Earthtoys Interview - Solar Window Film in New York City

Installing solar control window film on 1,800 windows in a 50 floor building sounds like a huge undertaking. Tell us about the project. What prompted this decision?

This project was undertaken by L&L Acquisitions, as part of a building-wide upgrade of all systems related to improving tenant services and energy efficiency.

This building was previously equipped with window film. Why the need to make any changes?

The objectives in upgrading the building's window film by removing the existing dark and reflective window film and installing a new visually clear solar-control film were to accomplish the following:

a. To restore the building to its original architectural design and enhance its aesthetic appeal.

b. To increase the amount of natural light into the building, thereby reducing the need for interior lighting and the corresponding waste of electrical energy.

c. To block solar heat gain, increasing the building's air conditioning efficiency, improving tenant comfort and reducing energy consumption for the building and its tenants.

d. To improve thermal insulation, reducing the loss of the building's heat during the winter, enhancing tenant comfort and saving energy dollars.

e. To make the building more competitive in attracting class "A" tenants looking to save on energy costs and be environmentally responsible.

Are there many different options for the type of film to use? How did you make the decision on brand?

CHB worked as the representative for L&L, partnering in the analysis of competing manufacturers' films to determine the most cost-effective choice for L&L's particular needs. CHB's size and expertise allows it unusual access to all manufacturers, thereby providing its clients with flexibility to make the right choices.

This new film is a CLEAR solar control window film? How does that work and compare to the more traditional tinted window films?

The new generation of clear solar control window films offer different choices, featuring the ability to block solar heat without blocking the sun's natural daylight. The best among them are those offering true Infrared Reflectance, using Southwall Technology's "heat-mirror" technology to ensure that solar heat is reflected away from the window and not absorbed into the building or the window glass. More traditional window films cannot selectively reject the sun's heat without marring the clarity of the window glass by reducing natural light. Moreover, these traditional "tinted" films present an "all-or-nothing" proposition, blocking natural light at all times - even on dark cloudy days when natural light is so important to the efficiency and well-being of homeowners and commercial office workers.

This kind of project must be expensive. What kinds of energy savings do you expect this project to produce for the building?

The building owners conducted an independent energy analysis of this building, and determined that significant savings were available by the use of solar window film together with other steps taken to reduce their energy load. However, the decision was not based solely on an advantageous "payback" period, but on other factors as well, such as the enhancement to the building's marketability as a class "A" office destination.

Will there be advantages any other times of the year besides the hot summer?

Yes. As has been demonstrated by energy engineers in this and many other cases, the use of this film can provide wintertime energy savings by further insulating the building against heat loss.

Are there certain orientations or configurations of building design that are more viable and economically feasible for this treatment?

Absolutely. One of the unique features of this clear window film technology is its ability to maximize the flexibility of application. With a clear film, the building owner is not required to install it on all exposures and windows in order to achieve aesthetic uniformity and a consistent "look" to their building. With this in mind, no film need be applied to north-facing windows or to those windows situated in the shadows of adjoining buildings.

You have made other buildings in New York City and other parts of the world more energy efficient. Tell me about some of the other projects you have done.

Starting with the hallmark installation at the headquarters of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in Washington, DC, and the largest federal office buildings in Chicago and New York, the government has taken the lead in demonstrating the effectiveness of this program in reducing energy consumption, thereby furthering a nationwide policy toward energy independance. Following from this, leaders in the private sector, such as IBM, CBS and Hallmark Stores have led the way in responsible energy stewardship and property management by utilizing these films and other forward-thinking technologies in their facilities nationwide.

Daniel Venet is executive vice president of CHB Industries, Inc., provider of security, blast mitigation, solar protection and decorative window film systems for homeowners, commercial building operators and corporate facilities managers, nationwide. For more information, contact dvenet@chbwindowfilm.com or visit www.chbwindowfilm.com