Glass in green buildings

A green design concept is to facilitate sustainable use of the resources – energy, water and other materials – all through the complete life cycle of the building including its construction.[1]

Glass is a useful material that has such advantages such as Transparency, Natural Day-lighting, permitting a sky view and Acoustic control, depending on the glazing solution used. Glass is a wholly recyclable material.[2] Glass is beloved by architects as well as designers.

Glass can play a role in accomplishing greater indoor environmental quality and when used carefully can improve energy efficiency, however a measured approach needs to be taken to ensure the building loads are not excessively increased due to solar gain.

The intent of a green building design is to curtail the demand on non-renewable resources, amplify utilization efficiency of these resources when in use, and augment the reuse, recycling, and consumption of renewable resources.

Green architecture and glass

The design and placement of glass is a fundamental constituent of Green architecture. It permits natural light and puts together the interior of office and residential buildings with the exterior. Natural light enhances productivity in the workplace and helps uphold a healthy environment. It is just as important that glass materials and design endorse energy efficiency.

Double glazed glass

Architects use high-performance double-glazed glass, which is laminated or coated, to moderate interior temperatures by controlling heat loss and gain.[3] The coating filters the heat-producing aspects of solar rays. The use of such glass in green buildings is used comprehensively in tropical climates as well as the Middle East.

Solar control glass

In hot climates, solar control glass can be used to minimize solar heat gain and help control glare.[4] The design and placement of glass, known as fenestration, in specific areas of the building crafts the best environment for energy efficiency. In temperate regions, it can be used to equalize solar control with high levels of natural light. In more serene climates, architects employ operable windows as a cost-saving substitute to air-conditioning.

The augmented use of glass in architecture today makes it crucial to mull over the comfort of a building's occupants. Solar control glass can be an eye-catching characteristic of a building whilst at the same time diminishing, or even eradicating the need for an air-conditioning system, reducing running costs of the building and saving energy. Solar control glass can be particular for any situation where unwarranted solar heat gain is likely to be a bother. E.g. Large façades, glass walkways, atria and conservatories.

References

  1. ↑ "The smart use of glass in sustainable buildings" (PDF).
  2. ↑ "How Glass is Recycled".
  3. ↑ "Energy Efficient Double Glazing".
  4. ↑ "Solar Control Glass".
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