Calgary landmarks set standard for energy efficiency with SOLARBAN glass

Since that time, the 20-story structure has earned awards for energy efficiency from Canada’s federal government and environmental groups such as Pollution Probe. Today, its 58-story neighbor, The Bow, is the most striking building in Calgary’s skyline. Opened in 2010, The Bow has earned LEED® certification and a host of awards due in part to its use of next-generation Solarban z50 glass.

Gulf Canada Square, 1979

The Bow, 2013, Foster + Partners

When it was introduced in 1964, first-generation Solarban glass was coated to reflect heat away from buildings to reduce energy and air-conditioning use. Fifty years later, next-generation products such as Solarban z50 glass feature highly advanced coatings that incorporate multiple ultra-thin layers of silver to block heat and transmit abundant natural light. The dual ability to block heat and transmit light enables architects to design buildings that demand less energy for cooling, heating and artificial light.

For more information about the 50th anniversary of Solarban glass and its impact on architectural design, energy efficiency and sustainable building, visit www.SolarbanGlassLegacy.com.

Solarban and Twindow are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. LEED – an acronym for the phrase “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” – is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council.