Embracing Sustainability in the Glass Industry: Insights from VITRUM25

by GlassBalkan
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VITRUM

On September 17, 2024, the launch conference of VITRUM25, themed “Building as Green as Glass,” underscored the critical importance of adopting Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAMs) in the construction sector.

A key takeaway from the event was the emphasis on thoughtful design considerations, particularly in material selection. To foster sustainability, materials must not only guarantee long-term performance but also, where feasible, originate from recycled sources. Achieving these objectives necessitates the use of robust certification tools to validate product quality, features, and installation methods.

Central to this initiative is the UNI conformity mark, a voluntary quality certification that attests to a product’s compliance with established technical standards. This mark has been a cornerstone of the glass sector since the early 2000s, emerging even before the CE marking. Today, it encompasses 103 member companies across Italy, with 118 certified production lines. This certification is pivotal in ensuring that products meet rigorous testing standards and undergo regular monitoring of production processes and finished goods.

In Italy alone, approximately 200 million square meters of windows are installed, and these installations face a significant challenge: an estimated 40 percent reduction in performance over a span of 30 years. This decline in efficiency translates to a potential increase of 130 Terawatt-hours in energy consumption annually, resulting in approximately 30 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. The UNI conformity mark addresses this pressing issue by certifying not just compliance but also the durability of products. Through comprehensive production testing, the use of high-quality materials, and adherence to proper installation practices, the mark ensures sustained energy performance over time.

To further enhance installation quality, the Posa Qualità Serramenti Mark has been introduced. This certification, recognized and endorsed by all Italian industry associations, provides a tangible guarantee of window performance for up to 10 years post-installation. Such initiatives highlight the importance of both product quality and expert installation in maintaining long-term performance.

The integration of UNI and Posa Qualità Serramenti Marks into CAMs represents a desirable step toward ensuring that sustainability efforts are not only effective but also widely adopted across the industry. However, the push for sustainability must be complemented by innovation in product development. Notable advancements have already emerged, such as ORAÉ by Saint-Gobain and MIRAI by Pilkington. These low-carbon products deliver equivalent performance while halving emissions during production, achieved through the exclusive use of renewable energy and recycled materials. Additionally, ongoing innovations, including carbon capture projects and renewed glass initiatives, are exploring the use of hydrogen and enhanced recycling processes in manufacturing.

As the glass industry charts its course toward 2050 sustainability goals, the path is clear: the combination of durable materials, expert installation, innovative products, and cutting-edge technologies will significantly reduce environmental impact and enhance the energy efficiency of buildings over the long term.

VITRUM25, set to take place at Fiera Milano from September 16 to 19, 2025, will serve as an ideal platform to explore the opportunities for innovation, growth, and sustainability across the glass supply chain. As industry stakeholders gather to share insights and advancements, the commitment to building a greener future will undoubtedly take center stage.

 

 

 

Source:VITRUM25  with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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