New Product Focus

glass
Three from PPG Earn Cradle to Cradle Certification
Three glass products from Pittsburgh-based PPG Industries have earned Cradle to Cradle® certification at the Silver tier. The products are SOLARBAN® R100 glass, SUNGATE® 400 glass and CLARVISTA™ shower glass.

The three glasses were named as Cradle to Cradle Certified (CM) after an audit of the materials used in their formulation and production, and the processes used to manufacture them. The certification is awarded by McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry, which independently evaluates the total impact of a product on human health and the environment throughout its life cycle. Considerations include sustainability of the product’s material ingredients and its ability to be reutilized, and how efficiently water and energy are used in the product’s manufacture. The product manufacturer also must demonstrate socially responsible corporate practices that encompass social fairness, ethical business standards and environmental stewardship.
www.ppgideascapes.com

doors and windows
WinTech Introduces New Blast-Mitigation Option
The Series 325 blast-mitigation window developed and engineered by WinTech in Monett, Mo., has been analyzed in accordance with current UFC4-010-01 requirements and achieved up to level-one protection. These aluminum windows are available in fixed, project-out and out-swing casements. The 3 ¼-inch window is for use primarily in military and government new construction projects. The company reports that it also can pre-assemble the window into a steel framed opening for installation into a pre-engineered steel building and provide a standard calculation package at the same time.
www.wintechinc.com

skylights
Smart Glazing Joins the Wasco Line-Up
Wasco Skylight Products Inc. in Sanford, Maine, has introduced an electrochromic glass option into its portfolio of high performance glazings.

The company is offering Sage Electrochromics Inc.’s SageGlass® glazing to help reduce glare and solar heat gain while maintaining a constant view of the outdoors. When an electrical charge is conveyed through the glazing, a fine ceramic coating absorbs light and darkens. Custom variations in the degree of tinting can be programmed into the glass at the factory, allowing for intermediate levels of darkness. Tinting can be activated with a switch or integrated into a building management system. Visible light transmittance for SageGlass ranges from 62 percent in its clear state to 3.5 percent in its darkened state.
www.wascoskylights.com

Architects' Guide to Glass & Metal
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