The Department of Energy Gets Efficient with Solar Gard Window Film
The James Forrestal building in Washington, D.C. houses the governing authority on energy efficiency, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The department exists to research and determines critical energy conservation practices. As the official final word on natural resource preservation, it is imperative that the DOE’s facility be as energy efficient as possible. Additionally, as a government agency, building safety is a constant concern and top priority.
With the ever-present threat of terrorism, the highest measures of protection are required for the agency’s employees. In an effort to improve energy efficiency while also taking critical steps to increase safety, the DOE decided to install solar safety film on all of the nearly 4,000 panes of glass in their building. Over 80,000 square feet (7,430 square meters) of Solar Gard 8 Mil Silver 35 was used for the job, and it provided the exact benefits that the DOE needed.
The solar control properties of the 8 Mil Silver 35 prevent 50 percent of total solar energy and 99 percent of ultraviolet light from coming into the building through its windows. The film not only keeps building temperatures down in hot weather and reduces the amount of energy needed to keep the building cool, it also insulates the windows, resulting in less energy lost during winter months. Just as importantly, it provides an excellent measure of protection from glass-related injuries, since it helps hold broken glass in place during severe weather, bomb blasts or other events that may cause glass breakage.
“The Department of Energy has to lead by example when it comes to energy conservation. This solar safety window film improved the energy efficiency and interior climate of the building, while also providing an extremely valuable extra safety measure. Employees are more secure knowing that Solar Gard film is constantly hard at work ensuring their safety and comfort.”
Installation Summary
Problem:
- Need for increased energy efficiency
- Lack of glass-related building safety
Solution:
Amount of film:
- 80,000 sq. ft. (7,430 sq. meters)
Benefits:
- Significant energy savings
- Strong protection from broken glass
- Reduced heat and glare
- Increased occupant comfort
