Choosing energy-efficient windows for commercial buildings

Energy efficiency has become a top priority for property owners and managers looking to reduce costs and improve their property’s performance. Energy-efficient windows are an easy way to achieve this goal. They can minimize heat transfer and solar gain to maintain a more stable and comfortable indoor environment while reducing the load on HVAC systems and lowering energy consumption.

Which windows are most energy-efficient for commercial buildings?

Energy efficiency should be a top priority when choosing windows for your commercial building. Energy-efficient windows can significantly reduce heat gain and loss, lowering energy consumption and costs. But with so many options, it can be tough to know which windows are the most energy-efficient for your building.

Materials and technologies: Selecting glass to maximize heat mitigation

Low-emissivity (low-E) glass is a popular choice for commercial buildings because it reflects heat while allowing natural light to pass through. It uses a thin, transparent coating that reflects infrared and ultraviolet light.

Another innovative technology is smart glass, or electrochromic glass, which can change its tint or opacity based on electrical stimuli. This allows for dynamic control over solar heat gain and glare, which can lead to significant energy savings. It’s a smart building solution that pushes the bounds of current technology. ChromoGenics offers modern smart glass solutions that can integrate with proptech platforms like ProptechOS. Integrating smart glass into a proptech platform can fulfill one aspect of autonomous buildings.

Of course, there’s more to an energy-efficient window than just the glass. The frame material, glazing, and gas fill between the panes all play a role in minimizing heat transfer and improving insulation. Vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum frames with thermal breaks offer better insulation than traditional metal frames. Double or triple-paned glass with air or gas fills, such as argon or krypton, provides additional insulation and reduces heat transfer.

What constitutes an energy-efficient window?

Energy efficient windows can be identified through certifications and quantitative metrics such as:

• ENERGY STAR: Windows that have earned the ENERGY STAR certification meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These windows can help reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

• U-factor: Lower U-factor values indicate better insulation and more resistance to heat flow. For optimal energy efficiency, look for windows with a U-factor of 0.30 or lower.

• Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC): SHGC measures how much solar heat enters through the window. Lower values mean less heat gain, which is especially important for buildings in warm climates. Aim for an SHGC of 0.40 or lower for the best energy performance.

• Air leakage (AL): This rating indicates how much air passes through the window’s joints. Lower AL values mean fewer drafts and better insulation. Look for windows with an AL rating of 0.3 or lower for improved energy efficiency.

• Visible transmittance (VT): Higher VT values mean more natural light, which can reduce the need for artificial lighting. Aim for a VT of 0.5 or higher for optimal daylight and energy efficiency.

• National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label: The NFRC is a non-profit organization that provides independent testing and certification of window performance. Look for windows with an NFRC label, which includes ratings for U-factor, SHGC, VT, and AL, making it easier to compare the energy efficiency of different window products.

Are triple-pane windows worth it?

So, what about triple-pane windows? Are they worth the investment? In many cases, yes! Triple-pane windows feature three panes of glass with two insulating gas fills, providing superior energy efficiency compared to double-pane windows. They can particularly benefit buildings in extreme climates or those with high energy demands.

However, it’s important to consider the cost-benefit analysis when deciding between double-pane and triple-pane windows. Depending on your building’s location, orientation, and energy efficiency goals, high-performance double-pane windows with low-E coatings and insulating gas fills may provide sufficient energy efficiency at a lower cost.

The real benefits of energy savings in commercial real estate

By reducing energy consumption, commercial real estate owners and managers can enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Lower utility bills: Energy-efficient windows, along with other measures like efficient lighting and HVAC systems, can significantly reduce the energy needed to heat, cool, and illuminate a building. This translates to substantial cost savings over time, freeing up resources that can be invested elsewhere in the property.

• Increased property value: Buildings that prioritize real estate energy efficiency have higher property values with premiums of 2% to 8% according to Energy Star. In today’s market, many companies are looking for sustainable and environmentally-friendly office spaces that align with their corporate values.

• Improved tenant retention: Commercial real estate owners can attract and retain high-quality tenants by offering energy-efficient propertiess, leading to lower vacancy rates and higher rental incomes.

• Reduced carbon footprint: As businesses and individuals become increasingly aware of the impact of climate change, taking steps to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions is more important than ever.

• Demonstrated sustainability commitment: Commercial real estate owners can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and position themselves as industry leaders with energy efficiency investments.

