Arizona, USA
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LEED Credits
Earning LEED credits using 3M window film
As you pursue LEED professional accreditation through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), you will be exploring many
options to meet your goals. 3M window film is a proven energy saving product that can directly help you achieve LEED Credits.
Below are six categories within the standard where 3M window film can be applied towards meeting the criteria for earning LEED
credits.
All buildings, new and existing, applying for LEED certification must meet the EPA ENERGY STAR® rating of at least 60.
Certification for minimum energy performance requires that building electricity bills, cost, and usage be provided before
improvements are made and that for a given building type and function, specific energy reduction goals must be met according to the
guidelines for the EPA ENERGY STAR® rating.
How Window Film Earns LEED Credits
1. Energy Performance Credits
Buildings that exceed the EPA ENERGY STAR® rating of 60 required for certification can receive up to 10 LEED credits through
additional energy efficiency improvements (LEED E&A Credit #1). The table below shows the LEED points that can be earned for an
existing building based on additional energy efficiency improvements. 3M window film alone can provide from one to four LEED
points in energy efficiency improvements, depending on the environment and the film installed.
2. Credit for Light Pollution Reduction
Light pollution reduction, also known as “Light Trespass”, is covered by Credit #7 under the “Sustainable Sites” goal. “Light
Trespassing” occurs when lighting used within the building is visible at certain levels in the surrounding external environment. To
qualify for this LEED credit, most of the internal light must fall within the building. Luminosity measurements are taken outdoors, with
all lights off, and again with all the lights on. A LEED credit is achieved if the outdoor illumination level does not increase more than
10% than levels with the “lights on.”
Installing 3M solar control window film will result in a lower amount of visible light transmission (VLT) through the windows. Window
films have varying degrees of visible light transmission, and films with lower VLT ratings will greatly reduce light trespass from the
building. When choosing a film, you can consider the amount of likely light trespass in advance and select specific films with a given
target in mind.
3. Glare Reduction Credit
Under the Environmental Quality category (EQ #8.2), a credit can be achieved for “providing for glare control features for all windows
where direct penetration of sunlight would interfere with normal occupant activities”. This is a goal that works in conjunction with the
light pollution requirement in Sustainable Sites Credit 7 for “light trespass”. This requirement can be met by applying window films
with a VLT low enough to meet occupant requirements for glare-free activity. Window film can eliminate unwanted glare on computer
screens and maintain an internal glare free environment, allowing you to pursue both “light trespass and glare reduction” credits in a
single application.
5. Thermal Comfort
Improving and maintaining thermal comfort for one LEED Credit is an option under section EQ 7.1 of the certification program. The
performance measurements are the same as those for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 55-2004. ASHRAE 55-2004 is a thermal comfort standard that outlines requirements for
documenting a space as appropriately thermally comfortable for the occupants. The credit can be met by demonstrating compliance
with data logging temperatures (#7.6.2.2), or by survey, where at least 80% of building occupants must consider themselves
comfortable in the building climate (#7.6.2.1). This includes mitigating “local discomfort” (#5.2.4) and reducing temperature variations
with time (#5.2.5).
Solar heat transmitted through untreated windows is often the cause of local discomfort. Occupant complaints about excessive heat
or hot spots can be completely mitigated by applying high performance, 3M solar rejecting window films (as referenced in section #5.
2.4). 3M Solar control window film excels at moderating temperature variations over time, greatly improving thermal comfort (as
referenced in #5.2.5).
6. Innovation Credits
There is also an innovation category for up to four extra LEED credits that you can apply for by making a case that a chosen building
upgrade, not currently covered under the LEED for Existing Buildings standard, has improved the environment of the building.
There are two ways that 3M window film can be used to apply for the innovation credits. One way is to apply for a credit based on the
environmental benefits provided by blocking ultraviolet radiation through 3M solar control window film. 3M window film blocks 99% or
more of harmful UV A and UV B rays, which contribute to skin damage and skin cancer, and are the leading factor causing fading to
interiors. A second eligible credit could be earned if fade reduction can be applied to reducing waste or improved building
maintenance, as specified in the Materials and Resources section of the standard.
Optimize Your LEED Credits
There are many opportunities to leverage 3M window film when applying for LEED certification. While some categories seem to
contradict each other, it is important to review the entire set of opportunities and apply for the areas that will provide the most impact
for your building. 3M Window Film offers an array of window films with varying VLTs and heat rejection properties. Analyzing your
building and occupant needs in conjunction with the LEED certification requirements will help you to select the best film or set of films
for your building.
As you pursue LEED professional accreditation through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), you will be exploring many
options to meet your goals. 3M window film is a proven energy saving product that can directly help you achieve LEED Credits.
Below are six categories within the standard where 3M window film can be applied towards meeting the criteria for earning LEED
credits.
All buildings, new and existing, applying for LEED certification must meet the EPA ENERGY STAR® rating of at least 60.
Certification for minimum energy performance requires that building electricity bills, cost, and usage be provided before
improvements are made and that for a given building type and function, specific energy reduction goals must be met according to the
guidelines for the EPA ENERGY STAR® rating.
How Window Film Earns LEED Credits
1. Energy Performance Credits
Buildings that exceed the EPA ENERGY STAR® rating of 60 required for certification can receive up to 10 LEED credits through
additional energy efficiency improvements (LEED E&A Credit #1). The table below shows the LEED points that can be earned for an
existing building based on additional energy efficiency improvements. 3M window film alone can provide from one to four LEED
points in energy efficiency improvements, depending on the environment and the film installed.
