Energy efficient buildings are becoming common place across the globe and a standard feature of these new structures is energy-efficient glazing. By using energy-efficient glass architects ensure that the carbon footprint of a building is reduced, heat is retained and the energy consumption is kept at a low level. This week we are going to look at energy-efficient buildings in China and reveal how a world superpower is incorporating energy-efficient glass into new buildings in an attempt to lower C0² emissions.
The Sino Italian Ecological and Energy Efficient Building (SIEEB) at Tsinghua University in Beijing is a shining example of a building that has employed
energy-efficient glass to ensure it works with the environment and not against it. Designed by Italian architect Mario Cucinella this centre for energy consumption research optimises solar energy.
Double glazed façades combined with horizontal sunshades were used to create the building’s exposed exterior on the east and west. In addition, pivoting
glass louvers with reflective coating cover the exterior walls of the courtyard to regulate daylight and solar gain. This innovative use of
energy-efficient glass ensures that the SIEEB harnesses the power of natural energy sources all year round.
Another impressive addition to China’s growing stable of
energy-efficient buildings is the University of Nottingham’s Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies (CSET) that is located in the burgeoning sea port of Ningbo in the North East of the country. The shape of the building is inspired by Chinese lanterns and it features an array of
energy-efficient measures that make it the first zero-emissions building in China.
Energy-efficient glazing performs an important role in ensuring that the CSET consumes little energy. The building envelope uses
energy-efficient glazing to manage solar radiation and reduces the need for air conditioning. Alongside this a large rooftop opening works to optimise the effect of the
solar glazing as it creates natural ventilation that allows daylight to illuminate interior spaces.
The benefits of
energy-efficient glazing experienced by the buildings mentioned in this blog can also be achieved by homeowners who opt to install
energy-efficient glass.Here at
Pilkington we have a variety of
glazing solutions in the Pilkington
energiKare™ range that can help reduce the carbon emissions of the average home and help reduce fuel bills. For the UK climate Pilkington
energikare™ energy efficient glazing quite simply lets more desirable heat from the sun in, and reduces the amount of heat lost through your
windows,
helping to keep your home warmer. While all double glazing is more energy-efficient than single glazing, Pilkington
energiKare™ is more than twice as energy efficient when compared with older double glazed windows.
For more information on the Pilkington
energiKare™ range visit the
Pilkington website
here