Enhancing Bird Conservation Efforts with Revolutionary Bird Protection Glass
Dr. Thomas Rainer from HEGLA boraident sheds light on the growing significance of bird protection measures.
Collisions with glass surfaces pose a grave threat to birds, resulting in a significant number of unnatural bird fatalities worldwide. Although the dangers of transparent, reflective surfaces were identified long ago, it is only in recent years that the issue has gained widespread recognition.
Renowned expert Dr. Thomas Rainer, with his extensive involvement in pioneering bird protection solutions since 1995, delves into the reasons behind the recent surge in awareness regarding bird conservation.
Bird Protection Glass Takes Center Stage in the Ongoing Discourse
The prominence of bird protection glass has transcended its niche existence and has now established itself as a standard product. This welcome development comes as a response to the alarming statistics, with up to 100 million birds losing their lives annually due to collisions with glass in Germany alone. From office buildings to bus stops and panoramic windows, bird protection glass is gaining recognition, not only among industries but also among end consumers.
Factors Driving the Newfound Relevance of Bird Protection Glass
The growing importance of bird protection glass can be attributed to various factors. One key factor is the shifting societal appreciation for nature, reflected in the increased public awareness. As discussions surrounding climate change and environmental concerns intensify, the significance of protective glass options receives heightened attention. Furthermore, the implementation of bird protection laws in different countries, particularly in Canada and the United States, has raised the profile of this issue and exerted pressure on facade manufacturers to provide suitable solutions.
Global Implications: The Future of Bird Protection Glass Worldwide
While bird protection legislation and regulations exist in many countries, they often lack specific provisions and carry a non-binding nature. The German association of flat glass manufacturers, the Bundesverband Flachglas, has taken the initiative by forming a dedicated bird conservation taskforce. Other countries have also made progress, with some glass manufacturers in the United States and Canada already receiving certification from the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) for their bird protection glass. Although normative provisions may be lacking, there are practical options available for testing and improving the effectiveness of glass in preventing bird strikes.
Meeting Market Demands: Diverse Solutions for Bird Protection Glass
As the demand for bird protection glass grows, the market responds with a variety of solutions. Providers offer alternatives such as film, screen printing, and laser printing, with HEGLA boraident adopting the latter for their architectural glass products. The increased attention to glass with bird conservation properties empowers customers to choose from a range of options. Architects and building owners, driven by the priority of reducing bird strikes, are actively incorporating bird protection considerations, even in private properties and large-windowed public buildings. Moreover, representative buildings and shops with glass facades are recognizing the negative impact of bird fatalities on their brand image.
Selecting the Ideal Bird Protection Glass: Key Considerations
When choosing bird protection glass, it is essential to ensure its effectiveness across various bird species, from songbirds to pigeons, throughout the glass product’s lifespan. HEGLA boraident’s bird-friendly glass incorporates semi-transparent dots with diameters ranging from 5 to 9 mm, spaced between 50 to 100 mm apart. By applying the pattern exclusively to the exterior surface of architectural glass products like float glass, toughened glass, or LSG, reflections of natural elements are minimized, preventing their realistic appearance to birds. Additionally, the visual properties of the prints are designed to alert approaching birds through changes in light diffusion.
Source: HEGLA GmbH & Co. KG with additional information added by GlassBalkan
