How do you start? How do you create a commercial building that is sustainable? Here are 30 things you can do to make your commercial building Earth Friendly. Click the links and learn more.

1. Upgrade the fiberglass insulation to foam
2. If you cannot afford better insulation – make the building air tight as a minimum
3. Install a solar thermal system to produce hot water
4. Add more insulation in the attic
5. integrate pre-heated warm air into the HVAC system
6. Add natural light where you can
7. Use the floor as mass storage by installing dark tile or leaving concrete exposed and adjust overhangs to allow sunlight in the winter and shading in the summer
8. install a better water heater
9. install a light-colored roof
10. look at USDA grants, “solar barn raising”, or federal tax credit options for adding solar PV
11. Move the HVAC systems in the attic inside of conditioned spaces instead of outside the thermal envelope
12. install better windows
13. install operable windows so you can breathe fresh air
14. insulate under entire slab
15. select energy star appliances
16. install motion sensors on lights in restrooms and sleeping rooms
17. install motion sensor on bath fans with a timer
18. select products that are no voc
19. install a rainscreen behind siding to prevent moisture in walls
20. Keep plants away from exterior walls and HVAC equipment
21. collect rainwater in a cistern
22. Advocate for measuring the Energy Use Intensity to know how efficient the building will be
23. Check the comprehensive plan for your community to see if they say anything like “we will have an environmental performance standard”
24. make it easy for someone to bike to work by installing bike racks
25. understand carbon
26. reduce stormwater runoff
27. install a vegetated roof
28. install water conserving fixtures
29. require a duct leakage test on the ductwork after installation
30. set up a recycling center in the facility so product does not go to the landfill – if it is not easy people will not do it