Blog

When the owners of the Empire State Building decide that window film is a smart decision for their multi-million dollar renovation project, it’s time to stand up and take notice.

Saving money and ‘going green’ doesn’t always go hand-in-hand, but installing window film is one place that commercial property owners find overcomes these odds. Window film continues to prove a cost-effective solution in saving energy, lowering the carbon footprint of a building, and saving money. In addition, window film offers the benefits of safety and comfort for occupants.

A California Energy Savings study shows that window film is one of the most cost-effective ways of cutting energy use when upgrading an older building. In some cases, window film can be more effective than what some may consider to be more traditional energy-saving methods, which can include updating the HVAC system, air sealing, caulking, or adding ceiling insulation.

Windows are a beautiful addition to any commercial building. They offer the opportunity of a view, natural light, and spaciousness, but they can be one of the greatest energy thieves you have. Commercial building owners and managers understand just how vulnerable windows can leave them – for safety & security, but also through the loss of energy costs. Windows in an older building can be even more ruthless considering the older windows lack some of the insulating qualities that the newer windows have.

What does a landmark tower, a hotel, and a healthcare building have in common? Window film installed and saving them money.

Is it worth investing in new windows or retrofitting the older windows with window film? 

Empire State Building

During a renovation project at the Empire State Building, New York,  the team asked that question of the 6,514 windows that needed upgrading to improve their energy efficiencies. They chose to dismantle all the original windows, and then add a metalized window film treatment before reinstalling them. The window film company said that the finished windows would have an improved energy efficiency of anywhere between 250 – 400%. Why didn’t they replace the windows?

“Dirty little secret: double-pane windows aren’t all that efficient,” says Serious materials CEO Kevin Surace.

Hyatt Regency Century

In an effort to reduce costs, save energy, and increase safety, the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in California installed window film on its windows, including the private guest balconies. This not only saves money through energy savings, but will protect against premature fading of carpets, furnishings and upholstery. Window film holds glass fragments together if a window breaks. This safety benefit was another reason the Hyatt decided window film was worth their investment.

The hotel saved $600,000 annually and improved their GHG Emissions to the equivalent of taking an annual 325 cars off the road. As of May 31, 2014 the California Energy Commission voted in that window film is required as part of the state building code.

Meadhows and Ohyl

Meadhows and Ohyl, a Healthcare real estate firm located in Georgia, had several buildings that they wanted to improve the visual appearance of the exterior, but also improve energy savings. They had complaints from the occupants that they were uncomfortable due to the intense heat coming through their windows, and they had concerns about the high energy costs they had to pay. Window film was easily installed without an extensive remodelling and the occupants enjoyed improved energy savings and comfort.

Read more > Window Film Case Studies – Commercial property owners, managers and tenants who are now enjoying the benefits of window film installed by the team here at Evolution Window Films.