Glass in sustainable construction
With global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, the need to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings is becoming one of the biggest challenges of modern architecture. Indeed, the construction sector, accounts for about 40% of greenhouse gas emissions including CO₂. A solution that brings the industry closer to sustainable construction is ORAÉ®, the world's first glass from Saint-Gobain Glass with a reduced carbon footprint.
Installation of ORAÉ® glass in the "In the Clouds" hotel.
© SAINT GOBAIN GLASS
ORAÉ® in the #forClimate and #forHuman window
The production of ORAÉ® uses 64% cullet (recycled) and energy from renewable sources, which has contributed to a significant reduction in the carbon footprint compared to the traditional glass production process with an increased share of virgin raw materials. The solution has an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), and the WSE (Global Warming Potential) value for cradle-to-grave phases is only 6.64 kg CO₂ eq/m2, 42% lower than traditional solutions.
Glass cullet
© SAINT GOBAIN GLASS
The Cradle to Cradle Certified® (C2C Certified®) V4.0 certification at the Bronze level has been added to the collection of evidence of glass's reduced environmental impact, while the "Closed Product Circuit" category - was awarded at the Platinum level (due to the increased value of recyclate in the glass manufacturing process).
The solution premiered in 2022, and since then ORAÉ® glass has attracted the attention of investors and architects alike, who combine aesthetics with functionality in an effort to reduce the climate impact of buildings.
Renovation of a farm in Komarno. ©PORT Architects
© SAINT GOBAIN GLASS
"In the clouds" wrapped in ORAÉ®.
The "W obłokach" hotel, located in picturesque Komarno at the foot of the Kaczawskie Mountains, is the first project of its kind in Poland where ORAÉ® was installed. Created with the idea of harmony with the surrounding nature, at the same time it offers guests the opportunity to relax from the noisy and chaotic everyday life. Responsible for the renovation are Marcin and Martyna Kolanus of PORT Architects, who combined tradition with modernity, preserving the 19th-century elements of the old farmhouse, but at the same time introducing modern amenities.
Interior visualization of the "In the Clouds" hotel. ©PORT Architects
© SAINT GOBAIN GLASS
For the large windows, the architects chose ORAÉ® glass with special coatings - low-emissivity ECLAZ® and solar control COOL-LITE® SKN 176. With this combination, hotel guests receive a balanced daylighted space and comfortable thermal conditions all year round. At the same time, the glazing will reduce the facility's energy consumption, improving the energy efficiency of the entire building.
ORAÉ® - glass for windows with a reduced carbon footprint
© SAINT GOBAIN GLASS
The realization is a unique contamination of past and present, tradition and innovation. Thanks to the selection of materials such as ORAÉ® - with both people's health and the condition of the planet in mind - "W obłokach" will become a space that allows you not only to relax, but also to return to history and feel close to the surrounding nature - thus becoming one of the most original places in Lower Silesia.
Visualization of the "In the clouds" hotel in Komarno. ©PORT Architekci
© SAINT GOBAIN GLASS
For more information, visit the company's {tag:Manufacturer} page on the A&B portal.
