Software developed in partnership with one of the world’s leading technical universities has confirmed what most Australasian architects and builders have known for years – that revolving doors cut energy bills and take the load off HVAC systems.
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) partnered with 150-year-old architectural global revolving door firm Boon Edam to give architectural, building and facility management companies a scientifically validated yardstick to measure the savings of their energy-saving doors.
The software TU Delft developed with Boon Edam is now in use locally and globally, according to Boon Edam Australia managing director, Michael Fisher.
“This invaluable software is the long-awaited result of a collaboration with a highly respected technical and architectural institution, one of the best in the world,” he said. “Through the new sustainability software, architects and builders can now make some science-based ROI comparisons that consider the comfort and sustainability objectives of the spaces they create.”
Fisher said a science-based approach gives specifiers the chance to demonstrate these savings.
He said revolving doors offer permanent gains in energy efficiency across the spectrum of commercial building types, both existing structures and new buildings seeking NABERS or National Electricity Market (NEM) measurable sustainability credentials.
Available throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, a first use of the software was applied to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane building models.
It showed the payback period for installing a revolving door, instead of a less energy-efficient sliding door, is shrinking rapidly as energy prices continue to rise.
At current energy prices – which are due to rise again this year – Melbourne has the quickest payback time of four years, with Brisbane next at 4.9 years and Sydney at 5.7 years and shrinking.