7 Benefits of Integrating Renewable Energy Sources in Facility Management

Among the widely discussed and significant concepts in contemporary society, sustainability seems to be one of the most crucial. To the facility managers, using renewable energy sources is not only the right thing to do environmentally but is also the right thing to do since it has numerous advantages. Here are seven advantages of incorporating renewable energy into facility management:

1.Cost Savings

• Another advantage of incorporating renewable energy in facility management is the fact that this can be very cost-effective. Some of the benefits of tapping into solar, wind, and geothermal energy are that one can lessen the expenses incurred on the normal energy structures that are unpredictable in their prices. In the long run, the costs incurred in putting up renewable energy infrastructure are offset by huge savings on bills hence making sustainable facility management financially viable.
• Solar power was adopted at a big factory to cut the annual energy bills by one-third. The money used as investment was regained in the first five years, and then the savings increased annually.

2.Enhanced Energy Security

• Renewable energy resources are very secure, compared to other conventional energy resources. On the other hand, renewable energy sources unlike fossil fuels which are affected by political instabilities and supply chain issues can be sourced locally. This helps to minimize the susceptibility of facilities to outside influences and guarantees a stable and steady power supply, which is critical in the continuity of operations.
• A commercial office building installed solar and wind energy systems into the building and ensured that the core activities in the building continued to run during power outages, making the building more energy resilient.

3.Environmental impact

• Sustainability in operating facilities has become important to minimize the impact of buildings and operations on the environment. Greenhouse gases and other pollutants can be reduced when facilities transition to renewable energy. This serves as a positive to the battle against global warming and the preservation of the environment, which is likely to act as a plus to the image of the organization.
• A residential complex changed its heating and cooling system to a geothermal system which cut its emissions by 50%. This was as part of a sustainability programme that gave the complex a LEED Platinum rating.

4.Regulatory Compliance and Incentives

• All over the world, governments have been developing a policy for the improvement of carbon emissions and energy utilisation. Using renewable energy sources, assists the facilities in meeting these regulations hence reducing penalties and sanctions. Also, the governments of many countries provide incentives, tax credits, and grants in renewable energy schemes. Since these benefits are obtained, initial investment expenses can be compensated and create a better return on investment.
• Turbines were installed in an industrial warehouse and received lots of government grants for the same, which amounted to 40% of the total cost of installation. They were also useful in enabling the warehouse to afford to meet set regulatory standards, while at the same time contributing to energy conservation.

5.Increased Property Value

• The cost of properties that are fitted with renewable energy systems is reported to be appreciated in the markets. Customers and lessees are demanding sustainable characteristics in structures, since it is more cost-effective and have ecological advantages. Any infrastructure that can incorporate renewable energy can likely see more attention and thus be able to command better prices or rental rates hence boosting the worth of the asset.
• A commercial real estate developer adopted and installed solar energy systems on a newly developed office complex hence boosting its market value by 15%. This structure secured environmentally friendly business entities who would be willing to pay more for environmentally friendly buildings.

6.Operational Efficiency

• Some of the integrated facility management services that can be adopted are renewable energy systems, which help simplify the facility management process and increase efficiency. Modern renewable energy systems like smart grid and energy management systems enhance the usage of energy. This results in efficiency, minimized power use and therefore, operating expenses.
• A smart grid system was established by a data centre that had been sourced from renewable energy; this helped in the central management of the energy thus cutting its consumption by 25%. This efficiency cut costs and enhanced operations’ performance, translating into efficiency in its ventures.

7.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

• The use of renewable energy within facilities management supports the CSR policy of organizations. The environment is a major concern in organizations nowadays and people expect organizations to be more environmentally conscious. Besides, the use of renewable energy can help organizations, develop better images in the eyes of their customers, investors and the public.
• A retail chain initiated the installation of solar systems in its stores to promote environmental conservation. This helped in improving the company’s CSR status thus improving customer relations and attracting the attention of the media.

Incorporation of renewable energy in the management of facilities has huge advantages such as; financial aspects like costs, security of energy, the environment, and the law. When facilities are managed sustainably organizations stand to benefit from efficiency, and increased property value and they can meet social responsibilities. Altogether, renewable energy sources are not only a financially effective solution in the long term, but it is also the answer to future ecological concerns.

At UPSFM we are determined to serve as a model in sustainable facility management. Integrated facility management solutions arrive with renewable energy solutions to make a positive difference to the environment and also to use energy efficiently and economically. Cooperate with us to turn to renewable sources of energy and become closer to making the world a better place for your facilities. Visit www.upsfm.com to find out more and begin now!