Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Commercial Glazing Design
Gary Cripps 
Energy efficiency and sustainability are becoming increasingly important in the design and construction of commercial buildings. One area that can have a significant impact on a building’s energy performance is the use of glazing, windows and other transparent or translucent building elements. Ensuring that the windows in a commercial building are all in the best condition is critical, which is why commercial window repair is so important. Below, we will explore the role of energy efficiency and sustainability in commercial glazing and discuss ways that architects, builders, and building owners can use glazing to improve a building’s overall performance.
Energy Efficiency
The use of glazing in commercial buildings can greatly impact a building’s energy efficiency. In order to reduce the amount of energy required to heat and cool a building, it is important to minimize the amount of heat gain or loss through the windows. This can be achieved through the use of high-performance glazing systems such as double or triple-paned windows with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings. These coatings help to reflect heat back into the building during the winter and keep it out during the summer.
Another way to improve a building’s energy efficiency through glazing is by using dynamic glazing systems. These systems can change their properties in response to the sun’s position and intensity, allowing for more control over the amount of natural light and heat entering a building.
Sustainability
Sustainability is another important consideration when it comes to commercial glazing. One way to make glazing more sustainable is by using materials that are both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. For example, using Low-E coatings made from natural materials such as ceramic or metallic oxides can help to improve a building’s energy efficiency while also reducing the environmental impact of the building materials.
Another way to make commercial glazing more sustainable is by using products that are designed to last for a long time. This can include using durable materials such as tempered or laminated glass or using coatings that can withstand the effects of weather and UV radiation.
Design Considerations
When designing a commercial building with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind, it is important to consider the type and placement of glazing. For example, using large windows on the south side of a building can help to maximize the amount of natural light entering the building, but it can also lead to heat gain during the summer. By using high-performance glazing systems and strategically placing windows to minimize heat gain, architects can design buildings that are both energy-efficient and sustainable.
Another design consideration is the use of shading devices such as overhangs or louvres. These devices can help to reduce the amount of direct sunlight entering a building, which can help to reduce heat gain and improve a building’s overall energy performance.
The use of glazing in commercial buildings can have a significant impact on a building’s energy efficiency and sustainability. By using high-performance glazing systems, sustainable materials, and carefully considering the design and placement of windows, architects, builders, and building owners can create buildings that are both energy-efficient and sustainable. By investing in energy-efficient and sustainable commercial glazing, building owners can reduce their energy costs, improve the comfort of their building’s occupants, and minimize their environmental impact.
