More people more than ever before are now aware of how we directly impact the environment through our actions. The Green Movement is aimed at living a lifestyle that is as ecologically responsible and environmentally friendly as much as possible. In the 60s and 70s before we became fully aware of how much we were damaging our environment, we manufactured and used dangerous substances such as DDT for farm pesticides and CCF in fridges with reckless abandon. We produced non-biodegradable plastics by the thousands of tons without giving much thought to how we should dispose of the by-products. We burnt coal and fossil fuels freely with no idea that we were producing dangerous amounts of greenhouse gases. Back then few people imagined that our actions would contribute to life-threatening phenomena such as global warming on the scale that we are now witnessing. Continue reading “Going as Green as Possible? Here Are Some Ways to Help”
Going as Green as Possible? Here Are Some Ways to Help
Modern Styles in Window Treatments
We all know how Scarlett O’Hara managed to make a dress out of her draperies. Those days of heavy draperies made from brocade and jacquard are long gone. The mantra now is sweet simplicity in every area and this has permeated to our living spaces too. The heavily decorated windows with meters of heavy fabrics that was the rage in decades past would be seen as over-the-top and gloomy today. Nowadays it’s all about the light and natural ventilation and making the most of whatever light is available to offset the need for artificial lighting. It is all about going green.
Use of Natural Lighting
The window treatments and using them to enhance the natural light available in order to minimize the use of energy for lighting needs is even more essential in commercial spaces. Industry experts and conservationists feel that almost half of the entire energy bill of an organization comes from its lighting needs. They further contend that this lighting bill can be downsized by more than 70% with the proper arrangement for optimizing the available natural lighting sources. Just let in the light. Continue reading “Modern Styles in Window Treatments”
Searching For A Professional Look For Your Conference Room? We Can Help.
As an organization, you will want to cut costs wherever possible, while also providing the best possible working environment to your workforce. If there is an option that will give you both the above perks, while also doing something for our environment, wouldn’t you welcome it? Here’s how you can do all the three, by implementing some simple changes in your workspace.
Changing the Lighting System
Change the way you approach the lighting system for your entire organization; incorporate glass walls and in inner rooms, use LED lights for more efficient lighting. When you are trying to bring a professional look to your office, particularly the areas where you might receive clients like your conference rooms or meeting rooms, reception and dining areas, while also trying to go with green choices, it can be tough. Install huge bays of glass windows wherever possible in order to maximize on the available natural light. Use spot lights to shed more lights in work stations and elsewhere, when necessary. Install dimmers so that the lighting can be adjusted as per needs and so that excess lighting doesn’t happen, thereby reducing wastage. These simple measures can reduce your energy bill for lighting by a whopping 70%. Continue reading “Searching For A Professional Look For Your Conference Room? We Can Help.”
What Is LEED and Why Does it Matter?
If the lighting systems in your building consist of incandescent light bulbs and on and off switches, you are essentially using technology from the 19th century. Today, there are much better ways to light buildings effectively and to make certain that the lighting used is as energy efficient as possible. LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. You’ve probably heard the term “green” used in reference to the construction of buildings. LEED is a rating system that sets up a national standard for a green building. The ratings system is determined by the United States Green Building Council.
LEED provides a way to quantify exactly how green a building really is. This has become more important over recent years, as energy efficiency has established itself as an important goal of new construction and as better methods of retrofitting older buildings to make them greener have made it possible to vastly increase the energy efficiency of those buildings. Continue reading “What Is LEED and Why Does it Matter?”
Is it Hard to Change My Existing Lighting and Shades with an Upgraded Version?
Even though the benefits of retrofitting a building with greener technology are many, most building managers and owners will have some concerns about the difficulty involved in such projects. Particularly in cases where the aesthetics of the building need to be preserved but where the energy efficiency levels of a building need to be increased, it may seem like a daunting task to actually have this type of work done. In fact, it can be done and, with the right skills and materials, it does not have to be a particularly difficult undertaking.
Analysis
Changing lighting and shades to better versions starts with a preconstruction product analysis. The idea is to get an idea of which elements of the building’s interior can be replaced with better options and what will be involved in doing so. Starting the project out will also take into account any architectural concerns that need to be addressed before the improvements are made. With a good contractor, it’s possible to make certain that all of these concerns are taken care of properly and that building owners do not need to worry that they are getting into uncharted waters when the improvements are undertaken. Continue reading “Is it Hard to Change My Existing Lighting and Shades with an Upgraded Version?”
Trendy Window Treatments to Spice up Any Room
There are many different types of window treatment options for the home and office. A few of the more popular choices are blinds, curtains and cornices. After some time, those treatments can start to look drab by fading in color and style. You can instantly change the look of your room by simply updating your window treatments. Don’t be afraid to make a statement; whether you’re looking to add color, update your space or just add privacy, these tips can turn any room from drab to fab.
With the shift towards more eco-friendly and nature-inspired materials, you can help bring nature inside your room by choosing an organic product. Mix wooden blinds and decorative fabric panels on a bamboo rod. Or layer a natural woven shade with a sheer panel. This will help create a look that is both natural and unique. Continue reading “Trendy Window Treatments to Spice up Any Room”
Residential Lighting and Shade Control at the Touch of a Button
An Inside Look at Our Remote Options
Specialty Group understands that energy management lies ultimately in the hands of those who use it. For example, the use of electric light in commercial properties contributes to around 33% of all energy used inside buildings. Because of this, we have created lighting strategies and systems that may consume up to 70% less energy from lighting.
It is a challenge to get residential energy consumption down, but with the use of automation and remote controls, it is made far easier and more likely than ever before. It is not inaccurate to estimate that a residential owner using one of Specialty Group’s methods could feasibly enjoy up to 30% savings on the entire cost of their electrical service. Continue reading “Residential Lighting and Shade Control at the Touch of a Button”
Why the Right Design Matters
We often hear of how HVAC design and use is important when it comes to creating residential homes that are more energy efficient. Likewise, discussions about the use of natural lighting tend to come up quite frequently as well. What is not discussed as often is the improvement of productivity via light controls. Literature reviews have proven that there is a link between worker productivity and the ability of a worker to control the natural and artificial lighting in their work environment. Continue reading “Why the Right Design Matters”
3 Reasons Natural Light Will Save You More Money
Those who are modifying their home to become more energy efficient in regards to lighting need to take into consideration the different methods available to ensure that they receive the highest quality of lighting, in addition to the anticipated savings towards their electric bill. There are a number of different design methods and principles that incorporate artificial lighting to create efficient and effective lighting. However, the inclusion of natural daylight should also be considered. Continue reading “3 Reasons Natural Light Will Save You More Money”
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