Industrial businesses are inherently resource-intensive because it requires raw materials, manual labor, machinery, and energy. Most importantly, you need adequate space to set up the unit and run the operations. While sustainability and industrial production do not go hand in hand, you can do your bit to make your plant eco-friendly. Your premises are the best place to start because you can make them sustainable in several ways. Let us highlight a few tips to create an eco-friendly industrial space from scratch.
Know the elements of green buildings
Starting from scratch means you must know the elements of green buildings before constructing or buying one. The building design is the primary factor that determines its sustainability. Although industrial plants do not require much in the name of design, space efficiency is a concern. A well-optimized floor plan enables you to do more with less. You can save on the cost of the land and construction by setting up a plant in a smaller area. A small space is also energy-efficient because it requires less heating, cooling, and ventilation.
Dig deep into the background of the land
Besides checking the design of your industrial space, you must dig deep into the background of the land. A good look at the paperwork and permits enables you to decide whether the area is clear on the environmental front. Ask the developer expressly about the Wetland Map for the project because environmental penalties can land your industrial unit in a problem. Doing due diligence on land gives you peace of mind about your business being on the right side of sustainability.
Get smart with energy usage
High energy consumption is perhaps the most daunting concern for industrial business owners. You cannot do much about lowering usage when it comes to running machines and equipment. But you can make your facility eco-friendly by switching to smart lighting. It includes solutions like automatic light dimmers, daylight sensors, and motion detectors. Even swapping outdated lighting with LEDs can save tons of power for your plant. Likewise, you can invest in smart thermostats and energy-saving devices to cut energy usage further.
Reduce water consumption
Industrial plants also struggle to keep water consumption in control, so it should also be on your sustainability checklist. Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures, such as flush valves, faucets, and sink aerators, in your facility’s restrooms is a good start. You can also invest in touch-free faucets as they prevent the wastage of water. Look for solutions to run the cooling towers efficiently. Inspecting and repairing cooling towers and boiler systems is equally crucial.Â
Consider going solar
Going solar is perhaps the best investment you can make to create an eco-friendly industrial space. It makes your plant self-sufficient as it no longer relies on grid electricity. The solution lowers your plant’s carbon footprint, cuts energy bills, and gets you tax credits from the government. It also enhances your reputation as a sustainable industrial unit, making the investment worthwhile.
An eco-friendly plant is an asset for any industrial organization as it does more than make your business sustainable. You can save a fortune on energy bills and improve the quality of the working environment with a clean and green approach.Â