Glass and the energy transition: From CAMs to new products and technologies

As highlighted during the launch conference of VITRUM25 on September 17, titled Building as Green as Glass, adopting Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAMs) begins with careful design considerations, particularly in material selection. Materials must not only ensure long-term performance but also, where possible, be derived from recycled sources. Tools for certifying product quality, features and installation methods play a crucial role in achieving these goals.

The UNI conformity mark is a voluntary quality certification that verifies a product’s compliance with technical standards through rigorous testing and regular monitoring of production processes and finished products. In the glass sector, this mark has been in place since the early 2000s, predating the CE marking, and currently includes 103 member companies across Italy, with 118 production lines certified.

In Italy, approximately 200 million square metres of windows are installed. With an estimated 40 percent drop in their performance over 30 years, compensating for the resulting efficiency loss would require an additional 130 Terawatt-hours of energy per year, equating to 30 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. The UNI conformity mark aims to address this challenge by certifying not just compliance but also product durability. This is achieved through thorough production testing, high-quality materials and proper installation practices, ensuring sustained energy performance over time.

To ensure the quality of installation, the Posa Qualità Serramenti Mark has been introduced. This certification, recognized and endorsed by all Italian industry associations, provides tangible assurance of window performance, guaranteeing it for up to 10 years post-installation.

Given the importance of maintaining performance over time – relying on both product quality and proper installation – it is desirable for UNI and Posa Qualità Serramenti Marks to become increasingly integrated into CAMs.

The push for sustainability must also be supported by innovation in product development. Notable examples already exist, such as ORAÉ by Saint-Gobain and MIRAI by Pilkington, which are low-carbon products offering equivalent performance while halving emissions during production. This is achieved by exclusively using renewable energy and recycled materials. Complementary innovations, such as carbon capture projects and renewed glass initiatives, are also under development. These explore the use of hydrogen and increased recycling in manufacturing processes.

For the glass industry, the path to achieving the 2050 sustainability goals is clear: durable materials, expert installation, innovative products and cutting-edge technologies will significantly reduce environmental impact and enhance the energy efficiency of buildings in the long term.

VITRUM25, taking place at Fiera Milano from September 16 to 19, 2025, will serve as the perfect platform to explore innovation, growth and sustainability opportunities across the glass supply chain.