Why Conserve Energy and Be Energy-Conscious?
Conservation can save residents and organizations money. This is one of the most common reasons why many began to cultivate a culture of conservation. However, it is certainly not the only reason. Less electricity used means less fossil fuels burned. While there are cleaner methods to generate energy, much of the electricity generated today is still from non-renewable sources such as oil and coal. Conservation of electrical energy can help lower pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Why Conserve Energy and Be Energy-Conscious?
Conservation can save residents and organizations money. This is one of the most common reasons why many began to cultivate a culture of conservation. However, it is certainly not the only reason. Less electricity used means less fossil fuels burned. While there are cleaner methods to generate energy, much of the electricity generated today is still from non-renewable sources such as oil and coal. Conservation of electrical energy can help lower pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
ENERGY WISE PARTNERSHIP
Landscaping
Energy usage comprises over half of commercial buildings’ costs, so by making energy efficiency a priority, you can improve your bottom line. Installing an energy efficient landscape is low-cost, and will help reduce energy usage, making it economically and environmentally sustainable.
Things to consider:
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Trees and shrubs can provide shade and reduce solar heat gain in the summer, and prevent heat loss in the winter.
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Vegetated roofs provide extra thermal mass and insulation
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Deciduous trees planted to the south of the building will shade it from summer solar heat gain
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Shorter deciduous trees planted to the west will also provide shade from the sun
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Shading hardscape surfaces (like shrubs and groundcover plants along sidewalks) will help keep ambient temperatures cooler
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Prevent heat loss in the winter by planting shrubs, bushes, and vines close to the building (but at least 1 foot away)
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Planting dense evergreen trees and shrubs with low crowns planted to the north and northwest can help create a windbreak
Benefits
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According to a Lawrence Berkeley National Labs study, landscape providing shade can help decrease a building’s energy load by 9-20%
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Shading can increase the efficiency unit by up to 10%
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Windbreaks can save up to 25% on heating costs by protecting the building
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Decreases energy demand of heating and cooling
Costs
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Landscaping has a potentially quick payback period, but benefits may not be achieved immediately, depending on your building structure and the type of landscaping strategies chosen.