Fiberglass Green and Sustainability
Fiberglass: an environmentally-friendly material that’s built to last
Fiberglass is a natural choice when you’re seeking energy-efficient, green, sustainable solutions. Due to its composition, fiberglass is known for its very low embodied energy ─ the total energy required to produce a product from the raw materials stage through delivery of fiberglass products.
Typically fiberglass requires no added materials to reinforce it, reducing the bulk and weight of windows and doors, helping cut transportation costs in the process.
Sustainability starts with sand ─ an abundant natural resource
The main ingredient in fiberglass is glass. Since glass is made from sand ─ an abundant, natural, non-depleting resource ─ fiberglass is a highly-sustainable solution.
Highly-compatible with glazing
Fiberglass has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion, similar to that of float glass. As a result, fiberglass, by its very nature, is highly-compatible with glazing materials like glass, because they expand and contract at similar rates, which enhances glazing durability.
Because of their low coefficient of thermal expansion, fiberglass windows and doors provide energy-efficient solutions that help seal out the elements - even in extreme hot and cold climate conditions.
Fiberglass earns ENERGY STAR®, contributes to LEED®, Green Globe® ratings
Fiberglass is also a mainstay in insulation applications for new construction, remodeling and replacement needs, due to its ability to effectively insulate against heat and cold.
Fiberglass windows and doors are among the most energy-efficient building material options available in construction today. As a result, many fiberglass fenestration products have earned the ENERGY STAR® label, signifying their outstanding energy performance. In addition, fiberglass windows and doors are popular choices for those architects, designers, builders, contractors and others seeking to create LEED® certified buildings by the U.S. Green Building Council or earning Green Globes®.
Recyclability and the environment
Fiberglass is designed, tested and built to last….for decades. That means there is less waste heading to landfills, as fiberglass products have extremely long life cycles.
Many fiberglass products have earned the ENERGY STAR rating, symbolic of their energy-efficient properties. As sustainable resources, fiberglass windows and doors have become highly sought-after by architects, builders, contractors, remodelers, designers, commercial property owners and homeowners. View recent market study data regarding the shipment of prime windows.
Because of its natural strength and durability, fiberglass is an excellent choice for those seeking energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly building materials for residential or commercial applications.
Read an article adapted from Window & Door magazine, Green Concerns: Accelerating Fiberglass Demand, for more green and sustainable benefits of fiberglass in fenestration.
