Running Head: Introduction to Environmental Science: Investigation 8

Introduction to Environmental Science:

Investigation 8
U49701984
University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee

Introduction to Environmental Science: Investigation 8

Withgott and Laposata (2014) stated, Green buildings are built from sustainable
materials, limit their use of energy and water, minimize health impact on their occupants, control
pollution, and recycle waste (p. 348). These green buildings are stacked with different features
that enable them to be so efficient. Many of these features are things that most homeowners can
implement in their own home to increase in efficiency and contribute to sustainability. One of
these features are low-E windows.
What are low-E windows, and what do they do? Efficient Windows Collaborative (2016)
stated, When heat or light energy is absorbed by glass, it is either convected away by moving air
or reradiated by the glass surface. The ability of a material to radiate energy is called its
emissivity. All materials, including windows, emit (or radiate) heat in the form of long-wave, farinfrared energy depending on their temperature. This emission of radiant heat is one of the
important components of heat transfer for a window. Thus, reducing the window's emittance can
greatly improve its insulating properties (efficientwindows.org). Homeowners should be aware
of the significant difference between the low-E windows and the standard glass windows. Per
Jelle, Kalns, and Gao (2015), Standard clear glass has an emissivity value of about 0.84 for
the long-wave part of the spectrum, i.e. 84% of the solar energy is absorbed and emitted from the
glass. Low-e coatings greatly reduce the emissivity of a glass pane (p. 333). Jelle et al.
conclusion stated, This study has found that low-emissivity (low-e) solutions for glazing are
widely accepted and used solutions with a proven effect on energy efficiency. Positive results
have been shown in most climates. These low-e coatings are a great way to passively reduce
energy usage (p. 343). Windows with the low-E coating have an emissivity much lower.
According to Chow, Li, and Lin (2010), A typical coating (of thickness around 0.1 m) has

Introduction to Environmental Science: Investigation 8

three layers, i.e. a thin metal layer sandwiched between two dielectric layers. Its application is
able to change the original longwave emissivity of around 0.9 to less than 0.1 (p. 215).
According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (2015), a home
approximately 2,500 square feet would have an estimated cost of $15,000 for new vinyl
windows. There would also be an estimated $12,000 return on the investment of 80 percent
(nari.org). According to Beuerlein (2016), Low-E coatings add up to 10% to the price of a
window (houselogic.com). Therefore, installing low-E windows could potentially cost up to
$16,500 for a 2,500-square foot home. However, many factors will also influence the total price.
The requirements of type of low-E windows and their effectiveness will vary by geographic
location and climate. The position of the home in relation to the movement of the sun across the
sky will play a major role in planning what windows will be replaced with the appropriate rating.
According to the United Stated Department of Energy (2016), In heating-dominated
climates, major glazing areas should generally face south to collect solar heat during the winter
when the sun is low in the sky. In the summer, when the sun is high overhead, overhangs or
other shading devices prevent excessive heat gain. To be effective, south-facing windows should
have a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of greater than 0.6 to maximize solar heat gain during
the winter, a U-factor of 0.35 or less to reduce conductive heat transfer, and a high visible
transmittance (VT) for good visible light transfer. Windows on east-, west-, and north-facing
walls should be minimized while still allowing for adequate daylight. It is difficult to control
heat and light through east- and west-facing windows when the sun is low in the sky, and these
windows should have a low SHGC and/or be shaded. North-facing windows collect little solar
heat, so they are used only for lighting. Low-emissivity (low-e) window glazing can help control
solar heat gain and loss in heating climates. In cooling climates, particularly effective strategies

Introduction to Environmental Science: Investigation 8

include preferential use of north-facing windows and generously shaded south-facing windows.
Windows with low SHGCs are more effective at reducing cooling loads (energy.gov). A
homeowner would need a lot of careful planning when figuring out what is best for their specific
home. There are many factors that will affect the results of installing low-E windows and these
factors effect each home differently. Nevertheless, homeowners can expect the installation of
low-E windows to reduce their energy costs related to heating and cooling. They can also expect
a return on their investment of the installation of approximately 80 percent of installation costs
added to the original property value.
Green buildings are full of features that most homeowners can implement in their own
home to increase in efficiency and contribute to sustainability. One of these features are low-E
windows.

Introduction to Environmental Science: Investigation 8

Works Cited:
Withgott, J., Laposata, M. (2014). Environment: the science behind the stories (5th ed.).
Glenview, IL: Pearson Education, Inc.
Efficient Windows Collaborative. (2016). Window technologies: low-e coatings. Retrieved from
http://www.efficientwindows.org/lowe.php
Jelle, B. P., Kalns, S. E., & Gao, T. (2015). Low-emissivity materials for building applications:
a state-of-the-art review and future research perspectives. Energy & Buildings, 96. 329356. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.lib.usf.edu/science/article/pii
/S0378778815002169
National Association of the Remodeling Industry. (2015). 2015 remodeling impact report.
Retrieved from http://www.nari.org/assets/1/6/2015-Remodeling-Impact-Report.pdf
Chow, T., Li, C., & Lin, Z. (2010). Innovative solar windows for cooling-demand climate. Solar
Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 94(2). 212-220. Retrieved from
http://www.science

direct.com.ezproxy.lib.usf.edu/science/article/pii/S0927024809003225

Beuerlein, K. (2016). What you need to know about buying energy-efficient windows. Retrieved
from https://www.houselogic.com/remodel/windows-doors-and-floors/replace-oldwindows-with-energy-efficient-models/
United States Department of Energy. (2016). Energy-efficient windows. Retrieved from
http://energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-windows