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What’s happening at Top Glass? Advice on sourcing low-carbon building materials to meet the coming environmental standards

LOGIN APRIL 21, 2:15 ET

In the architectural glass industry, the fight to prevent climate change has mostly revolved around making more energy-efficient building envelopes to reduce the amount of power needed to heat, cool and ventilate buildings.

But what about the energy used to obtain, fabricate and transport the products used to make those envelopes?

Climate-conscious jurisdictions such as California are asking designers to provide life-cycle analyses for the products they specify. In response, manufacturers are starting to track the carbon emissions their processes produce and market “low-carbon” versions.

There are also lower carbon alternatives to many common products and materials, even if those features don’t appear on the label. In this presentation, Will Nash of WSP explains the drive for life cycle analyses and environmental product declarations and assesses the growing field of low-carbon options for architectural glazing.