Driving Sustainable Development via ‘Green’ Windows

As the development dreams of emerging nations such as India hasten urbanisation, it inadvertently leaves a higher carbon trail, increasing global warming. Although development can’t be stopped, there are numerous means of ensuring these activities leave a lower carbon trail, minimising environmental damage. 

Believe it or not, one such way is by using the right windows and doors! Gone are the days when the role of windows and doors in homes were limited to just being sources of natural light and fresh air, or easing access into rooms (in the case of doors). Windows are a key component in any building’s design, and technology is making its presence felt here too. Windows are now an example of what technology can do to beautify homes and an essential element of new strategies to improve energy efficiency. Windows impact the form and function of all rooms and, due to the heat transferred through the glass, exert a significant impact on heating and cooling costs.

Understanding the science of crafting ‘green’ windows can offer people an environmentally sustainable and healthy lifestyle. As major metros such as Delhi as well as other bigger and smaller cities are engulfed by rising air pollution, a host of respiratory diseases and other ailments are afflicting people in these areas. 

While most have undertaken various lifestyle changes to control pollution and manage their health, few would dream a simple solution exists for stopping pollution from entering our homes and offices – using the right windows. Indeed, energy-saving windows conserve almost 30% power via heat-insulating materials and double glazing as well as by airtight sealing between walls and windows and the opening and fixed framing of windows.

Thanks to modern technology and techniques, there are unique ways of enhancing insulation. As per Energy Star (USA), 25% to 50% of energy loss in buildings occurs via fenestration by:

• Air Leakage: The passage of hot outdoor air through gaps between window/door frames and the walls in summers.

• Conduction: The direct transfer of heat through the frame from the outside to the inside.

• Radiation: The movement of infrared heat energy through the glass.

Left unaddressed, such leaks lead to the ambient temperature rising by a degree or so, causing higher usage of ACs at lower temperatures, further exacerbating the carbon trail of cities. As a result, a vicious cycle of heat, more energy usage and higher cooling requirements occurs due to inefficient usage. 

Today, world-class products are available offering sustainable options with lifelong solutions for noise, dust, rain, wind and pollution, including against mosquitoes, bugs and other insects. Even while addressing these issues, such solutions ensure lower energy costs. What’s more, some solutions are sustainable, durable and free from maintenance worries.

Consider the doors and windows made of uPVC and System Aluminium – a ‘green’ material with verified eco-friendly properties such as 100% recyclability, durability and exceptional thermal insulation. On one side, while uPVC and System Aluminium usage has led to lower use of wood and boosted forest conservation, on the other, it has been proven to reduce energy usage by up to 30%.

But air is not the only element prevented from entering or exiting. These well-insulated windows also improve the health of inhabitants by preventing any unwanted/unhealthy penetration of dust and sound entering homes. Indeed, one such window is a global first-of-its-kind containing a bug mesh, sash and grill integrated into a single profile. 

Furthermore, the product being cent percent wind-load compliant, it is naturally quite popular. A high wind-load factor means it can withstand sustained pressure from gale-force winds. Such a feature can be a big boon in areas prone to sudden storms and cyclones. 

Propelling the art of window science to another level, a prominent producer has leveraged technology in boosting the customer experience like never before. An AR-enabled app now lets customers customise their windows through this. Such window-wise customers can ascertain they become worldly-wise too by reducing their electricity and maintenance bills… Thereby, directly and indirectly, lowering their carbon footprint and playing a part in conserving the planet in a small but significant manner.