Glazing, particularly double and triple glazing, plays an integral role in sustainability and reduced emissions within the construction industry. By preventing heat loss and regulating solar warming, glazing is an essential part of the move towards low-energy buildings. But what about the glazing industry itself?
While it is true that glazing can play an essential part in the drive towards more sustainable business, the fact remains that the manufacture of both glass and window framing requires a large amount of energy and raw materials. So, what is the glazing industry doing to try and reduce its manufacturing impact as demand for glazing increases across other sectors?
Let’s take a closer look at sustainable window solutions and glazing applications, why they are necessary and how the industry is acting in a positive way.
The Costs of Construction
The construction industry uses a colossal amount of energy and raw materials, as you might expect. In fact, it accounts for 36% of worldwide energy usage and 40% of the CO2 emissions, which is no doubt harmful to the environment in the long run. Glazing is an increasingly large part of the drive within the industry to try and reduce the overall impact of construction, by lowering the energy impact of new buildings. But this has in turn driven up the demand for glazing which could be seen by some as simply passing on energy demands to another sector.
The Glazing Industry Responds
Net Zero goals apply to different companies across a range of sectors and the glazing industry is not exempt. Making processes more eco-friendly is crucial in order to meet these non-negotiable goals. That’s why the glazing industry is considering more sustainable materials like UPVC and aluminium for the framing of window and door fixtures. In addition, the glass used in making windows needs to be carefully considered in order to reduce further damage and wastage of materials that are sometimes difficult to dispose of.
Regulation and Compliance
Regulation within the industry should ensure that companies are using the most eco-friendly methods and equipment as much as possible. Not only will this ensure sustainability at all times but it will also help to develop a more sustainable mindset throughout the supply chain, from material supply to the end customer.
Environmental management is now an aspect of the glazing industry that both clients and partners focus heavily on. This can further help to cement the best processes possible whilst taking the governmental regulation into consideration. This can be verified by checking manufacturers are complying with the necessary building and materials codes, such as the ISO 14001 accreditation.
As with the other sectors within the construction industry, it is not enough to sit back and appreciate that a gradual move towards sustainability is taking place. Each individual sub-section of construction, including commercial glazing specialists, needs to be driving and adopting best sustainability practices across the board. It’s something we are very committed to here at Alpha Glazing.
To discover more about how Alpha Glazing can help you with any of your windows, doors and sustainable window glazing needs, get in touch with our team today.
