January 27, 2025

Accessibility doors that open automatically at the push of a button and then close automatically behind the user are a great resource for members of our University community who need them, but if you don’t need the assistance, then avoid using these doors, because they can contribute to energy waste.

A study from MIT demonstrates that just under 75 percent of use of accessibility doors is by folks who do not have a disability or impairment that prevents them from using a standard or revolving door. Frequent accessibility door usage by community members who do not have a disability can add up to tens of thousands of dollars in unnecessary energy usage, because these doors open and close slowly and stay open longer – thereby letting in cold or hot air from outside and letting out all the temperature-controlled air from inside. This effect is most acute during the harsh winter and summer months.

So to preserve energy, please avoid using accessibility doors unless you need to. Bonus tip: Use revolving doors where available; revolving doors “create a useful airlock that prevents excessive air exchange with the outside world, which “protects the ground floor from weather, and improves energy efficiency” (Source).

Remember also to turn off lights when not in use, reduce heating where possible, and unplug power strips, chargers and devices when you don’t need them.

Let’s work together this winter season and beyond to build a more sustainable Drexel!