IMPACT OF ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOW SYSTEMS ON THE FINANCIAL REDUCTION OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN BUILDINGS

Abstract

Windows constitute one of the most critical components of the building envelope because they significantly influence heat transfer, solar gains, daylight penetration, and, consequently, the overall energy performance of buildings. As global efforts toward decarbonization and sustainable construction intensify, the development and implementation of energy-efficient window technologies have become increasingly important. Recent advances in glazing materials, surface coatings, and adaptive technologies have created new opportunities to reduce energy consumption while improving indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort. The subject of this study is advanced energy-efficient window systems and their thermal and operational performance in contemporary buildings. The research focuses on innovative glazing technologies, including triple and vacuum glazing, transparent aerogel insulation, low-emissivity coatings and films, smart electrochromic and thermochromic glazing systems, and optimized framing materials. The purpose of the study is to assess the effectiveness of advanced window technologies in improving building energy efficiency, reducing thermal losses, and enhancing climate responsiveness. The study also seeks to identify the most economically and technically feasible solutions for both new construction and the retrofitting of existing buildings. The methodology of the research is based on a systematic review and comparative analysis of peer-reviewed scientific publications devoted to high-performance window technologies. The reviewed studies were evaluated according to several criteria, including thermal transmittance (U-value), solar control performance, adaptability to different climatic conditions, and applicability in building retrofit projects. A comparative approach was employed to identify the advantages and limitations of individual technologies and to examine their potential contribution to reducing building energy consumption. The findings indicate that vacuum glazing and aerogel-based transparent insulation systems demonstrate the lowest thermal transmittance values and provide superior thermal performance. Smart electrochromic glazing exhibits the highest level of adaptability and solar control efficiency in regions characterized by mixed climatic conditions. At the same time, low-emissivity coatings and films remain the most cost-effective and practically applicable solutions for improving the energy performance of existing buildings due to their relatively low installation costs and significant impact on reducing heat losses. The conclusions of the study suggest that advanced window technologies can reduce building energy consumption by approximately 15–45%, depending on climatic conditions, building characteristics, and selected technological solutions. The research also reveals a lack of integrated cross-technology assessment frameworks capable of simultaneously accounting for material performance, climate responsiveness, and building design parameters. The study concludes that the adoption of energy-efficient window systems should be considered a fundamental component of low-carbon building design and sustainable urban development strategies.