The valuable information gleaned from this research is available in the reports located below. These reports are also available for download in PDF format.
Reports
Market Research
Energy Performance
Field Studies
Commercial Research
Market Research
2019-06-12 Low-E Storms: The Next “Big Thing” in Window Retrofits
Building America, a program focused on energy-efficient building practices, partnered with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and other industry experts to conduct and compile research on low-E storm windows. The results revealed that low-E storm windows are a cost-effective energy-saving measure.
2019-06-12 Energy Savings from Window Shades
This report evaluates the potential energy savings of automated Hunter Douglas cellular shade products using simulations of representative new and existing houses in seven U.S. cities. The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) also analyzed the impact of cellular shades on thermal comfort, potential for HVAC equipment downsizing, and electricity demand reductions.
2019-06-12 Window Attachments: A Call to Action
Aimed at utility programs, this report outlines the energy saving benefits that window attachments provide, the market size for the product category, and the potential impacts of an energy certification program.
2019-06-12 Residential Windows and Window Coverings: A Detailed View of the Installed Base and User Behavior
Sponsored by DOE, this report on the window attachment market included a behavioral study on consumer usage patterns of window attachments
2019-06-12 Low-E Storm Windows: Market Assessment and Pathways to Market Transformation
Field studies sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have shown that the use of low-e storm windows can lead to significant heating and cooling energy savings in residential homes. This study examines the market for low-e storm windows based on market data, case studies, and recent experience with weatherization deployment programs.
2019-06-12 Global Lighting Performance
This Swiss Federal Office for Energy study focused on the use of movable shading devices in offices and their impact on indoor daylighting. The research explored usage patterns, attachment orientation, and the role of automation on the optimal use of sunscreens. The results demonstrate significant energy savings as result of automation.
Energy Performance
2019-06-12 Modeling Cellular Shades in EnergyPlus
This report builds on previous simulation work and field studies evaluating the energy performance of cellular shades by providing additional energy savings estimates for 13 U.S. climate zones. The simulations in this study used a seasonal operation schedule to maximize energy savings,
2019-06-12 Testing the Performance and Dynamic Control of Energy-Efficient Cellular Shades in the PNNL Lab Homes
This report describes the experimental design and results of testing the energy performance of Hunter Douglas double-cell cellular shades under various control schemes in the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s (PNNL) Lab Homes in both heating and cooling season experiments.
2019-06-12 Control Algorithms for Dynamic Windows for Residential Buildings
This study evaluates the effect of control algorithms for dynamic windows on energy consumption, daylight access, and shade operations in residential buildings. Five different control algorithms were used. The results of the simulations were compared with base cases to evaluate energy consumption in Atlanta, Phoenix, Minneapolis, and Washington, DC.
2019-06-12 Field Evaluation of Low-E Storm Windows
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) performed a field evaluation comparing the performance of low emissivity (low-E) storm windows with both standard clear storm windows and no storm windows in a cold climate.
2019-06-12 Evaluation of Cellular Shades in the PNNL Lab Homes
This study from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) examines the energy performance of interior cellular shades through a field evaluation using an identical pair of all-electric, factory-built “Lab Homes.” The Lab Homes are located in International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) climate zone 5,
2019-06-12 Mind the Gap: Summary of Window Residential Retrofit Solutions
This study from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) examines the energy performance of interior cellular shades through a field evaluation using an identical pair of all-electric, factory-built “Lab Homes.”
2019-06-12 Energy Savings from Window Attachments
This DOE-sponsored study conducted by LBNL used the installed base and user behavior data collected from D+R International’s Residential Windows and Window Coverings report to estimate the energy performance of different window attachment product categories.
2019-06-12 Thermal and Optical Properties of Low-E Storm Windows and Panels
This study conducted by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory aims to characterize the key energy performance properties of clear and low-e storm windows and panels when installed over different types of primary windows. The study presents the representative U-Factors,
2019-06-12 Database of Low-e Storm Window Energy Performance across U.S. Climate Zones
This is an update of a report that describes process, assumptions, and modeling results produced Create a Database of U.S. Climate-Based Analysis for Low-E Storm Windows.
2019-06-12 Evaluation of Low-E Storm Windows in the PNNL Lab Homes
This report describes whole home experimental research conducted in support of the Building America’s Low-e Storm Window Adoption program. The purpose of the project was to evaluate the energy savings potential of installing low-e storm windows over typical double-lane clear aluminum frame windows in the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s (PNNL) matched pair of Lab homes.
2019-06-12 High Performance Dynamic Shading Solutions for Energy Efficiency and Comfort in Buildings
This European Solar Shading Organisation (ES-SO) funded study explored the energy performance of shading systems and their impact on overall building energy performance. The study analyzed thermal and optical properties for numerous combinations of glazing and shading (interior and exterior).
