In view of the rising energy requirements in buildings, minimising heat loss is becoming increasingly important. Around 60% of global electricity consumption is accounted for by residential and commercial buildings. A considerable proportion of this energy loss is caused by doors that are not closed properly. The use of effective door closers helps to prevent unwanted heat and cold escaping, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption for heating and air conditioning.

Energy efficiency of closed doors


Dynamic simulations of heat and air flow behaviour demonstrate the potential of closed interior doors: A study by the University of Strathclyde found savings of between 8% and 37%, depending on building parameters such as door and wall insulation, room volume and temperature gradients. Closed doors reduce convective heat loss and prevent warm or cold air from entering from neighbouring rooms – a key factor in maintaining stable room temperatures and reducing operating costs.

Technical features of CamMotion® door closers ASSA ABLOY’s CamMotion® technology combines precise mechanical control with individually adjustable hydraulic valves. Key features include:

• Separate adjustment of opening and closing force: Independent valves allow both parameters to be fine-tuned.
• Accessibility: Low opening forces ensure easy door movement without compromising closing force.
• Delayed closing: Optionally integrable, it provides additional passage comfort and facilitates the transport of loads.
• Opening damping: Standard damping at the end angle protects door frames and adjacent components from damage.

These technical features comply with current accessibility standards and ensure both safety and comfort in heavily frequented areas.

Application examples

• Medical facilities: Operating theatres and control rooms require constant temperature and hygiene conditions. CamMotion® door closers prevent air exchange and minimise vibrations caused by uncontrolled slamming.
• Office buildings: In air-conditioned areas, doors that close correctly ensure consistent room temperatures and thus contribute to reducing cooling and heating loads.
• Hotels: In public corridors and guest rooms, gently damping closing mechanisms enable quiet and safe handling – an essential factor for comfort and privacy.
• Educational institutions: Classrooms and lecture halls benefit from stable temperature conditions and low background noise, as unwanted opening and closing is prevented.
• Synergy of efficiency and user comfort: Choosing a door closer with high adjustability and a robust mechanical design is an investment in sustainable building management. Reducing thermal bridges at door openings not only lowers energy consumption and operating costs in the long term, but also significantly improves the indoor climate and acoustics. At the same time, accessibility is guaranteed for all user groups.

Outlook

Future developments in the field of intelligent building technology will open up further potential by integrating door closers into networked systems for automatic climate and security control. Sensors and smart controls could further optimise the interaction between door and building technology, thereby raising energy efficiency to a new level.

Info box

Sources (ASSA ABLOY)
ASSA ABLOY, brochure ‘CamMotion® Door Closers’, 2024 edition (free download)
ASSA ABLOY, white paper ‘Increasing energy efficiency through door technology’, 2024 edition https://tinyurl.com/mrx55vnc
ASSA ABLOY, CamMotion® technical specification, revised April 2025

Brief summary

Thanks to CamMotion® technology, modern door closers prevent convective heat loss and thus reduce energy consumption by up to 37%. Independent hydraulic valves allow precise adjustment of the opening and closing force, which ensures barrier-free access and complies with all relevant standards.

Optional closing delay and integrated opening damping increase passage comfort and reliably protect adjacent components. The versatile areas of application range from clinics and operating theatres to office buildings, hotels and educational institutions. In addition, CamMotion® door closers can be seamlessly integrated into smart building technology to optimise energy and operating costs in the long term.