How to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency
It’s a concern for us all. The world is faced with unprecedented climate challenges, and we are all looking for ways to lessen our own carbon footprint. But what does that mean in the construction world? Are we really able to make a difference?
Let’s start by looking at the current situation.
The latest EU Green Deal aims to create a win-win situation for both economies via job creation and the environment by cutting emissions. The EU has set the ambitious target of becoming the world’s first climate-neutral continent. However, the initial aim of lowering CO2 by 40% by 2030 will not be adequate to get us there by 2050, which is why the target has now been doubled as part of the Green Deal.
The largest project within these initiatives relates to ‘energy efficiency’ and investment to improve the energy performance of buildings. We’re all feeling the pinch with rising fuel costs right now, so this area is one of particular significance, and an area where simple solutions, such as adding window films to glazing, can make a huge difference.
The reason buildings are so important is simple. Globally, energy consumption in buildings accounts for up to 17.5 percent of total GHG emissions. Buildings utilise 40% of total energy in the EU-28 and account for 36% of total GHG emissions. Furthermore, 75% of the current buildings were built before there was even any energy performance legislation in place, and 80% of the current stock will still be there in 30 years. However, the energy requirements of new structures are now roughly 50% lower than those of buildings completed 20 years ago.
It’s obvious that tracking and proactively reducing energy consumption has never been more important. The goal of this stimulus is to at least double the number of renovations from 1 to 2 percent over the next ten years, or 35 million properties.
While newer buildings are generally more energy efficient, demolishing and starting over is not. As a result, it is critical to value old buildings and invest in/improve them where possible so that they can be used for many years to come. So, the argument for refurbishments has never been more powerful. Maybe it’s time to start looking at how we can make a difference with our existing homes, offices or commercial buildings?
How can a window film help to save energy?
Solar heat gain can be a challenge in the summer months with windows often accounting for a large amount of a building’s cooling demands too. We are all searching for ways to become more energy efficient and investing in buildings to make them more economical. Simple retrofit solutions such as window films can be a game changer for many. So how do we know window films can save energy?
Well, an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) is a validated document that reports environmental data in line with ISO 14025. The environmental statistics are based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Having an EPD promotes openness and makes it simple to compare the life-cycle environmental impact of one product to another.
Unlike many window films on the market, 3M Prestige Solar Control Window Films are all EPD registered, which indicates there is a minimal environmental impact when using them. The entire life cycle environmental footprint, from manufacturing to final use is available to view, which is useful when considering elements of a building design.
3M Prestige window films are a tried and tested method to save energy for building owners. Retrofitting window films to existing glazing can significantly save money and help to reduce the overall carbon footprint of a building. Something which is increasingly demanded by society as we all strive to reduce our environmental impact.
Prestige window films are unique because they are produced using nanotechnology, which can add benefits to existing building glazing. They not only reject heat, save energy, and reduce CO2 emissions, but they also help to increase indoor comfort by providing greater temperature control and allowing for infinite natural lighting. They are commonly used in residential homes but also within hospitals, schools, commercial and public buildings. 3M Window Films have been installed in over 5 million buildings worldwide and are a tried and tested method of saving energy.
Because the films are often optically clear, you don’t notice them when installed to a building, so most of the time you don’t even know it is there. Window films can be the perfect addition to a building to help ease the pinch of rising energy costs, as well as lowering our carbon footprint too.
You can find out more about the range of finishes here; https://www.architextural.co.uk/sustainability.
