14% Growth in LEED Buildings in 2010

Read More

2010 saw a really bad year in the real estate market with the global financial crisis. Property prices slumped like they hadn’t in a very long time and all around the country, investors were finding it increasingly hard to rent or sell their property.

In the green building market however, the story was slightly different. Although the green building market was not totally immune to the recession, it was not as bad as the overall real estate market. In a report released yesterday November 17, by Rob Watson of GreenBiz.com, the third annual Green Building Market & Impact Report, it was revealed that “despite precipitous declines in the rate of growth, the total amount of LEED-certified buildings grew by one billion square feet in 2010, up to eight billion, or a growth rate of 14 percent.”
The report also found that on the whole, LEED buildings were a huge force in the reduction of the environmental footprint of individual structures.

Choosing to build with materials that are green and employing green standards when building, will help to reduce the overall environmental footprints. They help in the conservation of water and energy and attract a higher rent rate. What is more, you may be eligible for tax deductions in the process.

Using 3M Window Film will add to your LEED credit and the 3M Sun Control Window Film is a qualifying product which can make you eligible for a tax deduction.

3M Sun Control Window Film – Advantages

Read More

Last week we discussed the benefits of window films in general and how they go a long way to protect occupants of a building both from natural disasters and from man-made violence. Today we are going to look at the qualities of 3M Sun Control window film and the benefits which installation of this window film bring to a building.

Reduced Solar Heat Gain

First on the list is a greatly reduced solar heat gain. The significance of this is obviously in the greater comfort occupants of the building enjoy. But beyond that, is the reduced cost of air conditioning.

One other advantage of the reduced solar heat gain is a reduction in the wear and tear and subsequently, maintenance of HVAC equipment.

3M sun control window film will go a long way towards the increment of fade resistance of furniture, drapery, fabrics and any other surface that is vulnerable to fade from exposure to the harsh glare of the sun as window film is used in glare reduction.

The tinted variety of window film affords the occupants of the building daytime privacy and actually enhances the appearance of the building by adding an attractive accent to the windows.

Low Energy Demand

3M sun control window film reduces the effect of the glare of direct sunlight on the building thereby resulting in a lower need for air conditioning. This in turn lowers the energy demands from utilities because of the reduced energy costs.

The direct and long term result of using window film is a decrease in environmental emissions which eventually reduces the environmental footprint of the building.

Window Film Depot

A building really does better with the installation of 3M window film. Window Film Depot has been in the business of window film installation for some time and they come with invaluable experience and a well trained staff to offer you the highest industry standards.  If you would like a complimentary feasibility study of your building, contact Jeff@windowfilmdepot.com.

The Benefits of Window Film

Read More

A lot has been said about window film in general and 3M Window films in particular. Yet many are not quite clear on the benefits of using window film in their buildings. If you are one of those who are still wondering of what 3M window films are, here are a few reasons to use them for your building.

Reduction of UV Rays

3M Window film has been found to significantly prevent undue exposure to the harsh light of the sun, having almost 99 percent of Ultraviolet (UV) reduction. The result of this protection includes:

Considerable fade protection for furniture, carpet, draperies, wood, etc. Fading of furniture and other interior materials is usually as a result of their exposure to direct sunlight. 3M Window film guards against this kind of exposure.
Reduced fabric or textile deterioration. This is also as a result of exposure to the direct glare of the sun.
UV radiation has been linked to certain cancers so the reduced exposure offered by 3M Window films are a positive benefit.

Shatter Resistance

3M Window film give an increased shatter resistance which enhances the safety of the occupants of a building. A huge side benefit is the peace of mind that comes with it.

Protection from Violence

There are many forms of violence out there today and even though a lot of it is human generated, it will not do to ignore the violence that comes with natural disasters such as storms, earthquakes and high winds.

Heavy gauge security films offer significant protection from these. They are also useful against vandalism, terrorist bombings, smash and grab, scratching and are anti graffiti.

There are several types of window film and each type is specialized to offer a certain range of benefits. Regardless of the 3M Window film you decide to go with, they perform very well in every climate.

Window Film Depot has a lot of experience with the installation of 3M Window Film and adheres to the highest ethical standards. We have a staff force, fully trained to work with you in determining the window film needs of your building. For your free feasibility study, contact Jeff@windowfilmdepot.com.

