Using Glass to Increase Energy Efficiency

The global glass industry has seen increase in demand for more energy efficient glass technologies over the last decade. This trend is projected to rise by nearly 20% by the year 2026 according to a recent study from BIS research. The awareness of the effects of climate change combined with the steep rise in urban population in emerging countries have stimulated this movement for building construction to be more environmentally conscious. Many options exist within glazing systems to help lower environmental impact by preventing heat loss, increasing resistance to heat gain and harvesting natural light to reduce the use of electricity.

The environmental impact from outdated glazing systems can be significant. Using glass with a low emissivity coating is a common way to reduce that impact. Glass performance can be enhanced through many combinations of glass construction, tints, and coatings. Utilizing Low-E and other solar control types of glass on the exterior will increase natural lighting within the building while limiting the thermal effects of infrared energy and solar heat gain. Low-E coatings on glass are transparent and thinner than a human hair. This microscopic coating acts as an insulator and protects the interior temperature, whether it is warm or cold air, by reflecting it back inside. Two types of Low-E coatings that are typically used for exterior applications are passive coatings and solar control coatings. Passive Low-E coatings are designed to harvest the heat from the solar rays to reduce the need for interior artificial heating in colder climates, while solar control coatings are used to limit the heat transmitted from the outside in warmer climates. Adding decorative components to the glass surface also provides a measure of solar control. Utilizing ceramic frit in a distinctive pattern can help to marry the aesthetic and functional characteristics required in a building design such as the Diana Center at Barnard College. The combination of a Low-E coating and the uniquely designed gradient line pattern shades the interior of the building and protects occupants when the sun’s rays are their strongest.

Daylighting is another attribute of using glass in buildings, both interior and exterior. With the correct daylight harvesting systems, residential homes and businesses can save anywhere from 10-45% on their electric lighting bills. Using natural light instead of artificial light is not only economically beneficial, but has a significant positive impact on our overall well-being. Research has shown that people working in natural light are happier, more productive and healthier than those working in artificial light. By using glass to provide the connection between indoor occupants and the outdoors, building designers can also offer the added benefits of a low maintenance product, vary the degree of light transmission or to provide glare control, making decorative glass a very versatile material. 

Utilizing acid etched glass in place of clear glass is an excellent way to reap the benefits of a high light transmission material combined with increased functionality. Etched glass is chemically altered to create a frosted look which diffuses light creating privacy and glare control while still allowing a high level of light transmission within the space. Using interior components such as glass staircases and railings instead of traditional wood or metal can also improve the amount of light that is extended into a space. An example of this is the Zurich North America headquarters where glass railings where installed with a ceramic frit pattern. This brings an element of texture and design, while still creating a bright, open atmosphere.

With the help of decorative glass applications, decreasing our environmental impact has never looked more beautiful. For more information on energy efficient glass solutions and other glass products and applications, please contact us at [email protected].