Transparent wood composites (TWCs) are emerging as a new material of interest to designers of the built environment. With thermal conductivities ≈15% of conventional silica glass, TWCs are a novel glazing material with the potential to reduce the environmental impact of buildings by improving their operational energy efficiency. Presented in this study are results from whole building energy simulations that implement single- and double-paned TWC-based window assemblies in large office and midrise apartment buildings to quantify the potential energy savings compared to windows made with conventional silica glass. Depending on the reference building and climate zone, the results demonstrate that up to 33% of space heating and cooling energy can be saved using TWCs as a glazing material in commercial buildings.
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