Panel Explores Bird-Friendly Glazing at FGIA Summer Conference
Participants at the FGIA Summer Conference had the opportunity to engage in informative discussions on bird-friendly glazing, designs, and standards. The panel, comprising four esteemed FGIA members, shared their expertise and perspectives on various aspects of this important topic.
Highlighting Key Aspects of Bird-Friendly Glazing
The panelists—Tara Brummet, Mark Jacobson, Goeff Shellard, and Otto Ward—covered a wide range of topics related to bird-friendly glazing:
- Vancouver Bird Friendly City project
- Bird-friendly codes and requirements
- Glass design considerations for bird safety
- Fabrication process, challenges, and offerings
- Multi-functional solutions with bird-friendly glazing
Driving Effective Policies and Protection through Bird-Friendly Codes
Otto Ward emphasized the need for organized and cohesive policies to address the alarming issue of bird collisions with unmarked glass. With over 1 billion bird collisions occurring annually in Canada and the U.S., Ward stressed the importance of driving codes that provide effective and affordable protection. He recommended reviewing the CSA A460:19 guide for best practices in developing bird-friendly glass policies and strategies.
Creating Safe Environments with Bird-Friendly Design
Goeff Shellard highlighted the challenges faced by birds due to their inability to differentiate between reflections on glass and their natural surroundings. He discussed the role of interior and exterior lighting in attracting and confusing birds, emphasizing the use of UV coatings and etched glass patterns to enhance visibility for birds while maintaining aesthetics. Shellard also recommended considering grid patterns with smaller dimensions for species like hummingbirds.
Fabrication Insights and Challenges
Tara Brummet shared insights from a fabricator’s perspective, noting the increasing demand for bird-friendly glazing in areas with high migratory bird populations. Balancing aesthetics, energy efficiency, and bird safety poses challenges for fabricators. Brummet emphasized the importance of early involvement in the process to address durability, maintenance, compliance, and effectiveness concerns.
Promoting Awareness and Further Exploration
Mark Jacobson concluded the session by emphasizing the growing awareness of bird-friendly glazing in recent years. He encouraged attendees to stay updated on the latest developments and products in this field, emphasizing the importance of ongoing testing and innovation.
For more information about FGIA and its activities, please visit FGIAonline.org.
Source: FGIAonline.org with additional information added by GlassBalkan
