Glasstech Asia 2014 to stress importance of glass in green architecture

GLASS systems will play a major role in the successful implementation of green architecture in the country, according to the organizers of Glasstech Asia 2014.

Philippine Green Building Council (PHILGBC) board member Edgar Sabidong said the construction industry will benefit from using the right glass systems, as it will show to the foreign market that the country has a green agenda in construction.

“Green architecture creates efficient energy use in buildings by maximizing natural daylight and offering better design visibility, as well as improved thermal and indoor comfort. The proper selection of glass systems in building design minimizes solar heat and allows high-visible light transmittance, translating into healthier office environments conducive to workplace productivity, as well as power savings and healthier indoor living for building residents,” he said.

According to Glass Alliance Europe, glass provides tremendous benefits to the environment as it can be recycled, resulting in saving natural resources. Furthermore, the group said glass helps in saving energy noticeably in insulating glass for windows and fa?ades.

Glass Alliance Europe said large glazed areas are used by architects for energy efficiency and providing natural light into buildings.

Renato Ermita, national president of Flat Glass Alliance of the Philippines (FGAPI), expressed optimism on the prospects of the glass industry amid the current property boom in the country.

“With investors, developers and tenants considering environment design, energy-management practices and green-architecture certifications in assessing the value of a  business property, glass has become a reliable construction material due to its energy-efficient properties,” Ermita said.

Earlier, leading real-estate advisory and consultancy firm CBRE Philippines said green-building design provides a more efficient allocation of resources and, at the same time, creates healthier and more energy-efficient homes and commercial buildings. Furthermore, the firm said green buildings leave a lighter carbon footprint on the environment through the conservation of resources, while balancing energy-efficient, cost-effective, low-maintenance products for construction needs.

Glasstech Asia will be held from November 25 to 27 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. Now on its 12th edition, the annual exhibit will feature a wide array of glass products for green architecture, and sustainable housing and building materials which are gaining widespread local adoption.

It will feature exhibitors from 138 countries with eight country pavilions from Singapore, Italy, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Germany, China, Malaysia and the Philippines, showcasing glass products to help buyers make the right choices in building and housing design.