New Year’s HVAC Resolutions to Lower Your Carbon Footprint

In 2023, set some New Year’s resolutions that will lower your building’s carbon footprint thanks to smart building technology, HVAC controls and building automation. 

Welcome to 2023! As we hang a fresh calendar on the wall, many people take on fresh resolutions with the goal of bettering themselves in the New Year, but what about the spaces you inhabit?

The buildings sector in Canada is responsible for 13% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. That number jumps to 18% when you include electricity-related emissions. Furthermore, 78% of building emissions are from space and water heating equipment, according to Natural Resources Canada.

Here are three New Year’s resolutions—from building automation to retrofits—that can lower your building’s carbon footprint:

1. Plan for Retrofits

If you find your utility bills are getting higher and higher, it might be time to update your building’s equipment. Resolve to work with an HVAC controls expert who can come in, inspect your HVAC equipment and make recommendations on what can be improved.

A seasoned professional will be able to work with your budget and plan to replace equipment in phases. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your building doesn’t need to be upgraded overnight. Making a plan will allow you to manage upgrade costs and maybe even take advantage of rebates.

2. Invest in Smart Building Technology

Smart building technology takes the guesswork out of energy consumption. This is done using sensors and building automation that automatically adjust factors like lighting, heating and cooling based on building occupants, time of day, and temperature.

Real-time feedback is delivered to the smart dashboard so any anomalies can be checked and resolved quickly, saving time and energy. 

3. Make Small Changes

If retrofits and updated technology are too much to take on right now, small changes can add up when it comes to energy efficiency. Resolve to swap all your bulbs to LEDs, change air filters and ensure your windows and doors are sealed properly. Little adjustments can help in the short term until you’re ready to invest in big change.

Do your part for the planet with the right building automation systems and a little HVAC maintenance. If you need help, reach out to a building automation contractor with the knowledge and expertise to get the job done. Contact Kimco today, and let’s get started.