No. 57: Invest in energy efficient doors
No. 57: Invest in energy efficient doors
Number 57
Energy-efficient doors in schools can provide significant environmental and financial benefits. By improving insulation and reducing energy usage, schools can save money on utility bills while reducing their carbon footprint. This article provides data and citations from experts to support the benefits of investing in energy-efficient doors.
One major benefit of energy-efficient doors is that they can significantly reduce energy waste. Traditional doors are often made of materials that do not provide adequate insulation, resulting in drafts and air leaks that can cause heating and cooling systems to work harder than necessary. Energy-efficient doors, on the other hand, are designed with insulation in mind and are made of materials that provide better thermal performance. This means that less energy is required to heat or cool a building, leading to lower energy bills.
In addition to reducing energy waste, energy-efficient doors can also improve the indoor air quality of a school. Because they are designed to prevent air leakage, they can help keep pollutants and allergens out of the building. This can lead to a healthier learning environment for students and teachers alike.
When it comes to choosing energy-efficient doors for your school, there are a few factors to consider. Look for doors that are Energy Star certified, which means they have been independently tested and verified to meet strict energy efficiency standards. Also, consider the material of the doors. Fiberglass and steel doors tend to provide better insulation than traditional wood doors. Lastly, consider the design of the doors. Doors with weatherstripping and airtight seals can further reduce air leakage and energy waste.
While the upfront cost of investing in energy-efficient doors may be higher than traditional doors, the long-term cost savings can be significant. According to the Department of Energy, replacing single-pane windows and doors with energy-efficient models can save homeowners up to $465 per year on utility bills. These savings can be even greater for commercial buildings like schools, which typically use more energy.
Investing in energy-efficient doors not only makes financial sense, but it can also benefit the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, buildings account for 39% of total energy consumption and 38% of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States. By reducing energy waste in schools, we can help to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.
In conclusion, investing in energy-efficient doors can provide numerous environmental and financial benefits for schools. By reducing energy waste, improving indoor air quality, and saving money on utility bills, energy-efficient doors are a wise investment for any school looking to reduce its carbon footprint and save money.
Sources:
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Department of Energy. (2021). Energy-Efficient Doors. Energy Saver. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/design/windows-doors-and-skylights/doors
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ENERGY STAR. (n.d.). Energy-Efficient Doors. Retrieved from https://www.energystar.gov/products/building_products/residential_windows_doors_and_skylights/doors
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International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. (2021). Energy Efficient Doors. InterNACHI. Retrieved from https://www.nachi.org/energy-efficient-doors.htm
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National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2019). Energy-Efficient Doors. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy19osti/73620.pdf
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2019). Energy Efficient Doors. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/rhc/energy-efficient-doors

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