Auburn Hills, Mich., (November 11, 2009) – As the demand for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building continues to increase and the rating system evolves, architect are challenged to identify new ways to improve a project’s overall score. To help architects understand the sustainability benefits of building with glass as well as the latest changes in the LEED for New Construction, Version 3 rating system, Guardian has introduced “LEED and High Performance Glass,” its third continuing education course for architects.

 

Registered with the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System (AIA/CES), this complimentary educational course examines how high-performance glass can help achieve LEED credits and certification (certified, silver, gold or platinum) from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

 

Guardian’s AIA accredited course examines the positive energy outcomes achieved by incorporating high performance low emissivity (low-E) glass into building projects. Because low-E glass products use a super thin metallic coating, the glass allows natural light in while reducing heat transfer. Guardian offers a full line of coated glass designed specifically for commercial applications as part of its SunGuard Advanced Architectural Glass product offering.

 

Since the launch of the LEED rating system, the USGBC has evolved its points scale several times. The new Guardian course familiarizes participants with the Version 3 LEED rating system, which was established in April 2009 and evaluates projects on a 100-point scale. More points are awarded for strategies that have a greater impact on energy efficiency and carbon dioxide reduction. High performance glass can make a key contribution to earning LEED points for a project. Points for using SunGuard glass can be earned in the following five categories:

 

o Energy and Atmosphere

 

o Materials and Resources

 

o Indoor Environmental Quality

 

o Innovation and Design

 

o Regional Priority

 

The new course also includes two real-world case studies that demonstrate the energy performance benefits of using Guardian SunGuard’s Advanced Architectural glass products. Course participants who earn a passing grade will receive credit toward their annual AIA/CES requirements.

 

To schedule the course or to learn more about Guardian SunGuard, visit www.sunguardglass.com.

 

About Guardian Industries Corp.:

 

Guardian is a diversified global manufacturing company headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, with leading positions in float glass, fabricated glass products, fiberglass insulation and other building materials for commercial, residential and automotive markets. Through its Science & Technology Center, Guardian is at the forefront of innovation, including development of high-performance glass coatings and other advanced products. Guardian, its subsidiaries and affiliates employ 18,000 people and operate facilities throughout North America, Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Visit www.guardian.com.

 

SunGuard is a registered trademark of Guardian Industries Corp.