Is Building Electrification the Key to Improving Productivity?
Studies have shown that it can take more than 20 minutes for an employee to refocus on their task after a distraction. Some interruptions in the workday are inevitable — though we can dare to dream, it’s unlikely we’ll ever escape incoming emails, texts, phone calls or the boss occasionally popping in for a quick catch-up. But what about those other annoyances that pull employees away from the task at hand?
It turns out that building electrification — the process of replacing fossil fuels with clean energy generated by renewable, zero-carbon sources like wind and solar — is not only the key to reducing a building’s carbon emissions, but it’s also a great way to improve employee productivity. Here’s how.
Electrifying fuel-based systems
HVAC systems are typically the largest consumers of fossil fuels in any given building. Replacing gas or oil-based furnaces, boilers and water heaters with electric models is often one of the most impactful electrification projects you can take on. Heat pumps and electric water heaters are more energy efficient, leading to lower utility costs and reduced carbon emissions. But just as importantly, they create a better work environment for your employees.
Better indoor air quality. Fossil-fueled systems emit various indoor air pollutants, which can lead to asthma and other respiratory conditions. Eliminating fossil fuel emissions through electrification improves indoor air quality, enhancing the health and well-being of your employees.
Improved comfort. If a room is too warm, you’ll inevitably start to feel sleepy. On the other hand, if it’s too cold, you’re more likely to be distracted by your shivering. Electric heat pumps offer a “just right” Goldilocks solution. These systems are typically integrated with smart controls and robust building management systems that give you precise temperature controls.
Quieter work environment. Noise pollution from traditional HVAC systems can range from annoying to irritating to completely distracting. Heat pumps operate much quieter than their fossil fuel counterparts, reducing the anxiety that often comes with higher noise levels. As a result, productivity improves.
Ancillary benefits
Electrification often involves making energy efficiency and automation upgrades in addition to replacing a building’s fossil fuel-powered systems. These steps reduce emissions and building operation costs while also improving employee productivity.
LED lighting. LED lights impact the work environment in many ways. First, they don’t emit heat, making it easier to control the temperature of a given space. LEDs also create less glare than fluorescents, which reduces eye strain, a leading cause of headaches.
Advanced lighting controls. Smart LED lighting controls can mimic natural lighting by dimming and altering color temperature. These features can improve energy and mood and, as a result, productivity, especially for those in interior, windowless offices.
Smart building technologies. Electrified buildings often feature a host of smart building technologies that can improve productivity. Connected sensors can tell the building management system to lower the temperature in a packed meeting room. They can also reduce the time it takes to find and book that meeting room, allowing employees to focus on more mission-critical tasks.
By going electric, you can power your bottom line with a better indoor environment and a more productive workplace. Give your company an edge by incorporating new electric technologies into your business plan. Check out resources on electrification for your business.
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