It is often said that one of the best ways to build wealth is through commercial real estate. However, in order to maximize rental income, it is important to build in line with contemporary trends to stand out on the market. To this effect, sustainability is one of the hottest trends in the world of real estate. Not only do tenants want to occupy structures that reduce their carbon footprint, but owners want to reduce the resources allotted to upkeep and repair. With this in mind, keep reading for a detailed breakdown of sustainable building materials for your next commercial development. 

Low Maintenance Siding

Siding in a commercial building is essential for protecting it from the elements and adding insulative value. As a result, sustainable siding materials can lower the lifetime cost of building ownership. While there are a number of low-maintenance siding materials on the market, some of the most sustainable options include fiber cement, steel, and composite shingles.

Fiber cement siding is made from a mixture of wood fibers and cement, and it is very durable and low maintenance. It does not require painting or staining, and it is resistant to termites and other pests. Fiber cement siding is also fire resistant and can help to reduce the spread of fire in the event of a blaze.

Steel siding is another durable, low-maintenance option. It is available in a variety of colors and styles, and it can be easily customized to match the existing architecture of a building. Steel siding is also very energy efficient, and it can help to reduce heating and cooling costs.

Composite shingles are made from a mixture of wood and plastic. Like fiber cement and steel, composite siding is available in a variety of colors and styles, is highly protective in the face of extreme weather, and is resistant to fire and pest damage.

Hurricane Grade Storm Windows

More and more commercial buildings are adding window areas to increase the amount of natural light flowing into the interior to help reduce energy bills.

While this is a wonderful idea for energy efficiency, it can backfire if the windows are of poor quality. Damaged windows provide an easy access point for unwanted air and moisture transfer, creating a weakness in the building envelope that hurts the building’s R-value.

As such, it is a great idea to incorporate hurricane-grade storm windows in commercial structures. Made with steel frames, sashes, and grilles, the best storm windows provide elite resistance to UV, weather, and impact damage. They also use reinforced glass that can withstand winds up to 250 MPH and projectile impact up to 100 MPH, guaranteeing the structural integrity of the windows no matter how severe the conditions.

Stone Exterior Accents

It is no secret that first impressions are important, and that is especially true in the world of commercial real estate. When it comes to attracting tenants, high-quality exteriors and stunning curb appeal can make or break a deal.

As such, it is important to consider the materials that are used in the exterior of a commercial building. One of the most popular options is stone, which can be used in walkways, patios, and other types of landscaping. Stone is a strong material that can withstand the elements and provide a durable surface for high-traffic areas.

Another option is to use manufactured stone panels on the building’s facade. These panels are easier to work with than natural stone and provide all of the same durability benefits. They also come in a variety of designs and styles, so they can be used to creatively add texture to the building.

Epoxy Terrazzo Floors

Although durable materials are important in all areas of a sustainable commercial structure, there is arguably no place where they are more essential than the floor. Commercial floors will be subject to more wear and tear than the floors in private residences, so it is critical that they are well-equipped to handle the increased traffic.

To this effect, one of the most popular durable flooring options is epoxy terrazzo. This type of flooring is made from a combination of epoxy resin and aggregate materials, such as marble chips or glass beads. The result is a durable and stylish flooring option that can withstand heavy foot and machine traffic while providing a nonporous finish that resists stains.

These durability features make epoxy terrazzo a better flooring option than other common materials, such as vinyl or laminate. It can also be installed quickly and easily, which is important for commercial buildings that need to be up and running as soon as possible.

Innovative Safety Measures

Commercial buildings are under a much higher level of scrutiny than private residences, and for good reason. Not only do they need to be safe for the people who work in them, but they also need to be able to withstand the elements and any potential accidents that may occur.

As such, it is important to use advanced safety measures in commercial buildings. These measures can help protect the structural integrity of the building and also help protect it from any costly litigation that may get it shut down for an extended period.

Some of the most important safety measures include fire dampers, smoke baffles, and glass staircase railings. Fire dampers are devices that are installed in the ductwork to prevent the spread of fire. Smoke baffles are used in smoke-proof enclosures to prevent the spread of smoke and protect air quality during a fire. Glass staircase railing protects occupants from injury when using stairwells and elevated walkways without obstructing views.

Get Started Today Toward More Sustainable Commercial Construction

Sustainability is one of the most important considerations for commercial developers to take in 2023. Sustainable structures will help improve a facility’s environmental friendliness and lifetime cost of ownership. For more information on sustainable building materials being used in the Rio Grande Valley, check out Cindy Hopkins Real Estate for the latest in the industry!

Sam Willis is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise in residential and commercial real estate, as well as engineering and construction. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching real estate trends in his free time. Sam’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource site.