1. Sustainability Problem: Heat loss through windows in buildings. Category: Energy

Buildings are one of the highest sources of energy consumption and GHG emissions. In NYC, buildings account for over 75% of the city’s emissions, making them the largest contributors to the city’s carbon footprint.

2.  “Vacuum Glazing: Windows that are Energy Efficient AND Cost Effective”

https://greenbuildingcanada.ca/2016/vacuum-glazing/

• Approximately 40% of heat loss from buildings occurs due to poorly insulated walls, floors and windows, making building envelope improvements an effective way to decrease energy bills and reduce a building’s carbon footprint.
• Vacuum glazing is an innovative window technology that can greatly improve window insulation performance and reduce heat loss from windows.
• Vacuum glazed windows are similar to regular double paned windows. The difference is that here air is removed from between the two panes of glass. This process reduces the conduction and convection abilities of the window, allowing less heat to leak out.
• While they are still fairly expensive, the energy savings from installing vacuum glazed windows reduces the payback period to approximately 14 years.
• The effectiveness of the technology may be reduced in regions with extreme temperature fluctuations.

3. Organizational stakeholders for this technology include green building companies, utility companies, and local governments looking for ways to reduce energy consumption in their regions.
4. The first three steps for deploying this technology:

• Increase research funding to improve the technology and allow for use in extreme climate regions.
• Increase competition to reduce cost and make the technology competitive with standard windows.
• Offer local grants and/or loans to help businesses and homeowners finance new window installations.