Environmental Stewardship
Environmental Priority
We pride ourselves on being solution providers, especially in the context of environmental stewardship, which involves considering each stage of the life cycle – from the sourcing of raw materials for each product, through to its production, application and end-of-life. Our approach to environmental stewardship is twofold – we strive to discover new and innovative technologies that improve both the environmental performance and effectiveness of our manufacturing processes and of our products.
Stewardship in action:
explore the life cycle of glass
We also partner with glass fabricators and processors, architects, designers and suppliers, to create products and services that help meet their needs and project goals. We communicate information about the life cycle environmental impact and material health of our products as it becomes available.
As highlighted in our environmental priorities, we always strive to innovate and provide solutions that are a win-win-win for our customers, the environment, and society. And to truly be transformative in this space, we look to partner with suppliers, customers, and other key partners who share our vision.
Recycled glass content
We’re committed to improving the energy efficiency of our manufacturing processes and reducing our use of resources. One way to achieve these is to maximize the amount of glass cullet used.
Cullet is broken or rejected glass which can be reprocessed – saving resources such as sand, soda ash and limestone. Having already been through the mineralization process, cullet melts at a much lower temperature than the raw materials, so the more cullet used, the more energy efficient the process. In fact, energy demand is reduced by approximately 3% for every 10% of cullet, and because less energy and fewer raw materials are used, this also reduces CO2 emissions. Recently we even conducted a pilot production in Europe that used 60% cullet – while still remaining focused on the quality of the glass.
Retrofitting the future
Retrofitting existing buildings, instead of constructing new ones, is now acknowledged to be a viable approach in reducing the resources used during a building’s construction.
Guardian’s high-performance glass can play an important role in this, and the 225 Polk building in Nashville, Tennessee is one such example. SunGuard™ SuperNeutral 68 HT low-E coating on low-iron UltraClear™ glass helps deliver the energy performance requirements of a contemporary building, while preserving the look that helped make the building an important part of Nashville architecture.
Glass innovation
Our architectural glass products have been contributing to the energy efficiency of buildings for many years and we continue to innovate at every opportunity – for residential and commercial projects.
Guardian ClimaGuard®, for example, is a residential low-emissivity (low-E) glass that helps keep homes comfortable in different environments – by helping retain the interior heat in colder climates and reduce solar heat gain in hotter climates. For commercial construction, the Guardian SunGuard® range also utilizes low-E coating technology for superior solar control and energy performance. All of which helps architects and designers to comply with important regional codes and standards like Energy Star® and IECC 2021, and regional certifications around the world such as LEED®, BREEAM and WELL.
Certifications, declarations and other programs
To support the sustainability goals of architects and designers, Guardian Glass offers several certifications, declarations and other documents to communicate transparent information about the life-cycle environmental impact of many of our products.
These programs help our partners meet increasingly stringent building codes, standards and certification schemes. Examples include:
- Global ISO 14001 Umbrella Certificate (Environmental Management System)
- Global Voluntary Safety Data Sheets
- Regional Environmental Product Declarations
- Cradle to Cradle® Certified products in Europe
Lastly, we’re proud to introduce our LEED® Green Associates™, in association with Green Building Certificate Inc (GBCI). Through rigorous certification and professional credentialing programs, GBCI drives the adoption of green building and business practices globally. Our new, dedicated associates have the latest knowledge about these building principles and practices – offering you expert support to help you meet specific LEED® requirements.
Inspiring Projects
Each project has unique challenges, but these can be overcome by investigating and identifying the glazing solutions together. Find out how here .
The Union at Easton Park
Aesthetically attractive and high-performance glass to help withstand Texas' intense heat.
Owego Elementary School
Strategic glazing choices for a certifiably high-performing building envelope.
University of South Carolina
A nature-loving design that helps manage heat while preserving views
Specify glass to help with energy efficiency
Our Resource Hub can help you understand how glass can contribute to energy-saving construction. It's home to a whole suite of helpful online tools and resources, such as glass analytics and specification tools, a comprehensive resource library and e-learning courses.
Resources
We can help your projects reach their full potential. Find out how here.
LEED Certification
Find out how our advanced high performance glass can help you earn LEED points for your project.
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
Our flat glass and processed glass products, including low-E coated glass, have Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), giving you clarity on their environmental impact.
How glass can contribute to more energy efficient buildings
As part of an architect’s overall solution, glass is surprisingly flexible, and can help meet the most challenging projects and contribute to more energy efficient builds.
