Door Closer technology provides an important boost to building energy efficiency

A drive to improve energy efficiency across the commercial sector has been under way for many years. Almost a decade ago, the Harvard Business Review described energy efficiency as one of the “key levers of business success.”¹ In both the public sector and private industry, organizations seek solutions that boost sustainability and improve their bottom line.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), approximately 60% of the world’s electricity is consumed by residential and commercial buildings.² One simple and effective way to reduce this consumption and associated costs is to ensure doors are properly closed everywhere.

Studies have found that air infiltration can account for up to 18% of total heat loss in commercial buildings.³ The same research highlighted that infiltration through door openings becomes particularly significant in buildings with frequently used entrances, such as restaurants, retail stores, supermarkets, offices, and hospitals.

Measuring the energy impact of closed doors

The energy-efficiency benefits of a closed door are straightforward to understand. Although exact quantification can be complex, most scientific studies agree the impact is substantial. One recent study by the UK’s Strathclyde University used simulations of dynamic thermal and airflow exchanges to examine the benefits of keeping interior doors closed. They estimated potential energy savings of between 8% and 37%, depending on the building’s specific characteristics.³

Inside a building, a closed door helps maintain temperature differentials. Sometimes this is critical—for example, between an operating theatre and a corridor, or a server room and office spaces. In any location, consistently closed doors reduce the energy needed to heat or cool separate areas. These benefits apply year-round, in both hot and cold climates.

Fully closed interior doors also reduce stack pressure: the unwanted inward airflow on the ground floor caused by rising warm air within a building. In effect, closed doors help insulate building interiors from external conditions.

“Unfortunately, relying on building users to shut doors fully, every time, is not a realistic strategy,” says Quintin Boukan, Director & Head of Security Solutions for ASSA ABLOY Africa.

“Closed doors help to reduce energy waste. They also improve interior air quality and building security, and reduce noise pollution. An affordable, reliable, robust door closer ensures this important job always gets done.”

Barrier-free closing with Cam-Motion technology

Door closers featuring ASSA ABLOY’s Cam-Motion^® technology ensure reliable closing after every passage. Because installers can set separate latch and closing speeds, high closing force can be paired with comfortable opening. Low opening force is essential for accessibility and to maintain a barrier-free environment, in line with local regulations—yet the closing force must remain high enough to reliably close doors in all conditions. In an ASSA ABLOY Cam-Motion Door Closer, independent valves enable these dual settings.

For added convenience, an optional delayed closing function allows extra time for users to pass through. A standard back-check function slows the door’s final opening section, protecting the frame and preventing damage to adjacent walls.

“Door closing is about more than just comfort and fire protection,” adds Boukan. “The right door device improves energy efficiency and can reduce unnecessary expenditure on heating and cooling.”