Holistic strategies: Integrating energy efficiency across your property portfolio

A comprehensive energy efficiency strategy should include a range of measures, such as:

• Upgrading to energy-efficient lightings, like LED bulbs and smart lighting systems
• Optimizing HVAC systems with programmable thermostats, regular maintenance, and high-efficiency equipment
• Improving the building envelope with insulation, air sealing, and reflective roofing materials
• Incorporating renewable energy sources, like solar panels or geothermal systems
• Implementing energy management systems to monitor and optimize energy use in real-time

Implementing total energy solutions in commercial buildings

Here are the steps you can follow to implement a total energy solution in your commercial buildings:

• Conduct an energy audit: The first step is to identify areas where energy is wasted and improvement opportunities. This can include an assessment of the building’s lighting, HVAC, and other systems and an analysis of energy bills and consumption data.

• Develop a targeted plan: Based on the energy audit results, building owners and managers can develop a targeted plan for implementing energy-efficient solutions. This may involve retrofitting existing systems, replacing outdated equipment, or investing in new technologies like smart building controls.

• Engage stakeholders: Successful implementation requires engagement and buy-in from all stakeholders, including property managers, tenants, and maintenance staff. To create a culture of sustainability throughout the building, provide education and training on energy-efficient practices and incentives for conservation.

• Implement energy-efficient solutions: Execute the targeted plan by upgrading systems, installing new equipment, and implementing energy management processes. This may include measures like upgrading to energy-efficient windows, optimizing HVAC systems, and incorporating renewable energy sources.

• Monitor and optimize performance: Continuously monitor the building’s energy performance using energy management solutions and data analytics. Use this information to identify further opportunities for optimization and improvement, ensuring ongoing energy savings and sustainability.

Real-world case studies demonstrate the impact of total energy solutions in commercial buildings. For example, the Empire State Building in New York City underwent a major energy retrofit that included upgrading windows, insulation, and HVAC systems. As a result, the building achieved a 38% reduction in energy consumption.

Future-proofing: Long-term sustainable practices in commercial real estate

Some key areas to focus on when implementing long-term sustainable practices include:

• Waste reduction: Encouraging recycling, composting, and waste reduction strategies helps change the mentality of occupants to prioritize sustainability in other aspects of their lives as well. This further amplifies your efforts.

• Indoor environmental quality: Promoting occupant health and well-being through measures like improved ventilation, natural lighting, and the use of low-VOC materials can create more pleasant and productive work environments.

• Sustainable materials: Incorporating sustainable, locally-sourced, and recycled materials in building construction and renovations can reduce the environmental impact of development and support the local economy.

• Green certifications: Pursuing green building certifications like LEED, BREEAM, WELL, or ESG green buildings can provide a framework for implementing sustainable practices and demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Owners and managers roles

Implementing long-term sustainable practices in commercial real estate requires a concerted effort from both property owners and managers. Each has a critical role to play in driving sustainability initiatives and ensuring their success.

Property owners are responsible for setting the overall sustainability strategy and providing the energy toolbox required to implement it. This may include investing in energy-efficient upgrades, green building certifications, and sustainable development projects. Owners should also prioritize sustainability when making decisions about property acquisitions, dispositions, and renovations.

Property managers, on the other hand, are responsible for the day-to-day implementation of sustainable practices. This includes overseeing energy and water conservation measures, waste reduction programs, and tenant engagement initiatives. Managers should work closely with tenants to promote sustainable behaviors and gather feedback on sustainability initiatives.

ProptechOS provides real-time data

In the fast-paced world of commercial real estate, having access to real-time data is essential for making informed decisions and optimizing building performance. That’s where ProptechOS comes in. Our cutting-edge platform integrates your real estate data into a unified ecosystem to provide comprehensive real-time data and analytics.

With ProptechOS, you can monitor and analyze your building’s energy consumption, water usage, indoor air quality, and so much more. Anything you can find a smart sensor for, you can monitor with ProptechOS. Then, you can visualize that data with innovative digital twin technology that replicates your building virtually.

Book a demo

Ready to see ProptechOS in action? Book a free demo today where we’ll show you how you can use the ProptechOS platform for your building or portfolio. We’ll cover everything from creating your first digital twin to visualizing your real-time data and generating insights with that data.