Randy Hahn of A.I.A. Plastics says, "We have conducted tests on heat blocking material and Acrylite Heatstop sheet does reduce the amount of heat coming from acrylic dome-style skylights. As a result, it lowers the internal ambient room temperature compared to conventional skylight lenses. For these reasons, we thought that we could provide an alternative that would satisfy the management at Administrative Concepts."

As a test, Turner Morris replaced the lens of the skylight above the desk of Administrative Concepts owner Dale Johnson with Acrylite Heatstop sheet, a product of Evonik/Cyro (Parsippany, NJ), part of the Germany-based global company Evonik Degussa. "I immediately noticed a difference in the heat gain and glare," said Johnson. "I didn't hesitate to call Turner Morris and tell them to proceed with replacing the other skylights as soon as possible.

Adds Johnson, "We are thrilled with the Acrylite Heatstop and would recommend this solution to any building owner. The new skylights provide the best of both worlds because we still enjoy natural light throughout our office and have been able to reduce our energy costs."

Evonik Cyro says studies have shown that annual air conditioning costs can be reduced by as much as 33% with Acrylite Heatstop, compared with traditional glazing materials. Additionally, the natural light allows a reduction in electrical lighting costs. Evonik Cyro markets its acrylic sheet products under the Acrylite trademark in the Americas and under the Plexiglas brand in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.