If you’re constructing or renovating spaces that will be used as commercial premises, it’s important to consider energy efficiency given that business energy costs have increased considerably since 2021.
In fact, the latest data from the UK government shows that business electricity costs are currently 75 per cent higher than they were in 2021. This means companies will be looking for ways that they can reduce their energy bills.
And this is where low emissivity glass comes in.
What is low emissivity glass?
Low emissivity glass, also known as Low-E glass, is designed to harness the power of the sun to help heat buildings in the winter while also keeping them cooler in the summer.
These glass panes have a special coating on them that not only allows the short wavelengths from the sun’s light to enter your premises, this coating also prevents long wavelengths of energy from leaving the property.
The effect is that the heat you generate from your heating system is trapped in the building more efficiently, along with the heat generated from the sunlight. In other words, this heat is not lost through the glass.
More traditional panes of glass, even those that are double or triple glazed, often conduct heat out of buildings during cold weather.
It’s clear that there is great potential for low emissivity glass to significantly reduce an organisation’s heating bills. Research from the Open University noted that approximately 45 per cent of an organisation’s energy usage is for heating the space it occupies.
This applies to the likes of schools and hospitals, as well as offices and retail units. Given how much energy prices have risen, the business case for using Low-E glass in new developments and retrofits is clear.
Where can low emissivity glass be used?
Low emissivity glass is appropriate in most settings. It is a simple switch to use this type of glass rather than traditional double or triple glazed panes, or even other structural glass panels.
It is particularly beneficial to use low emissivity glass on the south-facing parts of a building, as these typically get the most sunlight throughout the day. However, its thermal properties will provide benefits to the building’s occupants regardless of which direction the windows face.
What else can my business do to reduce its heating bills?
In addition to installing Low-E glass in your building, or choosing a premises that has been built with low emissivity glass, you can take several simple steps to ensure your property is as well-insulated as possible.
Among them are checking windows and doors for draughts and investing in simple draught excluders if you notice cold air creeping in anywhere. Fitting insulated blinds to your windows could also help keep the heat in during the winter – especially after dark.
It’s also important to educate your employees about the importance of saving energy where possible. That might be as simple as reminding them to keep doors and windows closed, as well as keeping the office thermostat at a temperature that works for everyone.