Demonstration Overview
The STED Program is currently demonstrating sustainable door systems for use in facilities at Department of Defense (DoD) Installations.
Although doors for residential buildings are designated for Federal procurement preference under the Energy Star Program, the vast majority of DoD facilities are commercial rather than residential. This demonstration is evaluating insulated interior and exterior door systems for commercial buildings that offer improved energy efficiency compared to traditional hollow metal doors.
Conventional building doors for both interior and exterior door applications are sources of energy loss due to air leaks and low insulation properties. In addition, conventional doors with entry control system and automated door openers are not energy efficient. A sustainable door system was identified that provides energy savings from both insulating properties and electrical power consumption. It is constructed of recycled content materials and provides energy savings from both insulating properties and electrical power consumption. The door system components are evaluated from a life cycle perspective and save energy due to improved insulation and intelligent control of various door opening solutions. The door system supports meeting various criteria in third-party green building certifications.
Sustainable door systems provide both performance and environmental benefits including:
- Reduced thermal heat transmission
- Reduced drafts and air seepage
- Reduction in electrical usage
- Reduced sound/noise transmission
- Increased use of recycled content and sustainable materials
- Reduced VOC off-gassing
- Contribution to building LEED ratings
- Enhanced security and access control
- Reliable and consistent door closing and locking
Before such door systems are utilized by the Military Departments and DoD Components, their performance must be proven to meet DoD requirements.
Demonstration Products*
The following sustainable door system products are currently being demonstrated:
- Ceco Trio-E 777E door system by ASSA ABLOY.
*Mention of or referral to commercial products, services, and manufacturers herein is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement by, nor the official policy or position of, the Department of Defense (DoD), any of its Components, or the U.S. Government.
Demonstration Sites
Field demonstrations of these products were performed at the following DoD installations to evaluate their performance in Military operational environments and to raise awareness of more energy efficient product availability:
- Redstone Arsenal
- Marine Corps Base Quantico
- Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)
- Fort Bragg
Demonstration Details
The energy efficient door system was installed at the participating sites and end users were asked to provide feedback on the product performance. The participating end user activities within the listed installations found the sustainable door system to be an acceptable alternative to their currently used door systems. Participants found that the door system exceeded operational and durability performance requirements while integrating into their existing access control/security system. Third-party certified results show significant energy savings (e.g., 1,578 KWh/year per door at JBSA, with an annual cost savings of $120 per door). The improved insulation around the doors also better prevented odor transmittal from exterior spaces to interior (e.g., from vehicle exhaust).