving not only productivity but also the quality of life for all who inhabit this planet that we call Earth.
It should come as no surprise that commercial buildings represent some of the globe’s most prolific users of energy. These assets account for 30% to 40% of energy consumption, and that figure is set to increase to 50% by 2030. In the US alone, a 20% reduction in commercial building energy usage could result in savings of US$80 billion annually on energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions as well as the creation of thousands of jobs.
(Source: https://www.ey.com/en_in/real-estate-hospitality-construction/smart-buildings-why-energy-management-matters)
How Boron Can Boost Commercial and Residential Building Energy Efficiency
HVAC Maintenance
The cooling and heating units that make up the HVAC system in a home are essential to maintain constant indoor temperatures. These systems can be highly inefficient due to air leaks, dirty filters, and other issues. When these problems go unaddressed for any significant period, they may result in lower comfort levels as well as higher energy bills. Regular maintenance from a trained technician can help ensure your system is operating efficiently at all times.
Boron is a naturally occurring chemical found in soil, water sources, and other natural environments. When boron is introduced into your HVAC system’s cooling coil it cleans the metal surfaces which removes organic materials such as oil and grease. The result of this process prolongs the life of coils by preventing corrosion.
A retrofit can be a stop-gap before you have to replace your system entirely. Retrofits, which can include replacing the system’s compressor or adding condenser fan controls and demand-controlled ventilation to add air-side economizers, will not only increase the comfort of your building but also reduce its energy bill for years after installation. The Department of Energy has estimated that each one may equate up to 35% savings on energy costs. That makes this investment attractive when thinking about how we might save money going forward with our buildings’ heating needs by saving as much now through efficiency measures like these retrofits.
Insulation saves Energy
Insulation saves energy by trapping air and preventing it from dissipating. Modern homes benefit greatly from this application; without proper insulation on walls and ceilings, people can endure high energy bills in the winter months or have to wear fleece jackets even while inside just to keep themselves warm.
Boron is an insulator that can be used to effectively save on your household’s energy expenses. It provides some of the best insulation from heat or cold and with average use, boron Insulation can last for at least five years before needing replacement.
Utilization of smart building technology
The boron in Utilization of smart building technology is a wonderful, useful invention. Boron has been crucial in the progress of science and engineering. Often, it’s found in basic things like cement or fertilizer as well as many other manufacturing processes. It doesn’t just look cool and make life better for everyone-it also helps us preserve our environment by decreasing pollutants like sulfur oxides.
Usage of LED lights
LED lights are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs, which is perfect for your household or business. Not only do LED lights provide a warm, appealing light to brighten up any room, but they also last much longer than other types of lighting. The lifespan of an LED bulb lasts three times as long as the life expectancy of a fluorescent bulb and twice as long as an incandescent bulb. It also uses 75% less energy when in comparison to incandescent lighting.
Boron is an important element in the LED lights because it makes them more energy efficient. Recent studies have shown that adding boron to LEDs can lower their power consumption by as much as 30%. And they are still just as bright.
Use energy-efficient appliances
Many buildings run up a huge energy bill each year by simply maintaining the integrity of their structures. Sometimes, simple things like light bulbs and old air conditioners can significantly impact your costs. Fortunately, there are ways to cut those bills down, and one way is with high-efficiency appliances designed for cost savings. With cutting-edge technology and lower operational costs, people could save tons on these little investments over time that add up fast.
Chemical boron can lower the number of gases, such as CO2, emitted from energy-efficient appliances in buildings. Boron reduces CO2 emissions by up to 95%. With this pervasive household product inside your building’s kitchen ovens, dryers, boiling pots, and more, it’ll help you lead a more eco-effective lifestyle.
Upgrading tO LEED
LEED certification provides builders and renovators with a roadmap to follow that will help you attain the highest potential for energy efficiency. Upgrading your current construction or renovation onto LEED standards allows buildings to be transformative tools for environmentally activist communities while saving taxpayers money on operating costs for decades to come.
Boron Can help to upgrade to LEED by, matching the color and insulation of new materials with existing ones, eliminating air infiltration, creating fire-resistant infill above the ceiling void, and keeping all levels complying with ADA requirements.
Boron: The Building Material of the Future
The use of boron can provide several benefits for buildings. Boron-based coatings, for example, are highly effective in reducing both heat and cooling costs. These coatings are also resistant to corrosion and produce less CO2 emissions than other types of paints. In this blog post, we have explored the role that boron has in managing energy efficiency within commercial and residential buildings.
With boron’s proven abilities to improve the efficiency of buildings, it is no surprise that more and more architects are incorporating this material into their designs. Boron has been shown to reduce energy use by up to 50% in heating systems as well as air conditioning units when compared with traditional materials such as steel or aluminum.
With so many reasons why, boron is the building material of the future, and with its ability to provide energy-efficient solutions for buildings in a wide variety of applications, it’s no wonder that this fascinating element has been called “the new green.” As an environmentally friendly construction solution for both residential and commercial properties, boron should be on your radar. Boron can help you conserve resources, save money by reducing utility bills, maintain comfortable temperatures, reduce mold growth rates due to increased indoor humidity levels from lowering water vapor diffusion through less insulation.
