PPG issues white paper on energy savings with ‘cool’ wall, window, roof systems

The 12-page document, Energy Savings in High-Rise Buildings Using High-Reflective Coatings, summarizes an energy modeling study conducted by an independent energy and environmental analysis firm on prototype eight-story office buildings in 12 North American cities.



The study showed that, when IR-reflectance for metal wall, window frame and roof coatings was increased from 5 percent to 70 percent, total building energy costs were reduced by 1 percent in cold-weather cities such as Boston, Chicago and Ottawa, and by up to 4 percent in warm-weather cities such as Mexico City and  Phoenix.



The study showed that cooling loads for prototype buildings were cut by 2 percent or more in cold-weather locales, and by as much as 7 percent in sunny climates. Size requirements for fans and air-handling units (AHUs) also were diminished by 3 to 7 percent.



The study concluded that “the small premium paid for heat-reflective coatings [compared to standard fluoropolymer coatings] pays for itself many times over in energy savings for the building owner … even in cold climates.”



In addition to combined savings for high-reflectance walls, window frames and roofs, the white paper details energy and equipment size reductions for each as individual components, and for escalating reflectance levels from 25 to 65 percent.



Visit www.ppgideascapes.com to download the white paper, or call 1-888-PPG-IDEA (774-4332) to order a printed version.



About PPG

PPG Industries’ vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty products company. Founded in 1883, the company serves customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, PPG operates in more than 60 countries around the globe. Sales in 2010 were $13.4 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.