2. Credit for Light Pollution Reduction
Light pollution reduction, also known as “Light Trespass”, is covered by Credit #7 under the “Sustainable Sites” goal. “Light
Trespassing” occurs when lighting used within the building is visible at certain levels in the surrounding external environment. To
qualify for this LEED credit, most of the internal light must fall within the building. Luminosity measurements are taken outdoors, with
all lights off, and again with all the lights on. A LEED credit is achieved if the outdoor illumination level does not increase more than
10% than levels with the “lights on.”
Installing 3M solar control window film will result in a lower amount of visible light transmission (VLT) through the windows. Window
films have varying degrees of visible light transmission, and films with lower VLT ratings will greatly reduce light trespass from the
building. When choosing a film, you can consider the amount of likely light trespass in advance and select specific films with a given
target in mind.
3. Glare Reduction Credit
Under the Environmental Quality category (EQ #8.2), a credit can be achieved for “providing for glare control features for all windows
where direct penetration of sunlight would interfere with normal occupant activities”. This is a goal that works in conjunction with the
light pollution requirement in Sustainable Sites Credit 7 for “light trespass”. This requirement can be met by applying window films
with a VLT low enough to meet occupant requirements for glare-free activity. Window film can eliminate unwanted glare on computer
screens and maintain an internal glare free environment, allowing you to pursue both “light trespass and glare reduction” credits in a
single application.
5. Thermal Comfort
Improving and maintaining thermal comfort for one LEED Credit is an option under section EQ 7.1 of the certification program. The
performance measurements are the same as those for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 55-2004. ASHRAE 55-2004 is a thermal comfort standard that outlines requirements for
documenting a space as appropriately thermally comfortable for the occupants. The credit can be met by demonstrating compliance
with data logging temperatures (#7.6.2.2), or by survey, where at least 80% of building occupants must consider themselves
comfortable in the building climate (#7.6.2.1). This includes mitigating “local discomfort” (#5.2.4) and reducing temperature variations
with time (#5.2.5).
Solar heat transmitted through untreated windows is often the cause of local discomfort. Occupant complaints about excessive heat
or hot spots can be completely mitigated by applying high performance, 3M solar rejecting window films (as referenced in section #5.
2.4). 3M Solar control window film excels at moderating temperature variations over time, greatly improving thermal comfort (as
referenced in #5.2.5).
6. Innovation Credits
There is also an innovation category for up to four extra LEED credits that you can apply for by making a case that a chosen building
upgrade, not currently covered under the LEED for Existing Buildings standard, has improved the environment of the building.
There are two ways that 3M window film can be used to apply for the innovation credits. One way is to apply for a credit based on the
environmental benefits provided by blocking ultraviolet radiation through 3M solar control window film. 3M window film blocks 99% or
more of harmful UV A and UV B rays, which contribute to skin damage and skin cancer, and are the leading factor causing fading to
interiors. A second eligible credit could be earned if fade reduction can be applied to reducing waste or improved building
maintenance, as specified in the Materials and Resources section of the standard.
Optimize Your LEED Credits
There are many opportunities to leverage 3M window film when applying for LEED certification. While some categories seem to
contradict each other, it is important to review the entire set of opportunities and apply for the areas that will provide the most impact
for your building. 3M Window Film offers an array of window films with varying VLTs and heat rejection properties. Analyzing your
building and occupant needs in conjunction with the LEED certification requirements will help you to select the best film or set of films
for your building.
Call Now For A FREE Estimate at 480.306.4420
Request a FREE in home survey with one of our 3M window film consultants
Request a FREE in home survey with one of our 3M window film consultants
The U.S. Green Building Council
(USGBC) is a 501(c)(3) non profit
organization that certifies
sustainable businesses, homes,
hospitals, schools, and
neighborhoods. USGBC is
dedicated to expanding green
building practices and education,
and its LEED® (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental
Design) Green Building Rating
System™.
(USGBC) is a 501(c)(3) non profit
organization that certifies
sustainable businesses, homes,
hospitals, schools, and
neighborhoods. USGBC is
dedicated to expanding green
building practices and education,
and its LEED® (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental
Design) Green Building Rating
System™.
The Better Business Bureau. A
company who influences an
ethical marketplace where
buyers and sellers can trust each
other. BBB sees trust as a
function of two primary factors:
integrity and performance.
Integrity includes respect, ethics
and intent. Performance speaks
to a business track record of
delivering results in accordance
with BBB standards and/or
addressing customer concerns
in a timely, satisfactory manner.
company who influences an
ethical marketplace where
buyers and sellers can trust each
other. BBB sees trust as a
function of two primary factors:
integrity and performance.
Integrity includes respect, ethics
and intent. Performance speaks
to a business track record of
delivering results in accordance
with BBB standards and/or
addressing customer concerns
in a timely, satisfactory manner.
Authorized Window Film Dealer
Prestige Dealer Network. As a
leader in both adhesive and film
technologies, 3M brings
together these disciplines to
create the finest window film
products today. These films are
available exclusively through
their authorized dealers for
residential installations.
Prestige Dealer Network. As a
leader in both adhesive and film
technologies, 3M brings
together these disciplines to
create the finest window film
products today. These films are
available exclusively through
their authorized dealers for
residential installations.
The Skin Cancer Foundation
recommends many
3M window film products as
effective UV protectants.
recommends many
3M window film products as
effective UV protectants.
Call 480.306.4420
East Valley Showroom: 7143 East Southern Avenue, Suite 113 Mesa, AZ 85209 I Phone: 480.306.4420
West Valley Sales: I Phone: 602.595.4447
Warranty Claims and Service Department: I Phone: 480.888.9703
West Valley Sales: I Phone: 602.595.4447
Warranty Claims and Service Department: I Phone: 480.888.9703
ECO foster .com
Department of Blinds N Shutters Superstore and More
A Brand On, Brand
Department of Blinds N Shutters Superstore and More
A Brand On, Brand