Glass for Europe is finalizing its 'Vision' of the role of the glass industry in the Low Carbon Economy that the EU aims to achieve by 2050. Within this framework, calculation of the CO2 saving potential of coated insulating glass units over the average time of a window (30 years) are on-going. The results of these calculations will be used to show the positive contribution of the glass industry to mitigate climate change. The 'Vision' of the glass industry will be published this summer and will support Glass for Europe's communication and political lobbying to promote the European glass industry as a necessary actor of a low-carbon economy in Europe.
Besides, Glass for Europe recently chose David Strong Consulting to carry out a study on the qualitative benefits of glazing. The consultant will review the relevant existing scientific literature to collect and compile research evidences associated with the non-energy related benefits of glazing such as the positive impact on health, well-being and productivity.
This study will be followed in autumn, by a compendium of nearly zero-energy buildings to fight the wrong belief among many architects and designers that energy efficient buildings need small windows. This document will gather examples of very low-energy buildings where large glazed areas contribute significantly to the overall high energy performance of the building.
The results of the qualitative benefits of glazing and the compendium will be used by Glass for Europe to promote large glazed areas in new buildings and best position glass products in sustainable construction.
Glass for Europe Builds Strong Evidence of the Glass Industry Contributions to a Low-Carbon Future
In order to sustain a robust communication campaign Glass for Europe is dedicating a significant part of its 2012 activities to building strong scientific evidences on the positive contributions of glass and glass manufacturing to achieving Europe's political, environmental, social and economic objectives.