With the race against climate change and the preservation of natural resources well and truly on, many industries are striving to improve energy efficiency. This includes looking for more sustainable ways of working and modifying how they build.
For architectural design and construction, more and more attention is being paid to incorporating new and innovative materials that help maximise energy efficiency, many of which are installed as a part of passive energy efficiency strategies. In this blog from ARC Structures, we explore how ETFE and polycarbonate structures can be used to achieve passive energy efficiency.
Get in touch today to see how we can help you achieve greater energy efficiency through attractive tensile structures and designs.
What is a Passive Strategy for Energy Efficiency?
Before outlining how ETFE and polycarbonate can be used to create passive energy efficiency, we must first understand what is meant by a ‘passive strategy’ for energy efficiency.
In short, passive strategies are exactly as they sound – they are not active in their production of energy-efficient outcomes, but instead their effects occur as a by-product of the strategy, material, or system existing within a space.
Passive design strategies factor in a building’s surroundings and opportunities for maximising energy use. So, while passive design features do provide aesthetic qualities and comfort for users of a space, they simultaneously maximise energy efficiency. Maximising energy use through passive systems relieves pressure on mechanical systems that may otherwise be used to maintain the comfort of a space, such as heating and lighting.
How Energy Efficient are ETFE and Polycarbonate?
Passive strategies for energy efficiency come in a wide range of forms and materials, including ETFE and polycarbonate, which can be used to produce several design features.
ETFE
ETFE is a high-performance building material that can be used as a substitute for glass in structures, façades, and roofs. When used in design, ETFE boasts several advantages for energy efficiency:
1. In comparison to glass, ETFE has the potential to reduce energy costs by up to 30%. Other energy benefits include:
- Increased light transmission of up to 90%.
- Higher heat retention. –
- Increased natural light compared to glass.
2. Internal climate control – ETFE materials offer architects the opportunity to regulate the amount of light that enters a building.
3. ETFE maximises natural daylight entering a space, allowing for full spectrum transmission, resulting in reduced heating and electric costs.
4. ETFE roofing lets daylight in and protects from extreme outdoor temperatures:
- When outdoor temperatures are cold, warm air is blown up the internal surface to prevent freezing.
- When outdoor temperatures rise, internal heat is able to escape through the structure’s top.
5. Fritting can be added to reflect heat and reduce pressure on internal air conditioning systems – further reducing energy use.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate materials also have notable energy efficiency advantages:
1. Their use within design helps building owners reduce their utility costs.
2. They add value and maximise comfort.
3. Similar to ETFE, polycarbonate thermoplastics are commonly used in roofing installations due to their ability to transmit light while also providing thermal insulation.
4. Their properties reduce the need for artificial lighting and excess heating and cooling costs.
5. Alongside these energy-focused advantages, polycarbonate materials are also:
- Lightweight.
- Durable.
- Impact resistant.
6. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them suitable for use in a range of contexts.
In addition to helping home or business owners save money on their energy bills, ETFE or polycarbonate materials might also be an appropriate consideration for those seeking to create a more sustainable space in that their use maximises the use of sustainable energy sources. But how sustainable are the materials themselves?
How Sustainable are ETFE and Polycarbonate Materials?
ETFE installations are both safer and lighter in weight when compared to glass. As a result, structures that use ETFE require less structural support. This impacts the quantity of materials required for the structure as a whole – for example, a project using ETFE will require fewer heavy structural materials such as steel. One key sustainability advantage of ETFE is its recyclability; the thermoplastic composition of ETFE means it can be melted down and reprocessed multiple times without a significant loss of properties.
Similarly, polycarbonate is a fully recyclable material that can be broken into parts, collected, processed, and reused at the end of its life cycle. Again, this closed-loop recycling structure helps reduce the amount of building materials being sent to landfill while also reducing the demand for new raw materials.
This re-usability contributes to a circular economy and reduces the demand for raw materials – making both ETFE and polycarbonate ideal candidates for projects looking to honour green building initiatives. The energy efficiency, durability, recyclability, lightweight construction, and suitable design potential all contribute to their suitability for use in sustainable design. As more and more organisations incorporate sustainability and reduced environmental impact into their core targets, ETFE and polycarbonate assist in the preservation of natural materials and work towards meeting your sustainability targets.
ETFE and Polycarbonate Structures from ARC
Here at ARC Structures, we specialise in creating innovative, visually interesting tensile fabric structures and canopies – built to your specifications, in line with your brief, and supporting your environmental goals. We offer both ETFE structures and polycarbonate canopies, and help you take your project from start to finish.
We’re always on hand to help extend the lifespan of your structure with robust creative designs and bespoke maintenance solutions. Speak to a member of our team today to find out more!
Explore the benefits of ETFE as a building material for roofs >
Find out more about the sustainability of tensile fabric structures >
Learn how to improve the energy efficiency of your building >