The conversation surrounding energy efficiency is not new. Reducing energy consumption and implementing more energy-efficient products and practices has been a topic of conversation for the last fifty years with varying popularity.
The incentive to improve a building’s energy efficiency now extends beyond the humanitarian desire to protect the planet and future generations. In fact, the need also surpasses the motivation to reduce the utility costs that drive up operational overhead. Now, building owners and property managers in DC must meet new energy efficiency laws to avoid fines.
History of the New DC Energy Efficiency Laws
The carbon footprint reduction mandate is not a spur-of-the-moment decision by DC lawmakers. In fact, the strategy began almost a decade ago when DC mandated that buildings start tracking their energy and water usage and uploading the information in the Energy Star Portfolio Manager. This decade of data forms a baseline of energy and water usage against which buildings’ current and future usage will be assessed.
Although COVID provided a bit of a reprieve to property managers and buildings owners in terms of the urgency to retrofit their buildings with more energy-efficient systems, the threat of fines hovers in the not-so-distant future. Likely beginning in 2022, the city will start enforcing the regulations and collecting penalties.
How Buildings Consume Energy
- Lighting
- Equipment
- HVAC system
Commercial buildings account for 75% of greenhouse gas emissions in Washington, DC. Sources of energy consumption include lighting, equipment, and HVAC systems. In addition to considering products and systems used within the structure, property managers and building owners must address building envelop inefficiencies.
Achieve Local Law Compliance with 3M Window Film
3M Window Film offers a cost-effective, non-disruptive solution for complying with the new DC energy efficiency laws. Window film adheres to your existing glass surfaces to improve their heat rejection and insulating abilities. Depending on the variety of film you select, you can maintain your property’s exterior appearance. Other films provide a darker tinted or mirrored effect.
Installing 3M Window Film improves the energy efficiency of your building by reflecting a significant portion of heat-causing infrared rays. Additionally, in the winter months, films such as 3M Thinsulate Insulating Window Film can help retain warmth generated by your heating system. As a result, these improved temperature control capabilities mitigate exorbitant energy usage for maintaining a consistent interior temperature.
Window film offers a more affordable alternative to replacing your single-pane windows with double-pane, triple-pane, or Low-E glass. In addition to being more affordable, choosing window film over window replacement also reduces waste because you’re repurposing your existing windows rather than discarding them.
Furthermore, applying window film allows for continuity of operations. Occupants do not need to be displaced during the installation, because window film installers work quickly and discreetly with minimal disruption to your space.
ATD Solar Film & Graphics Can Help You Meet Local Law Compliance
Adapting to the new DC energy efficiency laws can seem daunting. However, the window film experts at ATD Solar Film & Graphics can help you affordably and expeditiously reduce your building’s carbon footprint. Don’t get fined for not complying with DC’s energy consumption reduction mandate. Instead, save money on utility costs with 3M Window Film.
ATD Solar Film & Graphics provides residential and commercial clients with high-quality window tinting services. As a Premier Elite 3M Certified Dealer, we prioritize customer service and strive for flawless installations every time. Contact us today for a free consultation, samples, or for more information!