When consumers build or redesign a new restaurant, there are many energy-efficient trends to consider. Restaurant construction and remodeling have become green and more sustainable over the last several years. Restaurant owners are looking at a way to improve water efficiency, design, waste reduction, and recycling, use green and recyclable building materials, and switching to energy-efficient appliances.

Improving Water Efficiency

When building a restaurant or redesigning the inside, water efficiency can be improved. By installing water-saving equipment restaurant can decrease the use of water by 5 to 7 gallons per minute. Aerators installed in the faucets reduce water flow by half and do not affect the pressure. New low flow spray values reduce the water usage to 1 gallon a minute.

Motion sensor faucets turn off when a staff member forgets to shut off the water. Energy-efficient appliances save money on water consumption in restaurants and food service establishments. Low flow toilets, energy-efficient dishwashers, coolers, and ice machines are appliances to consider. Energy-efficient water heaters reduce the use of hot water daily.

Restaurants use a large amount of hot water and energy-saving hot water heaters reduce waste. Changing to efficient water distribution pipes will improve water consumption. Leak detecting smart meters monitor the use of appliance water usage and will inform owners of water waste and leaks. Water-saving equipment and appliances help implement an energy-efficient design.

Heating and Cooling in A Restaurant

According to the National Restaurant Association, energy-efficient air conditioners and HVAC equipment should be installed to replace outdated models. Energy-efficient HVAC equipment uses 7 to 10 percent less energy, than older models. Find a good restaurant construction company that knows about air conditioning equipment for restaurants.

There are a few different types of energy efficient air conditioners for commercial foodservice businesses. They are heat pump air conditioners, split systems, and packaged air conditioners. Heat pump models use very little energy and extract heat from the outside air. The split system air conditioner is inside the restaurant and outside. It is connected by pipes. The installation of this type of unit is complex.

Packaged indoor air conditioners are one unit installed inside on the wall with a connection outside. The energy efficiency of the units is an important aspect to consider when it is installed or replaced.

Recyclable Building Materials

Recyclable building material inside and outside the restaurant increase improves efficiency. Sorghum panels are used in some restaurants to replace wood for furniture, wall panels, and wood board used in construction. It is a grass used around the world and the stalks are LEED certified.

Natural stone used on the inside or outside design is sustainable. Stone is used for countertops, walls, exterior, floors, and pathways. Natural stone is marble, limestone, quartz, granite, slate, and sandstone. They are easy to clean and durable.

The glass used in windows provides natural sunlight lowering electric bills. It can be used in the tabletop design and glass tabletops are easy to clean. The material is strong and durable. Tinted glass can protect staff and customers from the UV rays of the sun.

Reclaimed wood reuses a good quality wood over again. This prevents wasting natural materials. Salvage yards sell wood from demolished buildings to business and restaurant construction companies. The wood is used in building restaurants and other commercial businesses.

Reclaimed wood is sustainable and there are many different materials to choose from. They are ash, black cherry, mahogany, maple oak, cork, and bamboo. They are used for furniture, walls, bars, and floors.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

Restaurant owners can have an energy audit to find the best method for their business. There are recycling bins, sending leftover foods to local food banks, and using leftover oil for fuel autos and delivery trucks. Some restaurants send their food waste to composting businesses to turn food into fertilizer for gardens and farms.

Contact a local restaurant construction company to learn more about energy-efficient building techniques for a restaurant, food service business, or commercial space. They can help with water usage, appliance choices, sustainable materials, design, energy efficient air conditioners, and waste and energy management.