Revolving doors are greener than standard ones

Here’s an easy way to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions: use revolving doors instead of standard entryways whenever you can.

According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), revolving doors help reduce the amount of heat lost from buildings when people walk in or out. Student researchers there have calculated that an average of eight times as much air is lost to the outside when using a standard door, compared to a revolving door.

In the case of one building on its campus, MIT estimates revolving-door use could save $7,500 in natural gas costs a year (enough to heat five homes) and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 15 tonnes.

The university has embarked upon a “Resolve to Revolve” campaign that’s encouraging those on campus to choose revolving doors when possible.