Date: 3 May 2012
In his keynote address entitled "Glass Buildings - Partnerships in Innovation," Arbab discussedhow innovation in four glass-related technology platforms will be critical to helping buildings,which now consume nearly 40 percent of U.S. energy output, achieve the goal of becomingenergy-neutral by 2030.
- Low-emissivity (low-e) glass – These advanced high-performance coated glasses help buildings and homes conserve energy by blocking solar heat and transmitting naturallight, which reduces reliance on energy-intensive heating, cooling and lighting. To highlight the importance of continued innovation in low-e glass technology, Arbab cited a report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which said that lighting accounts for 33 percent of energy use in commercial buildings, following by heating (16 percent)and cooling (15 percent).
- Double-skin building facades – With this design, buildings are constructed with two high-performance glass walls. Together, they form a cavity between the building’s inner andouter surfaces to make regulation of temperature, ventilation and air flow less energy-intensive than it is with conventional building facades. Arbab said that, although double-skin facades are more common in Europe, they are becoming increasingly popular with architects in North America.
- Switchable glazings – Arbab said that glass manufacturers are working on variations ofall major switchable glazing technologies, particularly electrochromic and thermochromicwindows. He said that while development is ongoing, each may ultimately have thepotential to make buildings net-zero consumers of energy. He explained that a cost-effective thermochromic option is now available.
- Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) lighting - OLEDs are made from organic materials that emit light when an electrical current is passed through them. Over the next 20 years,the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that widespread adoption of LED and OLEDlighting could reduce U.S. electricity demands by 60 percent. Arbab reported that PPG is working directly with the DOE to make these technologies more effective and affordable.
In addition to these four technology platforms, Arbab said that building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology and off-site generation of solar power are glass-related technologies thatmay also enable buildings to become self-sustaining producers of energy.
Glass TEXpo is the annual trade show of the Texas Glass Association. It is devoted to servingthe needs of owners, operators and employees of independent glass companies, enhancingservices and products offered to the general public, and furthering the advancement of the glassindustry in Texas and the United States.
For more information on PPG glass technology, visit www.ppgideascapes.com or call 1-888-PPG-IDEA (774-4332).
PPG: BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE SURFACE.(TM)
PPG Industries' vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty products company. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets toenhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. Founded in 1883, PPGhas global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in more than 60 countries around the world.Sales in 2011 were $14.9 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.
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Bringing innovation to the surface is a trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Glass TEXpo is a trademark of the Texas Glass Association.
Mehran Arbab, PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) director of research and technology, glass andfiber glass, delivered the keynote address, “Glass Buildings - Partnerships in Innovation,” atGLASS TEXPO(TM) 2012 in San Antonio, Texas. Arbab discussed innovations in four glass-related technology platforms with an audience of more than 300 glass industry professionals.
Glass TEXpo is a trademark of the Texas Glass Association.
Contact:
Robert J. Struble
PPG Flat Glass412-820-8138
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