Using Window Films to Enhance Opportunities Toward LEED Certification

Window films can assist with obtaining up to 9 LEED Certification Points in the following areas:

• Light Pollution Reduction (1 pt)
• Optimizing Energy Performance (1-3 pts)
• Improving Thermal Comfort (1 pt)
• Providing Day-lighting and Views (1-2 pts)
• Innovations in Operations & Upgrades (1 pt)
• Optimize Use of Alternative Materials (1 pt)

Sustainable Sites - Credit 7: Light Pollution Reduction - 1 Point

• Intent - Eliminate light trespass from the building and site, improve night sky access and reducedevelopment impact on nocturnal environments
• How Window Film Can Play a Role - Window film reduces light trespass from building at night since most films reduce light transmission 50% or more

Energy and Atmosphere - Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance - 1 to 3 points

• Intent - Achieve increasing levels of energy performance above the prerequisite  Energy Star Rated Building standard to reduce environmental impacts associated with excessive energy use
• How Window Film Can Play a Role - Window films can provide 5-15% whole building energy savings, enabling improvement in Building Energy Star Rating, providing 1 to 3 LEED points

Indoor Environmental Quality - Credit 7.1: Thermal Comfort - 1 Point

• Intent - Provide a comfortable thermal environment that supports the productivity and well-being of building occupants
• How Window Film Can Play a Role - A majority of building occupants report a significant improvement in thermal comfort after window film installation, due to reduced solar heat gain

Indoor Environmental Quality - Credits 8.1 and 8.2: Daylight and Views - 1 to 2 points

• Intent - Provide a connection between indoor spaces and the outdoor environment through introduction of daylight and views into the occupied areas of the building
• How Window Film Can Play a Role - Solar-Control and Glare-Reduction properties of window films eliminate or help to greatly reduce the need for closed blinds or shades, thus significantly improving the introduction of daylight and connection to the outdoor environment – light reduction from window film is LESS than total view and total light reduction from closed blinds or shades

Innovations in Operations & Upgrades - Credits 1: Innovation in Upgrades, Operations, and Maintenance - 1 point

• Intent - Provide the opportunity for LEED points for additional environmental benefits beyond those in other LEED Rating System areas
• How Window Film Can Play a Role - The 95+% UV Protection provided by many films helps protect occupants and furnishings from harmful and damaging UV rays. Many window films are recognized by the Skin Cancer Foundation as effective for protection against skin cancer

Materials & Resources - Credits 2: Optimize Use of Alternative Materials - 1 point

• Intent - Reduce the environmental impact of the materials acquired for use in upgrades of buildings by using Local/Regional Materials
• How Window Film Can Play a Role - The use of Local/Regional Materials reduces pollution and transportation costs associated with the delivery of materials to the job site. Credit is possible if 50% or more of a product is harvested or processed within 500 miles of the LEED Project