AGC continues to increase its production of float glass with a reduced carbon footprint

The production of Low-Carbon Planibel Clearlite releases only 7 kg of CO2 eq./m² for a glass with a thickness of 4 mm. Now, AGC's Seingbouse (France) site has also started manufacturing this same sustainable glass product, marking the next step in the planned long-term deployment across the Group. With this additional production capacity, AGC has extended its low carbon footprint range, which now includes a low carbon footprint variant of Stratobel (laminated safety glass), Stratophone (acoustic laminated glass), iplus (low emissive glass for insulating glazing), Stopray and Energy (low-emissivity glasses with solar control), as well as temperable coated glasses (T-coatings). Now the entire range is available in all thicknesses from 3 to 10 mm.

AGC Glass Europe has taken a new step in its “carbon-neutrality” roadmap by launching the manufacture of glass with a reduced carbon footprint with a new production unit. The Group's holistic approach takes into account the entire value chain: it decarbonizes production processes, reduces CO2 emissions through the choice of its supplies and reduces other indirect emissions. AGC encourages more sustainable raw material purchases; uses high-performance melting furnaces that employ an innovative technology, electrical boosting; increases the use of recycling with smart cullet flows and optimized transportation between AGC plants and customers. The Group also encourages the use of renewable energies, not only by purchasing green energy, but also by producing its own solar and wind electricity.

Investors choose sustainable construction projects

Increasingly, investors are demanding that sustainable materials be used in their projects. Sustainable buildings have a lower carbon footprint, minimize the consumption of non-renewable resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. During the construction phase, it is necessary to consider several aspects, including the use of decarbonized materials, recyclability, the possibility of reusing building components and the reduction of waste, both during construction and beyond. of the life of the building.

Landlords and investors also make financial arguments: healthy and green buildings fetch higher rents and sale prices, which in turn improve the prospect of increased investment value over the long term. Thus, by seeking sustainable assets for their portfolios, investors and fund managers can pursue their Scope 3(1) objectives such as tenant emissions and carbon footprint, and improve their ESG performance.

At AGC Glass Europe, the growing demand for sustainable and carbon-free construction is already reflected in the first projects incorporating AGC glass with a reduced carbon footprint:

• UMC Research & Diagnostics Centre, Amsterdam (Netherlands)

UMC Amsterdam has a new research and diagnostic center for which 1.600 m2 of Low-Carbon ipasol Ultraselect 62/29 (solar control glass) and Low-Carbon Planibel Clearlite (single glazing) have been requested.

• Nervesa 21, Milan (Italy)

This Milanese building of 10.000 m² and class A intends to obtain the best ESG certification and achieve the best performance in terms of circular economy within the framework of a sustainable renovation where more than 90% of the materials removed during the renovation will be recycled and where the supply of materials will be local. Approximately 6.500 m² of Low-Carbon Stratophone 66.2 and Low-Carbon Planibel Clearlite will be supplied.

• Mobilis, Brussels (Belgium)

D'Ieteren Immo redevelopment project for the creation of a multipurpose, innovative, flexible and sustainable building that will be both energy neutral, holder of the BREEAM “Remarkable” certification and weatherproof. The facade will include Low-Carbon Stratobel 44.2 and Low-Carbon Stratophone 44.2 glazing.

• NDR Fernsehen, Hamburg (Germany)

Around 2.000 m² of Low-Carbon Stratobel iplus 1.1 and Low-Carbon Energy 72/38 were used in the new building of the NDR television station in the Lokstedt district of Hamburg.

In terms of quality, aesthetics and technical performance, AGC's reduced carbon footprint glazing is identical to its traditional versions, but generates around 40% less CO2 during its production(2).

If you want more information, AGC Glass invites you to consult its website www.agc-yourglass.com.

(1) Scope 3 emissions: indirect emissions from activities upstream and downstream of the value chain.

(2) Compared with the reference level of AGC Glass Europe: FDES (EPD) for Planibel in the INIES database