Whether it’s the quest for happier and more engaged employees, reducing the cost of energy consumption, or simply being a good steward of the planet, green building practices are on the rise. In fact, a study from National Association of Home Builders and Dodge Data & Analytics shows that, in the future, builders expect more than 90% of their projects to be green, meaning it will soon be the norm. One of the key ways that buildings are becoming more environmentally friendly is by incorporating switchable glasses like DreamGlass® into their design.

Smartly Curtail Your Carbon Footprint

According to the US Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows are responsible for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use, with an even a higher percentage of energy consumed in commercial buildings. There’s no denying that traditional windows are a weak point when it comes to energy use, as they easily let heat in and out with no easy way to control the flow.

However, smart windows like DreamGlass® are changing the game by allowing building and home owners to take control over the amount of light allowed into a space with just the flip of a switch. DreamGlass® panels with IR Shield are four times more energy efficient than normal glass and allow building and home owners to reap the rewards of passive solar—capturing the sun’s warming rays when it’s cool and blocking them when it’s warm. This works to reduce the occupant’s dependance on HVAC systems to keep interior spaces at ideal temperatures.

See the Light

Of course, there are other places where buildings and homes can cut energy use by employing electronic windows like those made of DreamGlass®. The US Energy Information Administration estimates that 10% of energy use in both the commercial and residential sectors is consumed for lighting.

The incorporation of smart windows into homes and buildings allows them to use the sun as a natural light source, reducing the need for artificial light. And, if the sun gets too bright or creates a glare, the windows can easily be converted in moments to block the light. Not only does this help reduce energy consumption, it also extends the life of the lighting, keeping it in its fixture and out of the landfill.

A Dreamy Environment for Occupants

Buildings and homes are designed for people to work and live inside of them, and one of the functions of a green building is to keep people comfortable while minimizing negative environmental impacts. It’s well documented that natural light and views of the outside world are vital for happiness and health; because of this, the use of an electronic glass such DreamGlass® can go a long way toward not just occupant comfort, but also their productivity and well being (learn more about how DreamGlass® is helping to make offices more efficient here).

Lower Expenses and Increase Profits

Although reducing energy consumption and keeping light bulbs out of the landfill is great for the planet—and helping people lead happy, healthy lives is good for everyone—there is an added benefit of using DreamGlass® switchable glass: lower expenses.

Less energy used equates to not only lowered electricity costs, but also less wear and tear on HVAC systems and less maintenance, as well as a decrease in the amount spent on light bulbs. Because DreamGlass® can be turned from translucent to opaque at the flip of a switch, there is no need or expensive blinds, shades, or awnings. And who can put a price on the health of a building’s occupants?

To learn more about how DreamGlass® can help green your building or home, contact us today for more information or to request a quote!