“An often-overlooked solution to reduce carbon emissions, that reduces the use of fossil-fuel- based electricity generated by a utility, is window film.”

Unless a building is self-sufficient for energy generation by using mostly non-carbon producing energy sources such as solar, geothermal or wind, the trend is to create conditions discouraging the use of carbon- based energy sources, such as oil, natural gas, coal and wood products.

By ‘mostly’ non-carbon producing we mean that products such as solar panels, wind turbines and heat pumps may contribute carbon emissions when they are made. An example of discouraging the use of carbon producing energy is a number of government authorities have banned new installations of natural gas as well as all fossil fuel based energy systems.

In 2022 commercial building owners may face increasing pressure to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels as countries around the world move to achieve their declared decarbonization goals. Many scientists believe ‘greenhouse gas emissions’ are heating up the world’s atmosphere causing a greenhouse effect that increases global temperatures leading to climate change. The popular solution is to reduce the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere, that leads to a greenhouse effect.

Homeowners are also being encouraged to reduce their use of fossil fuels through loans, tax credits and other incentives. In the near future, stricter measures may be taken, such as requiring a fossil fuel energy audit before a home is offered for sale.

An often-overlooked solution to decarbonizing a home that reduces the use of fossil-fuel-based electricity generated by a utility, is window film. When installed on single or dual pane window, door or skylight glass that is in otherwise good condition (not cracked, loose or clouded), window films may reduce cooling needs, especially during peak demand periods, as well as reflect room heat back toward the interior in colder climate conditions.

Window films generally can be professionally installed at about one-tenth the cost of a replacement window. The installation saves on energy costs, and it has the added benefit of eliminating the carbon intensive production of new glass for a replacement window. In addition, the useful life of the old window, door or skylight can be extendedrather than adding to the landfill crisis sooner than is necessary.

Window films have many other benefits as well, such as:

• Reducing the sun’s harmful UV rays by 99 percent, as they can contribute to fading of furnishings and also may damage your skin and eyes
• Adding a layer of safety by helping to hold glass together after initial impact and breaking that could cause harm from glass shards contacting people
• In most cases, window film is readily available for professional installation, and it may take less than a day to have it installed where needed in a home

The best way to learn about window film is to contact an IWFA member dealer, distributor or manufacturer listed right on this website based on your local zip code. Let’s all help to reduce our carbon footprint with a cost-effective professional installation window film. Once installed, it starts working right away, and you may not even notice it on the glass.