Australia’s changing climate has become an important consideration in the specification of automatic doors in buildings. Therefore, it is imperative that designers and specifiers incorporate sustainable design principles into the specification process. This means selecting automatic door systems that enable the delivery of temperate indoor environments by:
- preventing the loss of conditioned air during operation;
- incorporating glazing and other elements with the lowest possible U-value (the rate of transfer of heat through a structure) to provide insulation against solar gain; and
- making efficient use of energy in actuators and other mechanised components.
The Problems Of Incorrect Specification
Incorrect specification of automatic doors for any particular building type has its own shortcomings, impacting building performance, safety, cost, sustainability and visual appeal.
Loss of Airflow
When doors are left open for too long, the resulting air leakage can have a negative impact on the building’s carbon footprint. In addition to the extra mechanical heating and cooling required to compensate for the energy loss, air leakage also reduces the efficiency of climate control systems, posing a sustainability issue and raising building operating costs.
Doors that do not efficiently open and close can lead to temperature fluctuations and poor Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), which can reduce thermal comfort levels and negatively impact occupant health and wellbeing. This is particularly of concern in quarantined areas within healthcare and transit environments, where the potential health risks are heightened by poorly specified door systems.
Safety Risks
Higher quality automatic doors will typically incorporate safety features that prevent injury caused by poorly timed door opening or closure. For example, advanced door systems may include automated control systems that more accurately detect entrants. These doors also typically incorporate more effective design mechanisms to prevent fingers and limbs from being crushed in the gaps surrounding the doors.
Costs
Poorly designed door systems can result in increased running costs, but there are also extra costs associated with rectifying and maintaining inappropriately specified systems. Inadequate door systems are at risk of persistent malfunctions and breakdowns, incurring additional repair or replacement costs. In some cases, an otherwise effective door system may not be fit for purpose for a specific environment. For example, a solution that is designed for low traffic scenarios will be at greater risk of breakdown if specified for a high traffic environment.
Sustainability
Poorly specified door systems can give rise to sustainability issues due to the aforementioned air leaks and inefficient mechanical components. Automatic doors with efficiency issues can reduce a building’s sustainability value and affect its rating in certification schemes such as BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
Visual Disruption
Poor function aside, low quality automatic door systems also lack the aesthetics required for contemporary buildings. Higher quality door systems will typically offer a range of design options, enabling designers and specifiers to select a solution that is visually in line with any architectural style or aesthetic used in the building.
Before Specifying a Door
Discuss your needs with one of our door specialists to ensure the right door is specified for your environment. At ASSA ABLOY, we are always implementing our latest technology that not only will save you money due to efficiency, but also offer the best in class safety and style to best fit the purpose of the building.
In line with the growing global focus on sustainability, ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems integrates environmental awareness and action into all stages of their process, from product development and source to manufacturing and logistics.
