Buildings are bad for the climate, significantly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions through both construction and daily operations. Energy-efficient buildings present a viable option to mitigate these effects. In this blog, we’ll explore why buildings harm the environment and how adopting energy-efficient practices, including the use of window film, can make a substantial difference. Discover the steps you can take to improve building sustainability and reduce your carbon footprint.
How Do Buildings Impact the Climate?
Buildings release greenhouse gasses in two different ways. The first way is during construction. The production of building materials like steel and concrete releases greenhouse gasses. Unfortunately, there is currently no way we can create those materials without releasing greenhouse gasses. Another way that buildings release greenhouse gasses is simply the way they are operated. Through the use of electricity and fossil fuels such as oil and gas, buildings negatively impact the climate with their carbon emissions. We typically think of lights, ovens, and refrigerators causing the most damage. However, heating and cooling units use the most energy!
How A/C Units Impact the Climate
Air conditioners use the most energy in households and commercial spaces. It is projected that by 2050, 5 billion A/C units will be in use. This cycle will continue to grow as the temperature gets warmer, the population gets bigger and wealthier, and people continue to run their air conditioning, which in turn causes the climate to get warmer. In addition to the excessive use of energy, air conditioning units also release F-gasses, which can cause more global warming than carbon dioxide! While some HVAC systems use electricity, others use fossil fuels like gas and oil.
Steps to Improve Building Energy Efficiency
Although in their current state most buildings are bad for the climate, there are multiple technologies and government policies that can help to improve the energy use and efficiency of buildings. In fact, window film can be a key player in moderating the temperature in a building to reduce the energy usage of heating and cooling systems. Through Energy Star ratings, the U.S. government encourages A/C units and heaters to become more energy efficient. Building codes are also updated periodically to ensure construction happens with low-carbon materials. Through increased technology and its adoption, we can work together to increase the energy efficiency of our buildings.
How Window Film Can Help
Through the use of window film, we can take a step towards energy efficiency right now. Window film installation in both commercial spaces and homes can help enhance occupant comfort by mitigating heat, UV radiation, and glare. While we want to allow natural light into our spaces, direct sunlight can cause hot spots that force A/C units to make up for the temperature difference. Window film can help to prevent up to 78% of the sun’s heat from passing through your windows, allowing the light to shine in without heating up your home intensely. This reduces the amount of work your air conditioning has to do and consequently reduces energy costs! At Professional Window Tinting, we use quality 3M window films to help you reduce energy costs and stay comfortable indoors year-round.
Contact Professional Window Tinting to Make Your Space More Energy Efficient
By implementing energy-efficient solutions such as window film, we can significantly reduce the environmental impact our indoor spaces have on the climate. If you’re ready to experience lower energy bills, increased indoor comfort, and contribute to a greener world, call or contact us to learn more about our window film solutions.
Professional Window Tinting is a family run and woman-owned business, proudly serving the MD, DE, PA, and NJ region for over 30 years. To get your free quote on commercial or residential solar window film, give us a call at (302) 456-3456 or fill out a form online. And don’t forget, we also provide auto window tinting (Delaware location only).
*This post was originally published in November of 2019
