Sustainability Stories

Nervesa 21, a renovation project in Milan that focused on sustainability and circularity, was designed by Lombardini22.

The building is a model of environmental stewardship, striving for excellence in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards and incorporating circular economy principles by planning for over 90% of the construction materials to be recyclable.

During the refurbishment, 6,510 m² of AGC’s Low-Carbon Glass were supplied, which helped to save 81 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

AGC’s Low-Carbon Glass features a reduced Global Warming Potential of 5.5 kgCO2 eq/m² as expressed for 4 mm float glass (cradle to gate, modules A1 – A3). This represents a significant reduction of carbon footprint compared to standard float glass.

To produce Low-Carbon Glass, AGC takes a holistic approach throughout the entire manufacturing process in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, not only before and during the production process itself, but up to and including delivery to the customer.

Aiming for LEED Platinum and WELL Gold certifications, Nervesa 21 is a pioneering example of sustainability with its energy-efficient design, the integration of renewable energy sources and innovative systems for the collection and re-use of rainwater. These features underscore the building's commitment to environmental responsibility and resource conservation.

#buildlowcarbon

Saint-Gobain Glass stands as a reliable partner in the responsible reclamation and re-manufacturing of pre- and post-consumer glass cullet, transforming it into new high-performance glazing solutions.

Pre-consumer cullet, originating from glass sheet processing and products in transit to end customers, represents a prevalent form of glass waste at processing sites. In contrast, post-consumer cullet encompasses recycled glass from utilized items like commercial facades, home renovations, and interior glass in structures such as partition walls.

In 2023, KpH expressed a keen interest in joining the Glass Forever Programme, collaborating with Saint-Gobain Glass to implement proactive and practical recycling solutions, beginning at their London deconstruction sites. With a meticulous project management approach, KpH seamlessly partnered with the Saint-Gobain Glass Sustainability teams, establishing an efficient waste recycling model, which adeptly segregates recyclable glass from contaminants. This initiative aligns with the steadfast commitment to sustainability and resource reuse at KpH, complementing their social value initiatives. The incorporation of safe and efficient glass collection procedures marks a significant and successful stride in advancing sustainable practices.

#circulareconomy, #culletrecycling

In August 2021 Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG group, successfully manufactured architectural glass at its St Helens facility using hydrogen power.

The trial was a key step in the manufacturer’s plans to decarbonise and could see a transition to using hydrogen to power all production at the site, which currently uses natural gas. The switch means that the float glass furnace – which accounts for the majority of the company’s overall carbon emissions – would be able to run with hugely lower emissions.

The aim of the trial was to demonstrate that the furnace, in which the raw ingredients of the glass are heated to around 1,600 degrees centigrade, could run safely at full production without impacting product quality.

The three-week trial used approximately 60 road tankers of hydrogen, but the longer-term plan is to create a network of hydrogen pipelines to supply key industrial sites, avoiding the need for road transport.

The initiative is part of the ‘HyNet Industrial Fuel Switching’ project to decarbonise industrial processes across the North West. By 2030, it is expected to cut 10 million tonnes of carbon per year – the equivalent of taking four million cars off the road.

#buildlowcarbon

In February 2022 Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, used 100% biofuel to fire the float glass furnace, as part of an industry trial to find sustainable alternatives to natural gas.

A sustainable biofuel made from organic waste materials powered the St Helens glass manufacturer’s furnace entirely for four days, creating 165,000 sq ft of low carbon float glass. The fuel emits circa 80% less CO2 than traditional natural gas used in the sector.

The trial formed part of a £7.1 million project led by industry research and technology organisation Glass Futures, working under the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s Energy Innovation Programme. It aims to demonstrate that the furnace could run safely at full production on the low-carbon fuel without impacting product quality.

Neil Syder, managing director at Pilkington UK, said: “Our world-first trial with Glass Futures proves how biofuel presents a realistic low-carbon alternative to natural gas, which will allow manufacturers to cut thousands of tonnes of CO2 from their production years ahead of alternative zero-carbon options becoming more readily available.”.

#buildlowcarbon