Green doors and windows can achieve energy efficiency when factors like like material efficiency and thermal insulation are fulfilled

 Doors and windows are of significant when it comes to being energy efficient and having the material efficiency suited for the geography of the place and the climate of the region. Green doors and windows are essentially the doors and windows that have the material efficiency and the energy efficiency. They are suited to fulfil global norms while being able to provide energy efficiency and material efficiency. There are several factors that have transformed doors and windows today. Scarcity of spaces and demand for housing has led to increase in cost of land prices challenged by affordability and market conditions.

Windows and doors became an important part of housing, in terms of ventilation and in determining the temperature between indoor and outdoor environment. Global as well as domestic factors have been determinants of the doors and windows we use in residents and offices. Glazing efficiency of the glass doors as well as enhanced material efficiency led to people using better alternatives to simple glass windows. However, this is more true for the new constructions. uPVC and other materials are used on a large scale today in modern housing and construction as they are considered a better alternative. The thermal efficiency of windows is important in places which have extreme weather conditions, either hot or cold.

Since centuries, doors and windows have been a part of places inhabited by people. Every culture and form of architecture has its own type of door and window. It is a tradition to use wooden doors and window frames in many cultures. However, wooden window frames and wooden doors are today being replaced by metal window frames and metal doors.
In places in India where power cuts are a problem; people opt for windows that are energy efficient. In colder areas too, material efficiency of doors and windows contribute to the warmth inside the structure. Doors and windows can be helpful in their own way irrespective of the climate of the region.

Green Doors and windows are an important part of energy profile of a building
Architect Surinder Bahga shares a compelling point on the status of Green doors and windows. He says, “In the designing and construction of green buildings different building components like materials, roof, facade, etc. have their significant roles. Similarly, doors and windows play their own distinctive part in the energy profile of the building. The major intake of heat in a structure takes place from its windows and doors only. Therefore, their positioning, designing and material choice is important in making the building sustainable.”

Speaking of the design aspect to improve the energy efficiency of windows, Ar Bahga says, “The designing of the windows and doors are highly engineered in order to optimise their energy performance. Although there is an emergence of new technologies, a few false trends are also gaining hype like installation of huge glass windows. I would say that these are highly unsustainable. Due to the construction of large glass windows, a lot of heat starts entering inside the building. To counter that heat we then install heavy air-conditioning units. If we need large windows, steps should be taken to install them in the right sun direction, shading them as per the local climatic conditions and prefers double glazing. A building can be made sustainable with just a slight amount of effort and thought, resulting in a healthier environment for all of us to live in”

Rajesh Chawla, Director, VEKA India has some interesting points to share on making doors and windows energy efficient. He says, “The one basic criteria to make windows and doors energy efficient is to have minimal heat loss from a window or door area. So, there a couple of factors that one needs to keep in mind while making such a module. Several factors are involved, for example to choose for the Lowest ‘U’ value profiles material, Low ‘U’ value of glass, appropriate fabrication of frames and sashes where welded joints – as in uPVC windows, are preferred choice, min twin sealing gaskets system, multipoint locking fittings etc. After a window with high quality standards is fabricated the same needs to be installed in a quality way so that the gaps between the window frames and the wall do not become heat leakage areas resulting in heat losses.”

Material efficiency of Doors and windows
Speaking of material efficiency, Mr Chawla says, “One need to choose a material that not only has a low ‘U’ value and helps in reduction of heal loss etc. but to consider a material which, while in the manufacturing process, also used lesser energy or other resources like water etc. Here, uPVC profiles fares far better as uPVC profiles extrusion therefore the energy consumed is approximately 60 per cent lesser than aluminium and no water contamination is made. Further, the material is also recyclable and for this process too consumes much lesser energy. Further, to make the uPVC more environmental friendly, one needs to consider the Lead free uPVC profiles”

Suggesting the use of bamboo for material efficiency, Ar Bahga says, “Bamboo is structurally stronger than steel and at the same time light weight and easily workable. India has the second largest cultivation of bamboo in the world. It can be fashioned aesthetically to make doors and windows.”

Speaking of sustainability, Ar Bahga says, “Any building can be made sustainable with just a slight amount of effort and thought, resulting in a healthier environment for all of us to live in.”

Designer green doors and windows
With the real estate boom, designer doors and windows are becoming popular. The design of Windows and Doors is changing because of changing consumer tastes. Designer homes are being bought by well to do, as well as the affluent people who prefer artistic interiors. This zeal is also translated to green designer doors and windows.

Designer doors and windows are being used in the luxury home segment as well as by people who choose to have them. Therefore, energy efficient designer doors and windows are also a good alternative for people in India. Since, the home décor is an important part of the rendering of modern homes, designer green doors and windows have their place. Some creative people prefer designer doors and windows. They may also prefer a combination of both creativity and energy efficiency of the doors and windows in their homes.

From an architectural point of view, designer green doors and windows have their own significance. Internationally, designer green doors and windows are made keeping in mind the aesthetics and local culture. Despite being energy efficient and having material efficiency, doors and windows can look traditional and have a look like they are from a different era. In this way, people are able to express their culture, history and society while having the advantage of being energy efficient or green. People irrespective of their culture in several countries choose to express themselves and their personalities in this manner. n
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The one basic criteria to make windows and doors energy efficient is to have minimal heat loss from a window or door area.
Rajesh Chawla,
Director,
Veka India
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The designing of the windows and doors are highly engineered in order to optimise their energy performance.
Architect Surinder Bahga