While sustainability is a hot topic for the public, homeowner demand alone isn’t currently enough of a ‘pull’ to drive efficiency increases in residential property. In the short term, action is coming in the form of initiatives pushed by government and industry.

Noticing the growth and increased demand for sustainable building construction – Glass for Europe firmly believes that policy-makers and architects need to place great importance on the socio-economic aspects of sustainability linked to the provision and inclusion of daylight into building plans.

That’s why a huge congratulations is in order for the team behind the UK’s first energy-positive commercial building at Swansea University, a project that we supported, which has been recognised for delivering innovation in sustainability.

Being “extra clear” it allow more light and heat from the sun to enter into the house resulting in so-called passive solar gain; free heat from the sun. These units reduce the amount of heat lost through your windows, but also allow more heat energy from the sun in through the glass in a process known as solar gain.

Currently glass does not suffer from the same image problem as a material like plastic, but it won’t be long before consumers and investors are demanding better environmental and sustainability credits from the various materials used in construction.

Phil Brown, European regulatory marketing manager at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, reflects on the glass and glazing sector’s sustainable transformation in the face of climate change.

A sustainable biofuel made from organic waste materials powered the St Helens glass manufacturer’s furnace entirely for four days, creating 165,000 sq ft of the lowest carbon float glass ever made. The fuel emits circa 80% less CO 2 than traditional natural gas used in the sector.

97% of buildings in Europe require an energy efficiency refurbishment, according to a new report. Based on data from Energy Performance Certificates (EPC), the conclusion of the latest BPIE analysis is that less than 3% of the building stock in the EU qualifies for an A rating.

Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG group, has successfully manufactured architectural glass at its St Helens facility using hydrogen power in a world-first trial.

Pilkington Activ Suncool™ Pro T, an innovative extension to the Pilkington Activ Suncool™ range, introduces a new toughenable solution that can provide additional safety and mechanical strength performance to the glass. The new product helps glazing to stay clean while transmitting less of the sun’s energy into buildings ensuring a more comfortable environment all year round.