Sage Electrochromics, has unveiled a new suite of energy-efficient window glass that features electronically tintable 'dynamic window' technology with high R-value, triple-pane construction.
Sage’s tinting technology uses nanotechnology to produce its glazing, which people can change electronically to manage daylight. The technology saves building energy by managing natural daylight and solar heat gain, while enhancing occupant comfort and well-being by eliminating glare.
The company claims that the window provides greater thermal and visual comfort than any equivalently configured glazing product in the industry.
Tests show that the triple-glazed glass has an insulating R-value higher than eight, compared to an R-3 value typical of most low-E double pane glass.
Combining insulation with the glazing’s tinting capability provides a 16% energy improvement over static triple pane glass with low-E, and better than a 50% improvement over single pane glazings, according to the company. This makes the product suitable for new construction and retrofit primarily in heating-dominated climates where high R-value glazings are needed.
Research shows that buildings are responsible for 40% of the energy consumed in the US and 38% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.
According to researchers at the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, highly insulating, electronically tintable windows can save up to 5% of the US energy budget. This potential energy savings is equivalent to over 160GW of electricity generated annually by fossil fuels, and could result in a 300 million metric ton reduction in CO2 emissions.
John Dine, CEO and founder of Sage, said: ”In addition to reducing energy usage and making the space more comfortable, productive and enjoyable, we can eliminate costly building features such as mechanized shades and blinds, and exterior add-ons like sunshades.
”Our windows can also contribute to LEED building credits, and decrease HVAC system size. This not only reduces the natural resources and energy consumed in the construction process, it also decreases the building owner’s investment in the building, making Sage’s dynamic glazing product a low-cost sun management solution as well.”