An alternative approach for the energy and environmental rating of advanced glazing: An electrochromic window case study

The combined methodology for the rating of advanced glazing proposed in this work, aims to add the economical and the environmental aspect to the existing evaluation systems. Taking into account the special characteristics of the advanced glazing, a life cycle assessment (LCA) study and an eco-efficiency analysis have been combined to provide an alternative rating scheme, which has been applied to an electrochromic window as a case study. The proper graphical representation of the selected indicators leads to figures clearly depicting a rating result for the selected product. Such rating schemes can be useful for the consumers and also for the product manufacturers, requesting for additional necessary input apart from its typical technical characteristics only the product expected lifetime, its purchase cost and the energy required for its production.