Clearview 271 - June 2024 | Page 90

GLASS & SEALED UNITS Extra
Proud sponsor of Glass & Sealed Units Extra

Green Balustrades For A Lower Carbon Footprint

» LEADING GLASS MANUfacturer , TuffX , is committed to helping customers meet the market and legislative demand for greener buildings with its low-carbon glass balustrades .
Paul Higgins , Commercial Director of TuffX , explains why low-carbon building materials need to become the norm : “ Despite the fact the government seems to be to-ing and fro-ing about how we get there , the ultimate goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050 is unchanged . This means manufacturers must innovate and deliver home improvement products that lower the carbon footprint of a property , whether commercial or residential , sooner rather than later . We all need to play our part to achieve Net Zero and our low carbon glass ensures we are doing just that .
“ Low carbon glass balustrades are particularly useful because balustrades are often required in relatively large volumes , particularly in new build estates , renovations , and commercial properties . As a result , the difference in the carbon footprint between using standard glass balustrades and
low-carbon glass balustrades is significant .”
Paul continues : “ Specifiers are already seeking out lower carbon building material options for their commercial projects , but there is no doubt in my mind that demand among homeowners will become increasingly prevalent as we near the 2050 deadline .”
The TuffX low carbon glass balustrade looks identical to other glass balustrade products and performs in the same way but has up to 50 % lower carbon content . This is because there is more glass cullet added into the mix during production . Using more recycled crushed glass in the manufacturing process reduces the carbon footprint of the product significantly because the required temperature to melt glass cullet is lower than sand .
“ The market is only going to become more focussed on delivering low carbon buildings ,” concludes Paul , “ which is why we are pleased to be able to offer customers our low carbon glass solution sooner rather later .”
www . tuffxglass . co . uk

TAKING STEPS TO CUT EMBODIED CARBON

» QUANEX COMPANY
However , as well as Edgetech have spent decades supplying the outstanding making buildings more thermally efficient – and in doing manufacture highly energy effi-
spacer bar products needed to
so , have helped cut carbon cient windows , in recent years emissions around the world . the company ’ s attention has increasingly turned to reducing its own carbon footprint .
This year , these efforts have seen Edgetech significantly reduce its usage of plastic packaging . Manufacturing plastic is a major contributor to carbon emissions worldwide , and effectively recycling and disposing of it poses an ongoing challenge .
Similarly , the company is shifting to the use of glueless boxes in its spacer manufacturing , again reducing its reliance on a material with a significant environmental impact .
In doing so , the firm is taking steps to cut the embodied carbon of its spacer products – the total carbon emitted in the process of manufacturing , transporting and installation of a product , then its lifetime after installation .
Managing Director Chris Alderson comments : “ Edgetech , like Quanex more generally , is firmly committed to cutting carbon emissions – both by manufacturing some of the world ’ s leading spacer products , and reducing our own carbon footprints .
“ Simply looking at the carbon emitted during dayto-day operations is no longer enough in an era where companies and countries around the world strive for net zero .
“ Embodied carbon accounts for 11 % of annual greenhouse gas emissions , and 28 % of building sector emissions – and by cutting these , we can help steer construction into a greener future .”
www . edgetechig . co . uk
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