Textiles for Energy Efficient Design

Textiles for Energy Efficient Design

By Alexis Wagman

Commercial buildings account for about 19% of the energy consumed in the United States and 19% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).1 Though office buildings account for the most energy consumption among all commercial building types,2 all commercial spaces can benefit from incorporating strategies to increase energy efficiency – especially if trying to earn LEED points.

Drapery for More Efficient Spaces

Drapery fabrics that are designed to ensure ideal translucency and energy transmittance without any glare are a great place to start. Specialty fabrics like these reduce heat radiation and help to improve the indoor climate. 

They work by optimizing the transmission, reflection, and absorption of light. For example, the Heat and Glare drapery collection from Création Baumann is metallized in a technical process with a wafer-thin layer of aluminum. As a result, they reflect light back outdoors allowing for lower levels of light absorption and ultimately, heat output.

They work by optimizing the transmission, reflection, and absorption of light. For example, the Heat and Glare drapery collection from Création Baumann is metallized in a technical process with a wafer-thin layer of aluminum. As a result, they reflect light back outdoors allowing for lower levels of light absorption and ultimately, heat output.

Learn more about the Heat and Glare collection.

Because HVAC is the primary source of energy consumption for commercial buildings, finding ways to optimize temperature can help reduce this burden.3  In general, improving energy efficiency of commercial buildings, according to the IEA, can potentially cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40% by 2040.4  Not only do high performance draperies save money on operating expenses, they also result in more sustainable buildings.

Adding in Acoustic Drapery for Even More Efficiency

Acoustic Drapery: Chamois View Installation

Beyond the environmental and financial benefits, improving uncomfortable elements such as glare, heat, and acoustics can improve the end-user's experience and productivity while spending time in the space.

Managing sound is crucial for efficiency and health, especially in environments that are meant for collaboration or relaxation. Numerous studies have documented that poorly managed sound levels affect the human cardiovascular system, and can lead to hypertension, headaches, fatigue, and anger. Noise levels greatly impact the likelihood of human error and overall efficiency.5

Incorporating energy-efficient textiles like specialty drapery and acoustic solutions can significantly reduce energy consumption while enhancing the comfort and productivity of commercial spaces. The upfront cost of investing in high-performance drapery will pay for itself several times over over the course of the product's lifecycle, making it an easy choice.

About the Author

Alexis Wagman is the Content Marketing Specialist at Carnegie. Passionate about what connects all of us, she seeks to leverage creative Marketing and design to communicate real stories.