U.S. Department of Energy Turns to Window Film for Energy Efficiency, Safety

Building Operating Management, Mar 2004

solutions

The James Forrestal building in Washington, D.C., houses the governing authority on energy efficiency, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The department researches and determines critical energy conservation practices and is responsible forthe preservation of natural resources. Therefore, in order to lead by example, it is imperative that DOE's facility be as energy efficient as possible. Additionally, as a government agency, building safety is a constant concern and top priority.

To improve both of these areas, the DOE considered two solutions for its windows: install a safety and solar window film on the existing windows, or replace the existing windows with laminated panes of glass.

They considered both options, but soon discovered some major obstacles to installing new windows. First, the cost of installing new windows was estimated to be three to four times higher than the cost of window film installation. second, the dimensions of the laminated glass windows were not equal to the existing window frame dimensions. Therefore, if the department selected the new window option, an architect would have had to develop new designs for each installation space. And finally, installation of replacement windows would take months, as opposed to the few weeks window film installation time would take.

With these considerations in mind, the DOE chose Armorcoat 8 Mil Stainless Steel 35 solar safety film to be installed on all of the nearly 4,000 panes of glass, over 80, 000 square feet, in the building.

The solar safety film prevents 50 percent of total solar energy and 98 percent of ultraviolet light from entering the building through the windows, keeping building temperatures down in hot weather and reducing the amount of energy needed to keep the building cool. The film also insulates the windows, resulting in less energy lost during winter months. In addition, the film provides protection from glass-related injuries because it helps hold broken glass in place during severe weather, bomb blasts or other events that may cause glass breakage.

FREE INFO: Circle 258