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Warsaw Skyscraper Gets Spacer Spec
One of the tallest skyscrapers in the European Union is Poland’s Varso Tower. It was built with energy efficiency in mind. The glass elements use...
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Making Glazing Energy Amazing
European buildings would consume nearly 30% less energy if all of them were glazed with high performance glass, according to the latest research commissioned by Glass for Europe/Guardian Glass.
Buildings consume huge amounts of energy and the reduction of energy consumption is one of the key goals defined by the European Union. Whilst there is a lot of focus on renewable energy sources and thermally insulating materials, facade glazing also has much potential. The research ordered by Glass for Europe shows that the use of high-performance glass can help to achieve the goal in a relatively short time.
Two Ways for Europe
Research for The Glass for Europe report ‘Glazing Potential Energy Savings and CO2 Emission Reduction' was carried out by TNO. It presents the analysis of two hypothetical scenarios. These scenarios assume that by 2030 or 2050, all buildings in the European Union will be fitted with the recommended type of glazing. In the first case, they would consume 29% less energy annually, which would translate into a reduction of CO2 emissions by 28%. According to the scenario for 2050, the potential energy saving would be at the level of 37% with a similar reduction of CO2 emissions.
To download Glazing Potential Energy Savings & CO2 Emission Reduction - Click Here
UK estimates
Estimates for the United Kingdom are even more optimistic. The use of the right type of glass could, in 2030, reduce the amount of energy consumed by buildings by 32%. In 2050, it could be as much as 42%. Almost half of potential savings forecast for 2030 could be achieved in the first 10 years if we used highly selective glass in new buildings and doubled (from 2% to 4% annually) the coefficient of replacing old glazing with high performance glass. In the scale of Europe, this would mean consuming 200 Mtoe less energy and producing 240 million tonnes less of CO2.
Buildings of tomorrow built today
The data from the Glass for Europe report demonstrates that highly energy-efficient glazing yields would significantly benefit the environment and reduce the need for heating and cooling. Among some of its important parameters are both thermal insulation coefficient (Uw) and optimal solar radiation transmission (g). It is worth noting that the light transmission coefficient might also generate additional savings, although this was not mentioned in the report.
Guardian Glass
Glazing that meets these criteria can be found in the Guardian Glass portfolio. Products from the Guardian SunGuard range provide high light transmittance while also controlling solar radiation transmission. This helps to create well-lit spaces and prevents overheating during summer months. In winter, on the other hand, the buildings may be effectively protected from the negative effects of heat transfer by thermal insulation coefficient Uw = 0.5 W/(m2K) (in triple glazing). These properties make these products a common choice for modern and energy efficient buildings.
BREEAM Excellent
The products can be found in the façade of London’s iconic, BREEAM Excellent certified ‘Cheesegrater’ building with a 75,000 square metres façade featuring a curtain wall that is double glazed to allow for a high solar protection on neutral-looking glass. Two of Guardian’s products, SunGuard SN 51/28 and SunGuard SN 62/34, were used to help keep the building and its occupants cool thanks to their low g-value.
Picture: The Leadenhall Building, also known as The Cheesegrater, in the City of London.
Rubin and Sampford Photography
Article written by John Roper
09th January 2021