Solar Control Window Film Environmental Benefits from WFAANZ

Protecting the pyramids

Thanks to rising electricity prices and new government regulations, building managers and home owners often share a similar goal - to reduce energy consumption using green building materials.

Centro Warriewood had this in mind when it commissioned the installation of solar control window film onto a 40m skylight and two pyramid atriums in the centre.

Tim O'Sullivan, Operations Manager, Centro Warriewood, said, "Our large rooftop atriums fill the centre with bright natural light. The downside used to be the heat and UV that would also pass through. Our air conditioner had to compensate for the heat gain, which increased energy usage.

"Instead of letting in heat and then paying to cool it down, we wanted to block the heat at the source."

Local window film installer, Aaron McCarthy, TintFX, offered a solution in solar control window film. As film is applied to existing glass, it is easier, less expensive and more environmentally friendly than buying new windows or skylights.

Over nine nights when the centre closed, Aaron and his team used a boom lift to reach the atriums, where 200m2 of window film was installed.

"Solar heat gain is even more of a problem on horizontal or sloped roofs than it is on windows, due to direct exposure," Aaron said, "...over the last six months we have been asked by a number of shopping centres, buildings and homes to tender for rooftop jobs.

"The film used on the atriums at Centro will block up to 80% total solar energy, up to 99% UV radiation and 90% glare, but will still allow the light to pass through. You couldn't tell by looking at them that film has even been applied."

According to Tim O'Sullivan, the results are noticeable in other ways.

"Patrons say the food court is far more comfortable now," Tim said, "Plus, we already had a 10% reduction in our energy bill for the winter quarter. That saving will increase as we head into summer. At this rate, the window film will have paid for itself within five years.

"Sustainability has become a focal point of our work," Tim continued, "This positive step Centro Warriewood has taken will help reverse the effects a centre such as ours can have on the environment."

Window film can be used on any glass surface to control heat gain, increase safety, security and privacy and protect interiors from UV damage. TintFX is a member of the Window Film Association of Australia and New Zealand (WFAANZ), which sets a strict code of practice for its members. To learn more about window film or to find an installer, visit the WFAANZ website www.wfaanz.org.au.