Architectural window films are an increasingly popular solution for improving building energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The sustainability benefits of these films are driven by their ability to reduce CO2 and improve the energy efficiency of a building, which is a key component of the EU Green Deal .
Buildings are responsible for almost 20% of the global greenhouse gas emissions and 40% of total energy consumption. According to the European Commission, three quarters of current building stock was built before there was specific energy legislation in place. But how can building owners or facilities managers look to save energy in their buildings?
Envelope improvements can be one of the first measures taken to reduce the energy consumption of a building. Within envelope improvements, the glazing and windows present significant opportunities for such energy saving. Window films are regarded as a simple and highly efficient solution to generate energy savings, with a fast payback too.
Globally more than 5 million buildings have 3M window film installed on them!
Window films are a top tier technology for energy conservation and can reduce heat gain or loss through glass by blocking UV and infrared light, thus reducing the amount of energy required to cool or heat a building. Most of the time you wouldn’t know they were there.
Sun control window films, such as the type created by 3M, have specific environmental benefits., They help to reject heat while still allowing plenty of light into the building, therefore keeping energy costs down, and reducing its carbon footprint in the process
3M™ Prestige Sun Control Window Films, for example, provide the best balance between maximum light transmission and heat rejection because they are spectrally selective. Using multi-layered and metal free nano-technology significantly reduces heat while leaving the window appearance virtually unchanged. There’s no other film like it on the market.
Their performance accelerates as the sun’s angle increases, which means the need for greater protection and comfort is met as required – rejecting up to 97% of the sun’s infrared light, up to 60% of the heat coming through your windows, and helping to provide energy savings by reducing the use of air conditioning. These films block up to 99.9% of damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays to reduce fading in interiors and furnishings. They keep you cool, comfortable and won’t interfere with mobile phone, GPS and satellite radio reception.
Windows can account for 30% of the cooling energy used in commercial buildings. Using sun control window films to maintain an ambient temperature can help building owners save big.
As they can be retrofit to existing glass, there’s no need to rip out and replace current glazing, avoiding landfill of old windows. The addition of 3M Prestige window film also contributes to LEED credits, with full LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) and EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) data available.
Window film could be the secret weapon to cut your energy costs in 2023! For more information, visit https://whatwindowfilm.co.uk/