Green Buildings in Today’s Market

Read More

In the past decade, the Green Building market has seen exponential growth. The reason for this is not far fetched. Builders, Architects, Building Managers and Designers have found that the demand for green buildings has increased. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) stated that the prices for energy-efficient buildings are up to 10% higher per square foot than conventional buildings. Generally, green buildings are usually more expensive to build than traditionally structured buildings. However, in the long-term, the operating costs are significantly lower.

That being said, what are Green Buildings?

The term is used in reference to a building which employs an integrated process right from the design stage. Such a building should also be carbon neutral or have low emissions in comparison with other buildings of similar size and purpose.

An important characteristic of a Green Building is the materials from which it is built; they should be reused, recycled or rapidly renewable. The indoor air quality of a green building should be free from chemicals and contaminants while the focus should be on low and renewable energy use.

3M Window Films are some materials which add to the energy conservation levels of a building. The Sun Control Window Film blocks the heat of the sun from entering a building thereby protecting the occupants from harmful UV rays. This makes for a cooler and friendlier environment, and less energy is used for cooling.

Window Film Depot offers free a complimentary feasibility study. Contact Jeff@WindowFilmDepot.com for more information.

Commercial Tax Credit Information

Read More

The Energy Policy Act (EPA) of 2005 provides building owners, property managers and architects with an incentive to make energy efficient upgrades to their building. There are three qualifying subsystems for the tax incentives and these are:

  • HVC
  • Building Envelope
  • Lighting system

These are each eligible for a $.60 per square feet tax reduction and where all three are implemented, that amounts to a $1.80 per square feet tax reduction. Which might not seem like a lot at first, but when energy efficient upgrades are made to a 100,000 square feet building, that is a potential tax deduction of $72,000.

In a case where the 50 percent threshold has not been met, there is a partial tax deduction provided for commercial buildings under the EPA of 2005.

The tax deductions provided under the EPA of 2005 are valid from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007. The Economy Stabilization Act of 2008 further extends the benefits of the EPA through December 31, 2013.

What this means is that in order for a building to qualify, it must be placed in service or retrofitted after December 31, 2005 and before January 1, 20014.

3M Sun Control Window Films are a qualifying product that can help you get a portion of this tax deduction. Please contact Window Film Depot for a complimentary feasibility study. Call 1-866-933-345

Making Your Building Eligible for an Energy Star in Colorado

Read More

Recently, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) made known the first award initiative for outstanding state-led energy efficient programs. At the top of the list, was the Colorado Energy Star program of the Colorado Governor’s Energy Office.

The purpose of the Energy Star label of the Colorado Governor’s Energy Office is to encourage more green buildings in the Colorado area.

Benefits of Having the Energy Star Label on Your Building

Being an Energy Star partner is a way to set a builder apart as a leader in energy-efficient construction. The Energy Star label is a government supported icon for efficiency.
Also, because of the energy-saving technology incorporated into the building, being an Energy Star partner will invariably save on costs in the long run.

3M Window Film as a Feature of an Energy Star Building

A building that carries the Energy Star label incorporates a number of features including effective insulation, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment and the use of efficient products. On feature which makes an Energy Star building stand out though, is the use of high performance, energy – efficient windows like 3M Window Film which make use of advanced technology.

3M Window Films are known for the protective measures they employ which serve to block UV rays from the harsh glare of the sun. They also serve to keep the heat out during summer months and the cold out during winter, which reduces the cost of cooling and heating respectively.

Working with Window Film Depot

If you are a building or property manager in the Colorado area and you need more information on how 3M Window Film can aid you on your road to becoming an Energy Star partner, contact Jeff@windowfilmdepot.com

3M DI-NOC Architectural Finishing for Construction and Remodeling

Read More

When working on new construction or remodelling application, the right finish is the icing on the cake. The right finish will give a sleek, sophisticated and professional appearance to your masterpiece. Finding it however, can be an ordeal. That is why 3M introduced the DI-NOC Architectural Finishes into the market.

Uses of 3M DI-NOC Architectural Finishes

3M DI-NOC Architectural Finishes are used to create a stunning visual effect in both new construction and remodelling applications. They can be used indoors or outdoors on almost any surface: flat surfaces, curved substrates, furniture, walls, fixtures, you name it. What is more, they can be applied to 3-dimensional surfaces and also thermoformed.

