Building a Sustainable Future with Dynamic Glass

As the world increasingly looks to implement sustainable architecture and environmentally friendly residential and commercial construction, those involved in the building design must facilitate a more resource-efficient approach – both for today and in the future.

With the effects of climate change becoming ever more apparent, the search for sustainable solutions is on the rise. This search is emphasising the need for environmentally responsible building design, often with a focus on conserving resources and promoting occupant wellbeing, particularly in office buildings.

One innovative technology powering this transformation is the new product offering from Smartglass International^™ – ConverLight^®.

ConverLight by Smartglass provides a smart, dynamic façade glass option – a sophisticated means of embracing warmth and natural beauty while ensuring minimal energy consumption and optimal solar exposure levels. ConverLight technology includes a zoning algorithm that automatically manages the dynamic properties of the glass to provide optimal protection from infrared energy and UV rays at all times.

As a result, ConverLight by Smartglass boasts some impressive sustainability statistics, including:

• Reduce your building’s CO₂ emissions by up to 40%
• Reduce energy consumption and charges by 30-40%
• Block heat radiation by up to 90%
• 0.33W/m²K – the same insulation as a brick wall
• 80% lower CO₂ footprint in manufacturing compared to traditional sun protection alternatives

Reduce Energy Consumption and Increase Natural Light

Unfortunately, traditional building design often necessitates artificial lighting, which uses electricity. Smart glass technology helps to reduce this energy consumption through harnessing natural light and providing increased control over user-defined spaces. ConverLight goes one step further, by removing the need to manually power on the glass – as it applies a low electrical current to its dynamic foil only during adjustments, energy efficiency is optimised while providing discreet control over the level of natural light flooding the space.

It’s estimated that an average office worker could spend up to 90% of the day indoors. We know that access to natural light is important for fostering more active, productive, and creative employees, meaning that a dynamic glass technology like ConverLight would be a welcome introduction to your office space as your employees will continue to benefit from natural light in their working environment.

Managing Solar Gain

Another energy saving advantage of ConverLight is its ability to control solar gain, which is when short wave radiation from the sun begins to heat up a building. In cooler climates, this passive heating can be beneficial, but in summer climates too much solar gain can quickly lead to overheating.

Thankfully, Converlight’s unique dynamic glass technology offers complete control over the amount of sunlight entering a building, seamlessly adjusting to the current solar load and regulating light and heat. Not only does this stop occupants reaching for the light switch, but users also notice reduced cooling in more wintry weather thanks to the insulative properties of the product – cutting heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) costs over time and further eliminating energy use.

Creating a Responsive Environment

By reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating, ConverLight by Smartglass can substantially decrease energy consumption and help to shrink a building’s carbon footprint. This makes it an ideal tool for use in smart buildings where an integrated building management system is used to enhance environmental performance.

In a closed-loop system, for example, ConverLight detects the prevailing light level and transitions the tint of the glass using its automated sensors and algorithm. The full transformation takes approximately 20 minutes, seamlessly providing a pleasing tint adjustment throughout. Thanks to its automated system, ConverLight maximises the use of natural light whenever possible.

Coupled with the solution’s temperature control and insulation properties, it is possible to closely monitor and manage the building environment. Not only does this reduce energy bills overtime, but it can even minimise maintenance costs by extending the life span of related lighting fixtures.

Meeting Sustainability Standards

With innovations such as these, ConverLight by Smartglass truly heralds a new era in sustainable architecture, helping users achieve various green building certifications thanks to improved energy efficiencies.

BREEAM, for example, is an international sustainability standard used in more than 70 countries worldwide. Buildings are assessed on their environmental credentials and must also demonstrate a positive impact on employee productivity and the health of users.

LEED is another globally recognised system designed to rate the sustainability of buildings. Projects earn points by conforming to standards regarding carbon and by reducing resource consumption through the application of sustainable technologies like switchable or dynamic glass.

Building for the future – today.

As these examples demonstrate, ConverLight by Smartglass supports daylight harvesting and sustainable architecture by optimising natural light, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing user comfort.

While the technology may seem like it applies only to the buildings of tomorrow, ChromoGenics and Smartglass International are currently pioneering this innovative solution throughout the building and architecture industries. ConverLight can be applied to any project design, custom-made to suit your building’s particular requirements.

Find out more about how ConverLight could be of benefit to your design project – get in touch with the experts at Smartglass International today for more in-depth advice.