In recent years, there has been a shift in the focus on greenhouse gas emissions as we address climate change. Many factors play into greenhouse gas emissions, like cars, industry production, and land use. However, one of the most impactful factors is buildings. In fact, in New York, buildings make up 70% of emissions. As a result, legislation has been made to mandate large commercial buildings to reduce their carbon footprint. Decision-makers of commercial buildings in New York and other large cities must begin improving the energy efficiency of buildings or face penalties.
Legislation for a Reduced Carbon Footprint
While legislation has been in the works for the past few years, for New York, a carbon emissions limit is set to begin in 2024. As a result, it’s time for building owners and decision-makers to begin evaluating efficiencies within their buildings. In fact, as years go on, the carbon emissions limit will become more strict to ensure continuous improvement. It’s more important now than ever for buildings to take steps to improve the energy efficiency of their building envelope.
There are a variety of ways to take steps toward energy efficiency. For instance, one of the most common ways to do so is by addressing lighting. Buildings have begun to switch from incandescent light bulbs to LED and installing motion-sensor lights to minimize electricity waste. However, when it comes to addressing inefficiencies in your building’s envelope, this can be a harder task to tackle. Where do you begin? For a comprehensive, cost-effective solution to improve your building’s envelope, invest in window film.
Window Film: A Viable Solution to Improve Energy Efficiency
3M Window Film can assist in local law compliance, addressing inefficiencies of buildings. Windows can be incredibly inefficient, allowing heat to enter and escape. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, windows account for as much as 30% of the total cooling load in commercial buildings. Not only does this impact comfort, but it results in lower efficiency as HVAC systems work hard to maintain interior temperatures. Replacing windows is not always a potential solution, as it can be costly and disruptive to tenants. That’s where window film comes in.
Lower Energy Bills
While windows welcome the sun’s light, they also permit uncomfortable temperatures. In the summer, the sun’s heat enters through windows, warming up your space. On the other hand, a poorly insulated window can allow heat to escape in the winter. As a result, HVAC systems work hard to maintain comfortable interior temperatures, leading to decreased efficiency and high energy bills.
3M window film rejects the sun’s infrared heat, minimizing the strain on HVAC systems and lowering energy bills. Window films like 3M Thinsulate can improve the insulating abilities of windows. It helps to improve the insulation of a single pane window to that of a double and a double pane window to that of a triple. By retaining manmade heat in the winter and rejecting the sun’s heat in the summer, 3M Thinsulate Window Film provides energy efficiency year-round. As a result, 3M Thinsulate Window Film can be used to reduce a building’s carbon footprint to meet the requirements of the new legislation.
Cost-Effective, Non-Disruptive
The window film installation process is non-disruptive and less expensive than window replacement. Replacing all the windows in a sky-rise building is no small feat, costing tons of money and disrupting tenants. With window film, you can improve energy efficiency without having to endure the cost and disruption of window replacement. Not to mention, the installation process is much quicker than that of window replacement.
Maintain the Appearance of Buildings
Products like 3M Thinsulate and 3M Prestige Window Film provide energy efficiency without changing the look of exteriors. On the other hand, window film also comes in a variety of shades and tints should you wish to change the appearance of your building.
Backed by 3M’s Comprehensive Warranty
3M Window Films are backed by an impressive warranty. This warranty ensures 3M Window Films will maintain adhesive qualities, solar reflective properties, and maintain appearance without discoloring. Depending on the application, the length of warranties varies. For instance, 3M Thinsulate Window Film is backed by a 15-year commercial warranty. However, rest assured knowing you’ll receive a high-quality product from a trusted company.
For a comprehensive, energy-efficient solution, invest in 3M Window Film. 3M Thinsulate Window Film can improve energy efficiency year-round, helping commercial buildings take steps to meet the new local requirements.
New York Window Film provides high-quality products and window film installations to Metropolitan New York, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut. With window film solutions for both residential and commercial spaces, our products can help you achieve anything from sun control and security to decorative enhancement and privacy. Call us at (631) 420-4101 or (212) 256-1414 for more information, or click here for a no-obligation estimate.
