Reducing Energy Usage 
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 was signed into law in December 2007 providing initiatives for all commercial buildings to be "zero-net-energy" by 2050. Zero-net-energy means a commercial building that is designed, constructed, and operated to 1) significantly reduce energy needed to operate, 2) meet energy needs from sources of energy that do not produce greenhouse gas, 3) result in no net greenhouse gas emissions, and 4) be economically viable. The US DOE (Department of Energy) says these buildings use 70 percent less energy than conventional buildings and can produce and storage energy to power the building through the day.The weakest link in this evolving system is often thought to be glass technology and yet, glass provides opportunities for both reducing energy usage in commercial buildings and for creating energy. As glass has become increasingly more energy-efficient, reducing the amount of solar heat allowed in through the glass is key. The goal is low solar heat gain coefficient such as that offered by Four Seasons Solar Products in both their commercial and residential applications.
It's even more important for commercial buildings to focus on reducing heat gain at all times because of the heat radiated by a higher density of people, computer servers, electric lights, as compared with residential where owners can easily enjoy benefits of passive solar and reduced lighting expense.
Some people say "reduce the amount of glass" but this doesn't make sense either because of opportunities with daylighting. In addition to research showing the health and productivity benefits of using natural daylight, there are practical benefits from a lot of glass such as less artificial lights. Increased daylighting reduces your cost to operate artificial lights and reduces the cooling costs needed to offset the heat created from operation of such lighting.
More products and people will take advantage of natural daylighting in the future: some through the addition of sunrooms, conservatories, patio rooms, some through lighting controls used in conjunction with skylights.
Let Four Seasons Sunrooms add Light and Life to Your Home: 248-352-4250
Sunrooms, patio rooms, conservatories, seasonal spaces, basement finishing for just about everything.
Beautiful? Yes, that is what Beautiful Basements can do for your lower level!
How many times during the hot, humid, summer months do you wish you could get cool? Want to hangout somewhere quiet and private - just cool off? Maybe you'd like to crank the music, or wear skimpy clothing without worrying the neighbors will call the police on you.
Even if you're never hot, maybe the cool hangout part sounds pretty inviting. The lower level of your home offers some great privacy, and energy efficiency advantages. People in the midwest are familiar with basements and they don't think dungeons and cobwebs when you say finished basement! But your out of state relatives might be surprised when they come for a visit and find their private lower level guest suite with luxurious bath. They will be so comfortable, rested, and playful they may not want to leave.
Surprise: their private oasis also multi-purposes as Johnny's music studio for his drums and Suzie's video games spread. So when the relatives stay too long, send the kids down for practice and play.
Overall, finishing your basement for $10,000 - $50,000 is usually money well spent in terms of spacious, casual comfort for your family and return on investment when you sell your home. It will certainly reduce your energy loss in the meantime and let's face it, you've already sunk a good chunk of money into a hole in the ground: translated pretty expensive storage.
