Improving the energy efficiency of your building is beneficial in more ways than one. Not only can it save you money on energy bills and improve efficiency, but it can also make your space more appealing to current and future occupants. One way to measure the energy efficiency of your space is with the LEED certification. Buildings can earn points towards their LEED score in a variety of ways. However, one of the simplest ways to add points to your LEED certification is with window film.
What is LEED?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building certification system that verifies whether a building uses strategies to improve energy saving metrics. The overarching goal of LEED certifications is to create cost-effective, energy-efficient buildings. Buildings can earn points towards achieving different levels of LEED Certification, depending on the efficiency of their space. There are four levels of LEED certification:
- Certified: 40-49 points
- Silver: 50-59 points
- Gold: 60-79 points
- Platinum: 80+ points
By investing in energy-efficient solutions, you can advance up the LEED certification ladder. What are the benefits of the LEED certification? Cost-savings, increased energy efficiency, attracting future occupants, and improved occupant comfort. Some common ways that buildings begin to improve energy efficiency are installing LED lights, replacing old HVAC systems, and consistently cleaning or replacing air filters. However, there is one often overlooked area that dramatically impacts your building’s efficiency: the windows.
Are Your Windows Energy-Efficient?
Windows offer natural lighting and outdoor views. However, they are also detrimental to the energy efficiency of your space. In the winter, poorly insulated windows fail to retain man-made heat. During the summer, the sun blasting through the window can create uncomfortably warm indoor temperatures. In turn, these inefficiencies can cause HVAC systems to work overtime to maintain indoor temperatures while driving up energy costs. Improving your windows’ energy efficiency means increased energy savings and occupant comfort, in addition to adding points towards your LEED Certification. 3M Window Film helps you achieve each of these objectives.
Add Points to Your LEED Certification with Window Film
3M offers window film solutions that improve the efficiency of your space. From 3M Sun Control Window Film to 3M Thinsulate Window Film, many films improve energy efficiency and boost occupant comfort. 3M Window Films rejects up to 97% of infrared heat and reduces glare, allowing indoor conditions to remain comfortable. Additionally, it takes the pressure off HVAC systems to maintain consistent temperatures. Not only does this provide benefits for building owners and occupants, but it can also add points to the building’s LEED certification.
Where Window Film Can Help
There are a variety of LEED credits that you can add points to with window film. For instance, buildings can earn 1 point towards EQ Credit 7.1, Thermal Comfort with window film installation because the film minimizes solar heat gain through windows.
Another example in which window film can add points towards LEED credits is through light pollution reduction. The intent of SS Credit 8 Light Pollution Reduction is to minimize light trespass and improve nighttime visibility through glare reduction. 3M Window Film can minimize up to 85% of the light passing from the interior to the exterior while also minimizing the reflection of interior lights. There are plenty of other LEED credits that window film can add points to, including ultraviolet ray rejection or optimized energy performance.
Windows can detract from your building’s overall efficiency. However, window film can mitigate this issue while adding points to your LEED certification. For improved energy efficiency, lower energy bills, and increased occupant comfort, invest in window film for benefits in the years to come.
PA Window Tint Inc. began serving central Pennsylvania in 1993. Over the years, we have extended service to New York, Maryland, and New Jersey. Today, PA Window Tint is a 3M Prestige dealer, which identifies our company as a member of the elite network of dealers in the country which are entrusted with offering 3M’s highest quality products and providing impeccable installations. Give us a call at 1-866-329-0064 or fill out a form online.