Where Can Smart Windows Be Used?
Smart windows are gaining popularity all over the world and have been adopted across industries—from hospitality and healthcare to offices and universities. These windows, also called smart glass, tint or clear automatically in response to the sun, preventing excess light and heat from entering a building. In doing so, they offer many benefits that extend beyond traditional glazing solutions, including improved occupant well-being, enhanced energy efficiency and elevated architectural design.
Here's a look at how various industries can benefit from the versatility of smart windows.
Hospitality & Gaming
The hospitality industry thrives on creating inviting guest experiences and many hotels, restaurants, and casinos have installed electrochromic glass to give guests unobstructed views of the outdoors and plenty of natural light, without uncomfortable excess heat and glare. Studies show that when guests are more comfortable, they spend more time in a space—and therefore more money.Healthcare and Life Sciences
In healthcare settings, patient comfort and well-being are paramount. Independent studies have linked smart windows to better health outcomes in hospitals, clinics, and other care facilities. They offer views of nature and natural light (both known to promote healing) and minimize uncomfortable heat and glare from the sun. Smart windows also make more comfortable spaces for physicians and other healthcare providers, meaning organizations can attract and retain the top talent in their fields. Another benefit is improved hygiene: Smart windows are easy to keep clean and don’t collect dust and germs the way traditional blinds and shades do.
Office Buildings & Businesses:
Designing a workplace that prioritizes employee wellness can have a direct effect on the business. Recent studies show that workers value access to natural light and outdoor views, and offices that provide those, generally have more productive employees. Smart windows can help decrease sick leave, decrease absenteeism, increase workers’ cognitive function, and more. As office buildings work to attract and retain top talent, they’re adopting smart windows as an important factor in creating comfortable, productive environments for employees.
Airports:
Airports are undergoing a boom in infrastructure investment and are looking for high-tech solutions that will maximize the passenger experience while helping to advance net-zero ambitions. Smart windows can enhance the passenger experience by reducing glare, controlling heat, and managing daylight in terminals, ensuring that passengers stay comfortable. Studies show that even a 1% increase in customer satisfaction can boost non-aeronautical revenue by 1.5%. In other words, airports can increase revenue by keeping passengers comfortable.
Higher Education
Today’s students expect more from their college and university campuses, especially when it comes to sustainability and spaces that prioritize their wellness. Students actually learn material 20-26% faster in a classroom with natural light and views, making smart windows a smart investment on college campuses.
Cultural Institutions
Museums, galleries, and cultural institutions seek to create captivating spaces that showcase art and artifacts. Smart glass offers a unique solution by controlling light transmission, protecting delicate exhibits from harmful UV rays, and creating visually stunning displays. Most importantly, guests can immerse themselves without the unwanted effects of glare or heat.
For more information or to explore other examples of the benefits of smart window solutions across industries, check out additional SageGlass case studies.