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Database

This database currently includes about 300 technologies and is updated regularly. You can scroll through the entire database or you can use the search tool on the right to focus on specific types of technologies or sectors. The search tool defaults to looking for the exact phrase entered in the search box, however a broader search is possible by unchecking the 'Use exact phrase' option.
Refer to our glossary for terms and field definitions used in this database.

Current query: "Energy System: Building Envelope")

36 results

Interior Storm Windows

Interior glazing that roughly doubles the insulation value of single-pane windows and can greatly decrease infiltration from leaky windows while not impacting the building's appearance. It is often color-matched to minimize impact on a building’s interior appearance.

TAG Technical Score: 3.5

Energy Savings: 40%

Regional Potential: 0.16 MWh/year

ID: 536

Daylight Redirecting Window Film

Window film on exterior windowpanes that redirects daylight upward towards the ceiling with minimal glare to occupants, using a diffusing film on the interior pane as needed (3M).

TAG Technical Score: 2.9

Energy Savings: 16%

Regional Potential: 0.01 MWh/year

ID: 513

Advanced Energy Efficient Window Films

Window films that can be applied to older single-pane windows as an alternative to replacement with new double-pane windows.

TAG Technical Score:

Energy Savings: 4%

Regional Potential: 0.13 MWh/year

ID: 475

Aerogel Insulated Double-Glazed Windows

A transluscent or opaque material with an insulating value up to R-20 per inch that can be used in windows, skylights, and walls (Aerogel, Kalwall).

TAG Technical Score:

Energy Savings: 83%

Regional Potential: 0.77 MWh/year

ID: 290

Air Curtains at Building Openings

A thin curtain of conditioned air blown down just inside of exterior doors that keeps outside air from blowing into commercial buildings when doors are open.

TAG Technical Score:

Energy Savings: 4%

Regional Potential: 0.03 MWh/year

ID: 427

Biobased Window Foam

Foams made from agricultural products that can be blown into hollow vinyl window frames.

TAG Technical Score:

Energy Savings: 5%

Regional Potential: 0.03 MWh/year

ID: 266

Electrochromic Retrofit Window Coatings

Window coatings retrofitted to existing windows that can reduce solar heat gain and glare when the voltage to these thin films is adjusted (these have only recently become commercially available).

TAG Technical Score:

Energy Savings: 19%

Regional Potential: 0.08 MWh/year

ID: 419

Electrochromic Windows

Windows that can modulate heat gain, light transmittance, and glare from the sun and can be controlled locally or by an energy management system.

TAG Technical Score:

Energy Savings: 19%

Regional Potential: 0.02 MWh/year

ID: 262

Engineered Window Louvers for Daylighting

Integrated micro-louvers / blinds with curves engineered to redirect daylight coming through higher windows up toward the ceiling and further into a building without glare. Louvers are sandwiched within the window and either fixed or sun-tracking while lower windows have...

TAG Technical Score:

Energy Savings: 16%

Regional Potential: 0.01 MWh/year

ID: 514

Heliostat

A rooftop device to track the sun using two small motors controlled by a computer, directing more daylighting into a building's interior throughout the day as needed.

TAG Technical Score:

ID: 528

High Performance Windows

Highly insulated (R-5 or higher) windows, also known as super windows.

TAG Technical Score:

Energy Savings: 12%

Regional Potential: 0.95 MWh/year

ID: 540

Insulated Cellular Shades

Window shades that incorporate a honeycombed cross section with air-trapping pockets that add an insulating layer to help save energy, with single or multiple cells.

TAG Technical Score:

Energy Savings: 16%

Regional Potential: 0.10 MWh/year

ID: 474

Insulated Concrete Forms for Residential and Commercial Applications

Use insulated concrete forms (ICFs)--interlocking systems of formworks for reinforced concrete that stay in place as permanent interior and exterior substrates for walls, floors, and roofs.

TAG Technical Score:

Energy Savings: 44%

ID: 530

Insulated Vinyl Siding

Siding material with a backing made from extruded polystyrene foam that improves insulation value and durability.

TAG Technical Score:

Energy Savings: 6%

Regional Potential: 0.32 MWh/year

ID: 287

Interior Automated Window Shades

Interior window shades controlled by an automated system in response to available sunlight and need for controlling solar heat gain and glare.

TAG Technical Score:

Energy Savings: 75%

Regional Potential: 0.17 MWh/year

ID: 538

Light Scoops and Daylighting Sails

Reflective light scoops, "sails" or other structures adjacent to skylights and in atriums that reduce glare, control solar heat gain, and provide diffuse daylight.

TAG Technical Score:

ID: 515

Liquid-Applied Weather-Resistant Barrier, Residential

Flexible membrane on the outside of a house under the siding that forms a weather barrier, sprayed, rolled, or brushed on as a liquid. Replaces building wrap such as Tyvek.

TAG Technical Score:

Energy Savings: 20%

ID: 570

Phase-change Materials

Building materials with phase-change properties that increases their effective thermal mass for thermal energy control and storage.

TAG Technical Score:

Energy Savings: 15%

Regional Potential: 2.93 MWh/year

ID: 229