As a business owner, you have many considerations on your plate. You are likely constructing or renovating a space to house your new business – one that provides all of the amenities needed to produce what you’re passionate about. And, taking care to consider the environment and the preservation of our precious natural resources is one of the main tenets of structuring the physical location for your new business.
Equally as important is considering the needs, desires, and necessities for your soon-to-be-created team. Your employees will thrive in an environment that is safe, nurturing, and conducive to creativity. But, how can you construct a space that takes ALL of these considerations (human and otherwise) into account? Well, we have some ideas for you!
Now more than ever, ensuring that you as a business owner are doing all you can to practice and implement business practices that support the sustainability of our planet is one of the most important considerations you can make. According to Nan Inc owner Patrick Shin, when it comes to construction, it becomes even more so – not only will making thoughtful choices throughout the construction process positively impact your ecological footprint, but it can support the longevity of your business as well. Constructing a building correctly, the first time will cut down on maintenance and repair costs for years to come.
So, where to start when it comes to crafting a space that makes your employees feel safe and nurtured, nourished in their creativity, and free to successfully collaborate as a group? All the while, maximizing your energy efficiency and minimizing your ecological footprint? There are several important things to consider that, when implemented, will have a lasting positive effect on the growth of your business and the satisfaction of your employees.
The roofing process presents some of the biggest challenges, as well as some of the most innovative solutions for incorporating sustainable techniques into the construction of your storefront. Not only is the roof an important part of the aesthetic appeal of your building, but it serves a critical purpose in preserving the virtue of your structure for years to come.
When taking on a roofing project for your commercial space, you’re certainly considering many important aspects – materials, function, and durability. Choosing sustainable practices can actually speak to several of these points, all in one. Even more importantly, selecting a contractor that offers the commercial roofing services you need and has the same vision and values in mind can make or break a project that influences the success of your business.
In this day and age, each time we construct a new building we are using precious natural resources to create the space. And, with these resources growing more scarce every year, we can only in good conscience choose techniques that care for the environment in the best way possible.
Choosing the proper materials for your roof, to ensure its durability as well as sustainability in construction, is also an important consideration. Clay, concrete, slate, and metal all offer unique elements to a structure when used for roofing projects. Clay and slate have been used for centuries for their durability, ease of access, and rustic aesthetic appeal. Concrete and metal are also very durable and can bring a solid feel and sense of the modern to any structure that employs them for their construction.
Another exciting innovation in the world of sustainable roofing materials are shingles made from recycled materials. If you’re concerned about keeping your space warm, common for those creating a workspace in cooler climates, these recycled shingles can assist you with maintaining a comfortable temperature. Even the choice of color for your roof can pay use dividends. Choosing a white-colored roof can help keep your space cool and cut down on air conditioning bills in the summer, which can easily become very expensive.
Furthermore, if you own the building, look at the “bones” – does it need any repairs? For instance, gutter cleaning services, landscaping services, or investing in window upgrades could make all the difference between a space that you’re happy to occupy for years as your business grows and one that you’re itching to move from as soon as possible. Moving can be just as stressful for a business team as a family, and especially if you’re wanting to create a homelike feeling in your office, setting up a sense of stability is key to comfort.
Natural light is also an important addition to your coworking space that can create positive effects on your employee’s wellness and productivity. For those with sensory issues or sensitivities to light, replacing fluorescent lighting with natural lighting can make all the difference in keeping them happy, engaged, and part of the team. If you’re constructing your building from scratch, you have the opportunity to put in ample windows and skylights to allow the natural sunlight to filter in. Not only will this allow you to fill the space with plants, but it will also cut down on energy bills – another score for your bottom line!
Keeping a comfortable temperature is one of the most basic needs (and common complaints) from employees in offices across America. Luckily, there are many developments in eco-friendly building design that can help you lower costs while ensuring that your workers are able to think clearly in a cozy environment. If you’re concerned about keeping your space warm, common for those creating a workspace in cooler climates, these shingles made from recycled materials can assist you with maintaining a comfortable temperature. Even the choice of color for your roof can pay huge dividends. Choosing a white-colored roof can help keep your space cool and cut down on air conditioning bills in the summer, which can easily become very expensive.
As you can see, if you approach customizing your ideal workspace with knowledge and conviction about not only the aesthetic appeal of your building but your passion for preserving the environment through sustainable building techniques, you are certain to enjoy productivity for years to come. And, taking the concerns of your employees into every step of the process will pay off handsomely, as well! People will only grow in their loyalty to you and your company if they can feel that you highly value their comfort, health, and productivity. Taking care of your business, the environment, and your team all in one? Now that’s a win-win.
