Research done at Willis Tower in Chicago shows that automated insulating window shades can significantly reduce energy consumption, with strong positive response from office users.
Research done at Willis Tower in Chicago shows that automated insulating window shades can significantly reduce energy consumption, with strong positive response from office users.
Automated insulating window shades can cut energy consumption by approximately one-quarter and may recoup the cost of installation within three to five years, according to a landmark study conducted by Illinois Institute of Technology researchers at Willis Tower. The study, funded by ComEd, showcases a promising path for sustainability and energy efficiency in architectural design.
Temperature regulation typically accounts for 30–40 percent of the energy used by buildings in climates similar to Chicago. The research team, led by Assistant Professor of Architectural Engineering Mohammad Heidarinejad, focused on the role of window shades, which are often overlooked in energy-savings solutions. The findings underscore how insulating window shades, when connected to an automated control system, can dramatically reduce energy consumption in both heating and cooling seasons.
Heidarinejad says addressing energy waste in standing buildings is a major problem.
Read more at Illinois Institute of Technology
Image: Infrared image showing the temperature of the window with (left) and without (right) insulating shades. (Credit: Illinois Institute of Technology)