Field Studies
2019-06-12 Low-E Storm Windows Provide a New Way to Solve the Window Conundrum
This report details a 2015 pilot project by Efficiency Vermont to increase customer awareness and eliminate the incremental price barrier by marking down the price of Low-E glass storm windows to the price of clear glass storm windows at Lowe’s and The Home Depot stores in Vermont.
2019-06-12 Low-E Storm Window Market Expansion Pilot
This report details the results of the Focus on Energy pilot conducted in the fall of 2017 to assess the potential to generate energy savings from and increase market share of low-emissivity (low-E) storm windows in single-family and multifamily residences in Wisconsin.
2022-02-25 CASE STUDY: Commercial Secondary Windows Offer: Comfort, Savings, and Assured Efficiency
The Commercial Secondary Window market is an attractive option for building managers, contractors, and
other who work in the commercial space. Secondary windows, also known as low-e storm windows, insulating
panels, or secondary glazing systems, attach to the interior or exterior of an existing window to improve
occupant comfort and save the space on energy costs.
Commercial Research
2019-06-12 Transparent Building Envelope: Windows and Shading Devices Typologies for Energy Efficiency Refurbishments
Individual window types, interior shading, and exterior attachments were individually assessed for thermal efficiency, noise control, energy use, and natural light transmittance in both residential and commercial settings. The study details several aspects to take into account when considering the installation of shading systems,
2019-06-12 Potential Energy Savings with Exterior Shades in Large Office Buildings and the Impact of Discomfort Glare
Using EnergyPlus software, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory modeled the energy efficiency of various exterior shading products in a representative large office building in two climates: hot/cold (Chicago) and hot/humid (Houston). The study outlines the aesthetic, cost,
2019-06-12 Responsive Shading and Energy Efficiency in Office Buildings: an Australian Case Study
This study assessed the impact of automated venetian blinds (both interior and exterior) on the energy efficiency of typical office buildings in Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia, in comparison to static shading alternatives. By adjusting the blinds to respond to differences in sky clearness, angle of the sun, and orientation of the building façade,
2019-06-12 Highly Insulating Window Panel Attachment Retrofit
To assess thermal insulation performance, single-pane windows of an office building in Provo, Utah, were retrofitted with “triple pane Hi-R panels,” framed window units that significantly increase the thermal insulation of existing windows. The panels were easily installed over existing window frames,
2019-06-12 Let There Be Daylight: Retrofitting Daylight Controls in NYC Office Buildings
Building Energy Exchange and Green Light New York collaborated on this study of the benefits, challenges, and opportunities associated with implementing new daylighting technologies in existing office spaces in New York City. New York City is an optimal location for transforming the lighting control market due to its high density of office space
2019-06-12 Highly Insulating Window Panel Attachment Retrofit
To assess thermal insulation performance, single-pane windows of an office building in Provo, Utah, were retrofitted with “triple pane Hi-R panels,” framed window units that significantly increase the thermal insulation of existing windows.
2019-06-12 High Performance Dynamic Shading Solutions for Energy Efficiency and Comfort in Buildings
Exterior shading varieties were evaluated for energy saving and CO2 reduction potential in four different European climates using energy simulations.
2019-06-12 Effective Daylighting: Evaluating Daylighting Performance in the San Francisco Federal Building from the Perspective of Building Occupants
This case study evaluates the occupant experience resulting from modern daylighting strategies implemented in the San Francisco Federal Building.
2019-06-12 Daylighting Case Study: NRG Systems, Hinesburg, VT
This case study focuses on a small office building in a temperate climate that uses a very open floor plan with low partitions to allow for higher daylight penetration into the office space. Highly reflective blinds in combination with reflective ceiling and wall designs increase interior daylight levels,
2019-06-12 Daylighting Case Study: Genzyme, Cambridge, M
This case study focuses on a LEED Platinum, 12-story office building that uses a variety of daylighting features to maximize illuminance by natural light.
2019-06-12 Windows and Offices: A Study of Office Worker Performance and the Indoor Environment
This case study evaluates the influences of indoor physical environment(s) on-officer worker performance, largely focusing on the contributions of windows and daylight.
2019-06-12 Daylight and Retail Sales Technical Report
This case study reveals that a major US retailer experienced nearly a 40% increase in sales in stores with increased daylight (via skylights) as opposed to stores with less daylight from 1999 to 2001.
2019-06-12 Shading, Film, and Window Attachment Market Overview
The Consortium for Building Energy Innovation (CBEI) created a market analysis presentation that describes current and future commercial market trends in the Shading, Film, and Window Attachment (SFWA) industry.
2019-11-11 Case Study: Genentech
2019-11-11 Case Study: 400 Market Street
2019-11-11 Secondary Window Inserts Perform Flawlessly at Carnegie Hall
Re-posted with permission from BetterBricks.
2019-11-11 A Window Solution That Meets LEED and Preservation Requirements
Re-posted with permission from BetterBricks.