Energy-efficiency is a critical part of sustainable design. Modern architecture uses a lot of glass to create awe-inspiring structures ushering in a tonne of natural light. Ordinary glass can transmit 80% of outdoor heat inside. For commercial setups that have façades made from countless glass panes, this can be a disadvantage as it puts a lot of stress on cooling and heating devices. Not only does it seriously hike the energy bills but also makes your interiors rather uncomfortable, thwarting productivity. Therefore, specially designed energy-efficient glass is available in the market, manufactured specifically to achieve sustainable running costs for commercial infrastructure.
The Science Behind High-Performance Glass
Countless studies have proved that humans have an unconscious yet unrelenting need to experience ample daylight routinely to stay productive. This is why energy-efficient glass is fast becoming irreplaceable as a prime material for office buildings. Energy-efficient glass panes are coated with various metal oxides that reduce excessive absorption and transmission of solar heat. This reduces a structure’s energy cost and also its carbon footprint. This type of glass also improves thermal comfort with a sense of openness for people working inside. There are broadly three types of energy-efficient glass.
Types of Energy-Efficient Glass
Energy-efficient glazing has its applications in residential buildings as well as commercial enclaves. In a country like India, the sweltering heat is commonplace at least 8 months in a year, especially if you do not live up north. If your house receives ample sunlight throughout the day, high-performance glass is for you. There are broadly three types of high-performance glass discussed below. Keep reading to find out which one suits your requirements the best.
Low E Glass
Low E Glass, also known as low emissivity glass, has exceptional thermal insulation properties.
Low E glass provides enhanced thermal comfort in all types of weather conditions. It does not let cooling to escape out of a building, keeping your interiors at the desired temperature range during the hot months. Alternatively, during the colder months, it does not let the heat escape outside easily, keeping your interiors comfortable. This thermal comfort majorly optimises your heating and cooling bills. They are commonly used in skyscrapers, hotels, and other façades.
Solar Control Glass
This is a special oxide-coated glass that transmits less solar heat entering inside. While it reduces solar heat, it does allow ample natural light to pass through. This natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting inside your home or office during the day. Solar control glass protects your interiors from infrared (IR) rays. It is not as effective as the low E glass when it comes to absorbing ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Solar Control glass is suitable for residential buildings, conservatory roofs, malls, showrooms, , and educational institutions. These places are mostly operational during the day and can utilise natural light for heightened productivity with the help of energy-efficient glass.
Solar Control-Low E Glass
In India, Low E glass tends to trap more heat inside the building envelope that can lead to overheating, especially when directly under the solar glare. In such cases, using the low E glass or solar control glass independently may not be enough for glass façades with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Solar control-low E glass, however, is a perfect solution in such scenarios, as it will block solar radiation and also provide the optimum amount of thermal insulation without overheating or overcooling the interiors.
For instance, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai houses countless glass panes that face solar glare daily. Solar control-low E glass has been used in this façade to decrease the building’s air-conditioning cost. If you need a heavy-duty energy-efficient glass then go for solar control-low E glass. This type of glass is more expensive to install as opposed to the two aforementioned options but the costs justify themselves in the long run when your energy bills significantly get reduced.
The Bottom Line
It can be said without a shred of doubt that high-performance glass allows for enhanced daylight inclusion, without hiking the energy bills. If you are looking for high-performance energy-efficient glass solutions, come to AIS Glass. A good example would be the Ecosense Exceed Solar Control Low-E glass manufactured by Asahi India Glass Ltd.. This range of energy-efficient glass keeps indoor spaces brighter and cooler and also allows a good amount of natural light to seep through.
Procuring and installing the best quality of energy-efficient glass is critical for the operational optimisation of your façade and also for the productivity of your employees. Get in touch with us today to get a customised quotation for your requirements!