Retail Buildings

Retail Buildings 37% Lighting 30% Space Heating 10% Space Cooling 06% Water Heating 17% Other More on this data.   Bighorn Retail Center (PDF 750 KB) Rebuild Shelby, North Carolina (PDF 150 KB) High-Performance Buildings Database ENERGY STAR® for Retail High Performance Buildings Rebuild America

	Ways to Save Reduce lighting costs with energy-efficient lighting such as T-8, compact fluorescent, and metal halide fixtures Install energy management systems to monitor and control energy use throughout the building Control air infiltration in heavily trafficked areas with energy-efficient doors and windows Improve comfort and indoor air quality with proper maintenance and cleaning of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems

Retailing is a tough business. In order to compete, retailers use vast amounts of energy to create inviting spaces for their customers. Eye-catching signage and merchandise displays, plus heating and cooling needs, all contribute to high energy costs in retail buildings. Lighting is the biggest energy expense for retailers-37% of total energy use. And it's not an area where retailers can scrimp—attractively lit displays promote sales.

Retail buildings are everywhere, outnumbering office buildings two to one. They range from small shops in strip malls to large department stores, and occupy more total space than any other segment of the commercial market. In a highly competitive business, retailers are hard pressed to lower their operating costs without impacting on customer service and satisfaction.

The Good News?

Retail building owners and operators can reap big savings by starting small. For instance, more than 90% of retail buildings use standard fluorescent bulbs, which consume more energy than compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and require more frequent replacement. Standard fluorescent lights also throw off more heat, which adds to cooling loads. Using CFLs to light retail spaces can provide fast returns on the initial investment. Another simple way to lower lighting costs is through the use of solid-state LED technology for exit signs. LEDs consume very little energy and last up to 10 years or more, saving both energy and maintenance costs.

Retail buildings can reduce energy costs even further by looking at how the windows, doors, roofing, heating and cooling, and other building systems work together for the most efficient energy use. New high-performance retail buildings can consume up to 50% less energy than comparable buildings, with designs that integrate energy-efficient lighting fixtures with daylighting systems to substantially reduce electric lighting and cooling loads. Additional energy-smart choices about the building site, envelope, and mechanical systems are factored into the design and contribute to the savings.

The best news is that the same energy improvements that lower utility bills also foster a more comfortable retail space, with better lighting, temperature control, and indoor air quality. That means employee morale and retention improve, and customers are more likely to return often.

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