Energy Efficient Features to Keep in Mind For Your Feasibility Study

When considering “going green” with your sports facility design, it is important to first understand what “green” actually means alongside the long-term benefits and short-term costs of implementing sustainable features in your building. The goal of building energy-efficient features is not only to be environmentally responsible, but also to eventually save enough money through energy-saving to effectively negate and surpass the up-front costs that come with energy efficient designs. An effective means by which a potential business can learn about long-term cost savings through energy efficiency is through a feasibility study. A feasibility study can provide you with ideas that can not only reduce your carbon footprint but save you money in the long run. Learn about some of the ways you can save energy below.

What a Feasibility Study Can Teach You About Energy Efficiency

The goal of a feasibility study is not to only make certain your business is financially viable before you begin, but it also can show you ways in which you can reduce long-term costs in order to increase your bottom line. This can be done by researching local construction operations and discussing potential costs for energy efficient features, then taking those findings and estimating the potential yearly savings that would result from going green. Efficiency factors like LED lights may cost more upfront but will result in energy savings that can pay off in a very short time, whereas designing a dual plumbing system that reuses ‘gray water’ will take a much longer time to result in cost savings because of the high upfront cost. A feasibility study can estimate these timelines to help you decide which features are financially viable for your business model.

Energy Efficient Features to Analyze

• Energy-Efficient Light Fixtures – Some of the most effective energy-saving light features include LED or CFL technology. Generally, LED lights are a good choice for a business as they shine light in a particular direction giving a nice aesthetic touch to go with the energy efficiency.
• Efficient Electronics – Ensure electronics are Energy Star-approved to reduce your energy usage. Investing in energy-efficient powerstrips and HVAC systems can add up to big savings in the long-term if you can absorb the higher upfront costs associated with them.
• High-Performance Insulation – Ensure proper insulation or non-traditional wall systems that offer additional insulation are installed. This can add up to long-term savings by reducing heating and cooling needs by substantial amounts.
• Solar Panels – While solar panels are a large initial investment they have the potential to completely negate huge portions of your energy costs. As this technology continues to make huge technological strides we could be seeing solar panels for a large portion of businesses. A feasibility study can research potential investment costs versus potential savings to help you decide if this technology is a worthwhile investment.

Contact SFA to Learn More

If you are interested in starting a sports facility, SFA has the experience and knowledge to help you succeed. Whether it is through a feasibility study or management services we can turn your idea into reality. Contact us today at 727-483-7910.