Vitro Architectural Glass, a leading North American glass manufacturer, has announced an extension of its long-standing partnership with the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
This collaboration underscores Vitro’s dedication to both community engagement and environmental protection.
For years, Vitro has been a generous supporter of the Aviary, donating high-performance glass that enhances energy efficiency, provides breathtaking views, and prioritizes bird safety in the Aviary’s Tropical Rainforest, Garden Room, and Wetlands habitats. Vitro also sponsors the Aviary’s Birdly® flight simulator, a virtual reality experience that allows visitors to experience the thrill of soaring like a bird. Furthermore, Vitro actively supports the Aviary’s educational programs and field trips, enriching the learning experiences of students in the Pittsburgh area.
“We are honored to continue our partnership with the National Aviary, a renowned organization committed to safeguarding birds and their habitats,” said Fernando Diez, Vitro Architectural Glass Vice President of Marketing. “We share the Aviary’s commitment to environmental protection and are proud to be an industry leader in sustainability. This collaboration will positively impact the Pittsburgh community and beyond.”
Cheryl Tracy, Executive Director of the National Aviary, emphasizes the significance of Vitro’s support: “Having Vitro as a corporate partner is invaluable. The bird-safe glass utilized in our habitats protects our birds while also highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation for our guests. Vitro’s prominent position in the industry gives our conservation efforts increased international visibility, attracting further support for our mission.”
Vitro’s history is deeply intertwined with Western Pennsylvania. Its architectural glass business, formerly PPG Glass, was established in Pittsburgh in 1883, and its world-renowned glass research and development center remains headquartered there. This location has witnessed numerous groundbreaking advancements in low-emissivity (low-e) and low-iron glass technology, innovations that are showcased throughout the National Aviary.
The National Aviary’s Garden Room (Photography: Jim Cunningham)
One example is Starphire Ultra-Clear® low-iron glass, introduced in 1990. This exceptionally clear glass, boasting 91% visible light transmission, enhances aesthetics and offers pristine views of the Aviary’s renovated Tropical Rainforest and Wetlands habitats.
The Aviary’s Garden Room, a LEED® Gold-certified event space, features Solarban® 72 Acuity® glass, a triple-silver, low-e coating on a low-iron glass substrate. This combination delivers exceptional environmental performance and clarity, creating a welcoming and sustainable space.
All three habitats also utilize AviProtek® bird-friendly glass by Walker Glass, a Vitro partner, which minimizes bird collisions. The Tropical Rainforest features AviProtek® glass with a velour finish, while the Garden Room and Wetlands incorporate AviProtek® glass with acid-etched patterns.
This ongoing collaboration between Vitro Architectural Glass and the National Aviary showcases the power of partnerships in fostering both community progress and environmental protection. As Vitro continues to invest in innovative glass solutions, and the National Aviary continues its vital work in conservation and education, this partnership ensures a brighter future for both birds and communities alike.
Source:Vitro Architectural Glass with additional information added by GlassBalkan
