As the construction industry accelerates its transition toward decarbonisation, the demand for materials with verified environmental performance is becoming a defining factor in modern building design. Responding to this shift, Guardian Glass has developed Guardian NEXA™, a lower-carbon float glass range that combines reduced embodied carbon with the optical quality, durability and flexibility required for advanced architectural applications.

The name NEXA is derived from the concept of a “nexus” – the point where technological innovation, resource efficiency and sustainable design meet. The product range has been developed through a holistic approach that integrates manufacturing optimisation, improved raw material management and increased use of cullet (recycled glass) to reduce the environmental impact of glass production.

Guardian NEXA™ is available in two performance levels, allowing architects and developers to select the solution that best matches their sustainability objectives. Guardian NEXA™ 9 provides an approximately 14% reduction in embodied carbon compared with the European average for conventional float glass, offering a scalable solution for projects seeking measurable carbon improvements. Guardian NEXA™ 6 delivers a more significant reduction of up to 36% in embodied carbon, targeting high-performance buildings and developments pursuing ambitious sustainability certifications.

Both products feature third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), providing transparent lifecycle information to support green building assessments such as LEED, BREEAM and DGNB.

Despite its lower carbon footprint, Guardian NEXA™ maintains the same visual characteristics as premium clear glass. The product offers the same optical properties and tolerances as Guardian ExtraClear™, ensuring high transparency, colour neutrality and consistent façade aesthetics. It can also serve as a substrate for advanced performance solutions, including Guardian SunGuard™ solar-control coatings and Guardian ClimaGuard™ thermal insulation glazing.

The sustainability benefits extend beyond production. By incorporating cullet into manufacturing, every tonne of cullet used for Guardian NEXA™ 6 can replace approximately 1.2 tonnes of virgin raw materials while reducing energy demand in the melting process.