The idea of green buildings is to design and construct spaces to use resources in a sustainable way. Glass has a significant role to play in this. All of us look through glass and windows so often that we no longer notice it. While we take for granted that buildings must be equipped with glass, its numerous benefits in buildings are mostly ignored. Beyond its critical role in terms of aesthetics, safety, durability, sound insulation, etc., glass is integral in designing truly sustainable and low energy buildings. Thanks to the continuous improvement in thermal insulation performance, combined with new methods of modulating solar heat and light transmission, glazing has strengthened its position as an essential construction material for low energy buildings. In addition to being an entirely recyclable material, glass has the obvious advantage of transparency to increase natural light use. Natural light is free, so “daylighting” can replace up to 70-80% of the use of electric lighting and evenly distribute sunlight throughout a space. Plus, studies show that natural light is proven to increase worker productivity and job satisfaction.
Different types of window treatments and grades of glass affect the amount of light transmission through a window. Other daylighting methods include clerestory windows, skylights, light shelves, light tubes, sawtooth roofs, heliostat’s, smart glass, hybrid solar lighting, and solariums. Key factors in energy management that involve the building envelope, and therefore, glass, are:
• U-Value
• Solar Factor / Solar Heat Gain Co-efficient
• Reflective Heat Gain
• Visual Comfort
U-Value (also called U-factor), measures thermal conductance, or insulation, between the outdoors and the indoors via the glass. A lower number indicates better insulation and, therefore, thermal control. Solar factor is a combination of directly transmitted solar and radiant energy and the proportion of the absorbed solar energy that enters a buildings interior—the lower the number, the better solar control. Reflective Heat Gain (RHG) calculates heat gain due to solar factor and U-value. Visible Light Transmission refers to the percentage of light transmitted through the glass.
When used appropriately, Low-E glass (low emissivity) can be used to minimize heat loss and gain and control glare. Various coatings and lamination’s are applied for the desired effect. Depending on placement and climate, high-performance coated glass results in reduced use of heating and air-conditioning systems. In hot climates, solar control glass results in huge savings on utility bills while increasing occupants comfort. Specialty glasses can filter light to reduce heat transfer from outdoors into buildings. This glass keeps buildings cool during the day while retaining heat at night, ultimately reducing the amount of energy needed to regulate temperatures. Some insulated glasses are manufactured to block sunlight transmission at angles greater than 30 degrees, reducing solar heat gain and, in turn, cooling the interiors of buildings. Additionally, it can protect furniture, carpeting, and artwork from damaging UV rays.
The smart use of efficient glazing helps to design and build attractive and comfortable low energy buildings. So, when looking to create advantages for both the environment and bottom line, look to high-performance glass technologies.
For more information about high performance glass, please call 800-365-9922 or visit here.