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Carbon Footprint Reduction with 3M Low-E Window Tint

Achieve Local Energy Efficiency Law Compliance with 3M Window Tint

Reduce Carbon Emissions with 3M Low-E Window Tint

Amidst current and forthcoming mandates targeting carbon footprint reduction to curb greenhouse gas emissions, building owners, developers, and architects seek a cost-effective solution to ensure compliance and avert potential fines and penalties.

Beyond meeting local and federal legal requirements, the advantages of reducing carbon emissions from buildings are multifaceted. These encompass diminished heating and cooling expenses, reduced electricity bills, and access to funding and rebates for buildings implementing these environmentally friendly modifications.

Pioneering cities such as New York City, Boston, and Washington DC have taken a lead in carbon footprint reduction initiatives by enforcing regulations mandating buildings to curtail and report their energy usage. Non-compliance may result in hefty fines and penalties. Given the imminent deadline, discovering a swift, efficient, and cost-effective solution—such as window film—allows building owners to maintain compliance without undertaking substantial alterations to their buildings or systems.

Carbon footprint reduction involves the endeavor to decrease energy consumption. As per a U.S. Department of Energy study, both commercial and residential buildings collectively account for almost 40 percent of total energy usage in the United States, surpassing both the industrial and transportation sectors.

Presently, there are over 4.7 million commercial buildings in the United States alone.

In light of the recent carbon footprint reduction mandate instigated by the Biden administration, taking measures to reduce carbon footprint has become increasingly crucial. Biden's 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target aims for a 50-52 percent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050, measured against 2005 levels.

This initiative includes supporting energy efficiency enhancements in existing buildings and implementing contemporary energy codes for newly constructed buildings. Identifying a cost-effective solution for reducing CO2 emissions in buildings now positions owners and developers ahead of anticipated state laws and regulations designed to align with greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Carbon Footprint Reduction: What is it?

Federal Climate Policy 106

Federal Climate Policy 106 places a strong emphasis on reducing carbon emissions within the building sector, encompassing both residential and commercial structures in the United States. Excluding electricity use, the building sector contributes to 12.5 percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., primarily from the use of fossil fuels for heating, cooling, and cooking.

However, when considering electricity consumption, this figure significantly escalates to almost 40 percent. Essentially, electricity usage within the building sector constitutes approximately 25 – 27 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the country.

To adhere to building energy codes, new and renovated structures are mandated to incorporate energy-efficient features in their construction and design. These requirements extend to the building envelope (comprising insulation, windows, walls, and roof), ventilation, cooling and heating systems, and lighting.

Given that enhancing all these elements can be financially demanding, identifying a comprehensive solution to address multiple aspects simultaneously can result in substantial cost savings for builders and developers.

New York City

Local Law 97 & Climate Mobilization Act

Most buildings over 25,000 SQ feet are required to meet new greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency limits by 2024 with limits getting stricter by 2030

Financial District Skyline and Harbour a

Boston Massachusetts

Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance

Buildings are required to complete a major energy savings action or assessment every five years

Washington DC

Clean Energy DC

Reduce Emissions by 56% in 2032 compared to the baseline taken in 2005. Very similar plan as the Biden Administration

Insulating Glass Windows and Renovations for Sustainable Building Practices

Addressing the energy efficiency of a building involves strategic choices, and window solutions and renovations play crucial roles in this endeavor.

Re-Insulate Existing Windows

Replacing or reinforcing all windows in a building, akin to HVAC systems, is an expensive and disruptive process. Moreover, it often alters the building's aesthetic and can be time-consuming. A more affordable and less intrusive alternative is the application of window film. This solution not only preserves the building's visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of protection and insulation to windows. By turning a single pane of glass into a double pane and a double pane into a triple pane, window film significantly enhances energy efficiency.

Renovations and Adaptive Re-Use

Builders and developers can achieve a substantial impact by focusing on renovations and adaptive reuse. Opting for renovations over new construction, such as repurposing an abandoned corner unit in a bustling building instead of erecting a new freestanding retail store, contributes to reducing the carbon footprint. Renovations eliminate the need for additional construction and materials, aligning with sustainable practices.

Similarly, adaptive reuse involves repurposing entire existing buildings, mitigating the initial carbon emissions associated with the construction process. This approach aligns with the principles of a circular economy, emphasizing resource efficiency and sustainability.

With the influence of laws and regulations promoting environmentally conscious construction, many new buildings are designed to be net-zero. In contrast to carbon-neutral buildings, which significantly reduce emissions and offset the rest, net-zero buildings either produce on-site or utilize renewable, carbon-free energy for sustained operations. This shift reflects a commitment to holistic sustainability in modern building practices.

Mitigating HVAC Energy Costs/Utility Bills

3M™ window film products offer an effective means to reduce HVAC energy costs in commercial buildings. This is achieved through various mechanisms. 3M Night Vision, 3M Prestige, and 3M Thinsulate are great energy efficient window films. These films are easy and cost effective to retrofit to current glazing. Window energy tests and energy audits are available

Heat control films empower buildings to manage moderate temperatures more efficiently by rejecting UV rays and electromagnetic energy, obviating the need for erratic thermostat adjustments.

Low E and insulating films not only incorporate heat-blocking technology but also provide window insulation, preserving cool air in the summer and warm air in the winter. This dual functionality diminishes the HVAC system's reliance on frequent operation during extreme temperatures, contributing to substantial energy savings.

3M Window Film is crystal clear and is virtually invisible upon installation. There are Dark and Reflective Window tints that can provide added energy efficiency by reducing the windows SHGC. The 3M All Season Low-E Window films remain clear and focus on lowering the windows U-Value

Certain States offer funding and grants including LEED points and Energy Star Portfolio Manager Increases

The Value Proposition

Low-E window films like 3M's Thinsulate Climate Control CC75 or LE-70 offer an enticing value proposition for commercial buildings seeking to enhance existing glazing and reduce their carbon footprint. Regulatory requirements such as New York City's Local Law 97, Boston's Building Energy Reduction and Disclosure (BERDO), and Washington's Clean Energy DC compel building owners to enhance the efficiency of their curtainwall glazing to decrease heating consumption and, consequently, their carbon footprint. However, window replacement is a substantial and costly endeavor that can be disruptive to tenants. 3M Low-E Window Films provide a cost-effective alternative. Explore the following options:

Cost of Window Replacement:

$5000 per pane

Cost of window insert:

$2000 per pane

Cost of 3M Thinsulate Window Film:

$500 Per Pane

In terms of performance, window replacement stands out as the most effective solution. Inserts and Low-E window films, while beneficial, do not match the same level of energy efficiency. However, replacement is frequently impractical, particularly if the building's structure cannot support the added weight of substantially improved glazing. Considering the substantial cost savings associated with Low-E window tint compared to replacement or inserts, the value proposition becomes evident.