The Grand Return of GPD 2023: Unveiling the Global Glass Industry’s Leading Event
Tampere, Finland, June 14, 2023 – The Glass Performance Days (GPD) 2023 conference kicked off with an extraordinary Opening Ceremony, captivating industry professionals from around the world. Held in the state-of-the-art Nokia Arena, the event gathered 550 participants from 40 countries, setting the stage for an enchanting experience filled with stimulating discussions, spellbinding magic, and unparalleled insights.
Embracing Growth: Unveiling the Theme of GPD 2023
Renowned Professor of Innovation, Design & Management, Alf Rehn, served as the moderator of the opening ceremony, setting a thought-provoking tone for the event. With the theme “Way to Grow,” the conference aimed to explore the glass industry’s aspirations and confront the challenges impeding its path to success.
Inspiring Perspectives: Visionaries Share Their Insights
Director at WilkinsonEyre Architects in London, Yasmin Al-Ani Spence delivered an engaging presentation that showcased the transformative power of architecture. By delicately balancing the preservation of historical elements and integrating modern design, her projects rejuvenate buildings, breathing new life into their surroundings. Yasmin emphasized the pivotal role of glass as a sustainable material in revamping older structures, creating harmonious relationships between the past and the present.
Christoph Timm: Reductive Design for Sustainable Future
Principal at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Christoph Timm shed light on the importance of reductive design in mitigating the environmental impact of buildings. By adopting lightweight systems and simplified structures, architects can significantly reduce carbon footprints while maximizing efficiency. Christoph’s analysis of glass facades in Los Angeles revealed that all-glass facades outperformed their counterparts in terms of cost-effectiveness, carbon reduction, and optimal utilization of daylight.
Bertrand Cazes: Glass Industry’s Role in a Carbon-Neutral Future
Secretary General of Glass for Europe, Bertrand Cazes underscored the glass industry’s significant contribution to achieving a carbon-neutral future. Recognizing glass as a hidden gem in the quest for sustainability, he stressed the need for continued innovation and collaboration across the sector. Bertrand emphasized that the industry must address challenges such as limited zero-carbon energy and the consideration of factors beyond energy, including light, acoustics, and comfort, to create truly holistic solutions.
Embracing Humility: Paving the Path to an Uncertain Future
Alf Rehn concluded the ceremony by highlighting the essential virtue of humility in the face of an ever-evolving future. He encouraged industry professionals to embrace the transformative power of technology, acknowledge the urgent need for environmental stewardship, and recognize the inevitability of a rapidly changing world. Alf’s poignant message resonated, reminding attendees of the collective responsibility to drive positive change.
Recognizing Excellence: Jorma Vitkala Award of Merit 2023
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the glass industry, Francis Serruys from Saint-Gobain BU Glass Facades was honored with the prestigious Jorma Vitkala Award of Merit 2023. With over three decades of dedication and expertise, Francis exemplified the values championed by GPD, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
As the Glass Performance Days 2023 conference commences, the global glass industry stands poised to embark on a transformative journey, guided by the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. Stay tuned for an unparalleled experience that will shape the future of this remarkable industry.
Source: Glaston Corporation with additional information added by GlassBalkan
