Strategies for lowering carbon emissions in commercial buildings

Commercial buildings are major contributors to global carbon emissions, accounting for an estimated 25–30% of energy-related CO₂ emissions globally. From lighting and heating to water usage and waste management, nearly every aspect of a building’s operation impacts the environment.

As environmental regulations tighten and sustainability becomes a strategic priority, landlords and building operators are turning to practical solutions to reduce their carbon emissions. Commercial buildings can make a measurable impact by adopting energy-efficient technologies, sustainable practices and smart building innovations. In this post, we explore key strategies to reduce carbon emissions in commercial buildings, from energy efficiency to renewable energy and smart automation.

Optimising energy efficiency

Implementing energy-efficient lighting

Replacing traditional incandescent and fluorescent lighting with LED technology can cut lighting-related energy use by up to 80%. LEDs also last significantly longer, lowering both maintenance costs and landfill waste. Combining LEDs with occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting further enhances savings, an essential step in cutting the carbon emissions commercial buildings produce through lighting.

Using smart thermostats and building automation systems

Smart thermostats adapt heating and cooling to actual building occupancy, reducing energy waste. When integrated with building automation systems (BAS), they allow for centralised, intelligent control of HVAC, lighting and ventilation, maximising performance while improving comfort and reducing the carbon emissions generated through heating and cooling.

Conducting energy audits to identify inefficiencies

An energy audit reveals inefficiencies such as ageing equipment or inadequate insulation. It forms the basis for a targeted carbon reduction plan. For a deeper dive into this process, explore our energy management software, which supports ongoing optimisation and monitoring to lower carbon emissions in commercial buildings.

Switching to renewable energy sources

Installing solar panels or wind energy systems

Generating on-site renewable energy through solar PV panels or wind turbines can substantially reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions which commercial buildings would otherwise create through traditional grid energy.

Purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs) for a greener energy mix

If on-site generation isn’t feasible, purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs) allows building owners to support the transition to clean energy by offsetting emissions from conventional electricity use.

Exploring geothermal heating and cooling solutions

Geothermal systems use the earth’s stable underground temperature to provide highly efficient heating and cooling. Though initial costs can be higher, long-term savings and emission reductions are substantial, making it a valuable investment for reducing carbon emissions commercial buildings are responsible for.

Improving insulation and building design

Upgrading insulation to reduce energy waste

Poor insulation results in significant energy loss through walls, ceilings and floors. Upgrading to high-performance insulation materials helps minimise heat loss, ultimately decreasing the carbon emissions commercial buildings release from excessive heating.

Implementing passive design strategies

Passive design uses architectural principles like natural ventilation and daylight harvesting to reduce mechanical system use. These strategies are cost-effective ways to cut carbon emissions in commercial buildings over the long term.

Using energy-efficient roofing materials to minimise heat absorption

Cool roofs and green roofs help reduce the building’s internal temperature by reflecting sunlight or adding insulation. This lowers demand for air conditioning, helping to curb the carbon emissions commercial buildings emit during warmer months.

Improving HVAC system performance

Regular maintenance to ensure optimal efficiency

Keeping HVAC systems in top condition is crucial for energy efficiency. Scheduled maintenance prevents overuse of energy, cutting both costs and carbon emissions.

Retrofitting HVAC systems with energy-efficient components

Modernising older HVAC systems with energy-efficient motors, sensors and variable-speed drives helps significantly lower the carbon emissions produced through heating and cooling.

Utilising heat recovery ventilation to minimise energy loss

Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) reclaim heat from exhaust air and use it to pre-warm fresh air – improving indoor air quality and reducing carbon emissions in commercial buildings tied to heating systems.

Encouraging sustainable workplace practices

Implementing policies to reduce energy and resource consumption

Policies that encourage switching off electronics or optimising printer settings for example, help build a sustainability culture that directly impacts carbon emissions.

Educating employees on energy-saving habits

Behavioural changes from employees, supported by training, are essential to lowering carbon emissions in commercial buildings without requiring major infrastructure changes. Learn more about the importance of sustainable energy management.

Introducing incentives for sustainable commuting options

Promoting cycling, carpooling or public transport among staff helps cut transport-related carbon emissions commercial buildings are indirectly linked to.

Smart technology and automation

Utilising smart sensors for lighting and climate control

IoT-connected sensors optimise energy use based on occupancy, cutting unnecessary energy usage and reducing the carbon emissions commercial buildings generate from lighting and HVAC systems.

Monitoring energy usage with real-time data analytics

Smart metering provides detailed insights into energy patterns, enabling facility managers to quickly adjust operations and reduce carbon emissions in commercial buildings.

Integrating building management systems for centralised efficiency control

A comprehensive building management system (BMS) gives operators full control over lighting, HVAC and energy, helping to unify efforts to lower carbon emissions.

Reducing water consumption

Installing low-flow fixtures and water-efficient appliances

Low-flow taps and toilets reduce both water and the energy needed to heat it – further reducing the overall carbon emissions in commercial buildings.

Using rainwater harvesting systems for non-potable purposes

Rainwater can be captured and used for cleaning, landscaping or toilets – lowering reliance on treated water and reducing the carbon footprint of daily operations.

Implementing smart irrigation systems to reduce water waste

Weather-based and soil-sensitive irrigation reduces overwatering and contributes to more responsible resource management.

Implementing waste management and recycling programmes

Reducing construction and operational waste through recycling initiatives

Building-wide recycling systems minimise landfill impact, promoting circularity and cutting the embodied carbon emissions commercial buildings generate during their lifecycle.

Encouraging tenants and employees to participate in waste reduction programmes

Clear signage, accessible bins and education ensure higher recycling rates across all users of the space.

Utilising composting programmes to minimise food and organic waste

Composting food waste avoids methane production in landfills and contributes to a more sustainable waste strategy.

Choosing sustainable building materials

Using eco-friendly materials

Eco-friendly construction materials such as recycled metal, FSC-certified wood and reclaimed stone help reduce the embodied carbon emissions in commercial buildings.

Prioritising low-carbon concrete alternatives

Swapping out conventional concrete for low-carbon blends helps address one of the highest-impact materials in building construction.

Selecting non-toxic paints and adhesives to improve indoor air quality

Using low-VOC paints and adhesives benefits both the planet and the people inside the building.

Conducting regular sustainability audits

Tracking carbon emissions and setting measurable reduction goals

Regular audits supported by energy management software help teams track performance and reduce carbon emissions commercial buildings generate over time.

Benchmarking against industry standards for continuous improvement

Aligning with frameworks like BREEAM, NABERS or ISO 14001 ensures operations stay accountable and progressive.

Adopting environmental certifications

Certifications like BREEAM and WELL are strong indicators of sustainable design and operations, often directly linked to lower carbon emissions commercial buildings produce.

How MRI Software can help organisations to drive emissions reduction

Reducing emissions across complex portfolios demands smart tools. MRI’s  energy management solutions provide landlords with the data, automation and insights needed to drive measurable results.

With intelligent dashboards, sustainability reporting tools and smart building integrations, MRI Software enables landlords to monitor and reduce energy usage, benchmark performance against ESG targets, engage tenants in sustainability programmes and ensure compliance with environmental reporting standards.

To learn more, contact us today on +44 (0)20 3861 7100.

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