Why Use 3M Di-NOC Architectural Finish?

3M DI-NOC Architectural Finishes consist of over 600 patterns available in both design and frosted variety to five architects and interior designers a plethora of alternatives. They create beautifully turned out visual appearances by dispersing light which results in high definition viewing though windows.
3M DI-NOC finishes are vinyl films and they simulate a number of natural and synthetic finishes such as marble, stucco, granite, wood and almost any other finish you can think of.

They are durable, cleanable, flexible and make use of a self-adhering technology. What is more, they have been around for some time so have the benefit of time-proven experience on their side.

Window Film Depot Can Help

If you are an energy service provider (ECSO) or facility and property manager and you are looking for a finish that is both stylish and elegant and energy saving, Window Film Depot stocks the 3M DI-NOC Architectural finish and has had years of experience working with private businesses, property managers and governments. Contact Jeff@windowfilmdepot.com for more information.

Add to Your LEED Rating with 3M Window Film

Read More

What is LEED Certification?

The trend in global construction is a rising awareness of the need to go ‘green’ or to implement energy saving techniques in building projects and general construction. Nothing demonstrates the compliance with international energy conservation standards like a LEED certification. A LEED certification is the accepted standard used in determining a building’s sustainability. Achieving LEED certification is the most effective method of demonstrating that a building has a high standard of energy conservation. The LEED green building rating system was developed and is administered by the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC), a nonprofit organization and the aim is to promote design and construction practices that increase the profitability of a building at the same time reducing harmful impact the building might have on the environment with close attention to occupant health and welfare.

Advantages of LEED Certification

The chief advantage to getting LEED certification for your building is the compelling proof it offers to clients, industry and the public that the environmental goals set for that building were achieved. Furthermore, it makes it possible for you to take advantage of the increasing state and local government incentives; many states in the U.S offer a number of tax credits and grants for buildings that meet the LEED Green Building Standard.

LEED for Commercial Interiors

LEED for commercial interiors is the yardstick used to measure the green standard of a building improved for the tenant. The characterizing features of a LEED certified interior include places that are less costly to operate and maintain and leave less environmental footprints. These places are regarded as productive places to work and as contributing to the overall wellbeing of those who work there.

3M Window Film and LEED Rating System

Using 3M Window Film in your building adds to your credit under the LEED rating system. The primary task of 3M Window Film is to aid in the reduction of the amount of heat getting into a building through the windows. 3M Window Film can add to the beauty of a building while offering some levels of privacy. But more than that 3M Window Film block 99% Ultra Violet (UV) rays thereby reducing damage. For money-saving and energy conservation, 3M Window Film provide the best option.

Let Window Film Depot Help

Window Film Depot works with industry stakeholders including Construction Managers to provide the best option to your Window Film needs. Window Film Depot professionals have years of experience working on 3M Window Film installation and are trained to find the right solution for you. Get a free estimate today. Call us@ 1-866-933-3456 or mail Jeff: Jeff@windowfilmdepot.com

When renovating, building new construction or upgrading…consider using 3M™ Di-Noc™ Architectural surfacing.

Read More

3M™ DI-NOC™, the high-end vinyl Architectural Finishes series from 3M™….this vinyl can be installed on all sorts of surfaces, regardless of the curvature.

Uses range from home wall interiors to wood trim on escalators at local malls, retail stores, corporate offices and countless other locations.

3M™ DI-NOC™ finishes simulate a variety of natural and synthetic finishes, including wood, granite, marble, stucco, and vinyl films.

Self-adhering, 3M™ DI-NOC™ architectural finishes are the perfect substitute to much more costlier natural and synthetic surface finishes.

Common Installation Sites: Elevator Lobbies, Restrooms, Doors & Hallways, Ceilings, Elevators Walls & Columns, Partitions, Galleries & Museums, Dining Areas, Cruise Ships, Retail & Corporate Offices.

Window Film Depot, Family owned and operated serves the residential, commercial and government markets in all 50 US States and beyond. We stock every film type for all client needs and have performed more turn-key window film installations for homeowners, property managers, retailers and building owners than any window film company in the US.

We specialize in ‘big buildings’ and multi-site retail storefront applications. We work with building engineers to help quantify energy savings, retail loss prevention officers to install ‘smash and grab’ prevention films and general contractors who need affordable reliability when deadlines approach.