How High-Speed Rapid Doors Can Help Businesses Achieve Green Building Certifications

In today’s business world, sustainability is more than just a buzzword; it’s a competitive necessity. Many businesses are looking to improve their sustainability practices not only to reduce environmental impact but also to meet the growing demand for businesses doing the right thing and eco-friendly products and services. Achieving green building certifications, such as a Green Star Rating, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), or NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System), can set a business apart and demonstrate its commitment to sustainability.

One often overlooked but highly effective way to improve a building's sustainability profile is by installing Movidor high-speed rapid doors. These advanced industrial doors are designed to open and close quickly, and they offer a range of benefits that contribute to the green building certification process.

Let’s explore how high-speed rapid doors can help businesses meet the requirements for green building certifications.

1. Energy Efficiency and Climate Control

One of the core pillars of most green building certifications is improving energy efficiency, particularly when it comes to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). High-speed rapid doors contribute significantly to this by minimizing the amount of time doors stay open, thus reducing air exchange between different areas of a facility.

• Temperature control: For warehouses, manufacturing facilities, or cold storage units, controlling internal temperatures is critical. High-speed doors open and close in a matter of seconds, preventing the loss of conditioned air (whether warm or cool) and keeping the internal climate stable. This reduces the workload on HVAC systems, leading to lower energy consumption.
• Air sealing: Many high-speed rapid doors come with tight seals that further prevent drafts and air leakage when the doors are closed. This additional insulation effect helps maintain consistent temperatures, which is particularly important for buildings that require strict temperature control, such as food storage or pharmaceutical warehouses.

By reducing energy waste through better temperature control, businesses can meet the energy efficiency criteria required for certifications like Green Star Rating.

2. Reducing Carbon Footprint

Green building certifications often reward businesses that take steps to reduce their overall carbon footprint. High-speed rapid doors contribute to this by improving operational efficiency and cutting down on energy use.

• Less energy for HVAC systems: High-speed doors help maintain internal temperatures, meaning less energy is required to heat or cool the facility. By lowering energy consumption, businesses indirectly reduce the carbon emissions associated with energy production, especially in regions where fossil fuels are the primary energy source.
• Smarter operational flow: In facilities where high-speed rapid doors are used between different operational zones, such as between loading docks and storage areas, the faster door operation means vehicles like forklifts can move more efficiently. This results in less time idling, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
• Locally sourced manufacturers: Sourcing Rapid Door Suppliers locally, within Australia, reduces the need for freight from overseas.  Again reducing the carbon footprint by minimising the distance required for travel. Another aspect of using a local supplier means, of course, lower lead times for spare parts and access to local service and engineering teams.  

These energy and emission savings help businesses align with the requirements for reducing environmental impact, which is central to green building certification standards.

3. Improved Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is another key focus area for green building certifications. High-speed rapid doors can help maintain better air quality within a facility by limiting the infiltration of outside contaminants, dust, and debris.

• Reduced air contamination: In environments where outside air could bring in dust, dirt, or pollutants, high-speed rapid doors minimize the exposure by quickly closing off access points. This is particularly beneficial in cleanroom environments, food processing facilities, and other spaces where air quality is crucial.
• Airlock potential: High-speed doors can be used to create airlocks in certain areas, further limiting the infiltration of outside pollutants and maintaining strict air quality standards. For industries where air cleanliness is essential, this can be an important factor in obtaining certifications.

By helping to maintain cleaner air inside the building, businesses can score higher on the health and wellness aspects of green certifications.

4. Sustainability Through Durable Materials

Green certifications also focus on the sustainability of building materials. Many high-speed rapid doors are made from durable, long-lasting materials that require less frequent replacement compared to traditional industrial doors such as roller shutters.

• Durability and low maintenance: High-speed rapid doors are built to withstand heavy use and harsh conditions, which means fewer repairs and replacements over time. Fewer replacements translate to less material waste, lower overall environmental impact, and a reduced need for manufacturing new parts or doors, which conserves resources.
• Recyclable materials: Some manufacturers offer high-speed rapid doors made from recyclable materials, which can further contribute to a building’s sustainability profile. When selecting doors, businesses can choose models that align with green building certification material requirements, such as LEED’s focus on using sustainable and recycled content.

By choosing durable, low-maintenance doors, businesses can reduce the environmental footprint associated with building materials, an essential factor in achieving green building certifications.

5. Optimized Operational Efficiency

Efficient operations can also contribute to green building certifications, especially in the categories related to productivity and sustainability. High-speed rapid doors allow for faster movement of goods and people, which enhances overall operational efficiency.

• Reduced wait times: Whether at loading docks or internal checkpoints, the faster cycle time of high-speed doors minimizes delays. This means less energy wasted while equipment like forklifts wait for doors to open or close, and less congestion at key points in the building’s workflow.
• Automation integration: High-speed rapid doors can be integrated with automation systems, allowing them to work seamlessly with sensors, conveyor belts, and other automated equipment. This integration further enhances operational efficiency, making the facility more sustainable by reducing energy consumption related to operations.

By improving operational efficiency, high-speed rapid doors can help businesses meet productivity and sustainability targets set by green building certifications.

6. Support for Certification Requirements

Many certification bodies award points for buildings that use innovative solutions to improve sustainability. Green Star benchmarks projects against the nine Green Star categories of: Management; Indoor Environment Quality; Energy; Transport; Water; Materials; Land Use & Ecology; Emissions and Innovation. Within each category are credits which address specific aspects of sustainable building design, construction or performance. Ratings for buildings are available at the design stage ('Design' ratings), at the post-construction phase (known as 'As Built' ratings) or for interior fitouts (‘Interiors’ ratings).

High-speed rapid doors, when installed strategically, can contribute to multiple categories in these certification programs, including:

• Energy and atmosphere: By reducing energy consumption for HVAC systems.
• Indoor environmental quality: By improving air quality and temperature control. Therefore also contributing to a better workplace for employees. 
• Sustainable materials and resources: Through the use of durable, low maintenance and potentially recyclable door materials.
• Reduced Freight Emissions: By choosing products manufactured locally, lowering freight emissions. 
• Innovation in design: High-speed doors can be part of a broader sustainability strategy, showcasing a business’s commitment to using advanced technology to enhance environmental performance.

These contributions can help businesses earn valuable points towards their certification goals.

Conclusion

Installing high-speed rapid doors is a smart and effective way for businesses to enhance their sustainability efforts and move closer to achieving green building certifications. By reducing energy consumption, improving air quality, and supporting operational efficiency, these doors provide tangible benefits that align with the criteria of major certification programs.

For businesses aiming to improve their sustainability credentials and meet the demands of eco-conscious clients and regulators, high-speed rapid doors offer a practical and impactful solution. They not only contribute to reducing environmental impact but also improve operational performance, creating a win-win situation for both businesses and the planet.