Glass Block Blogger

Glass Block’s Role in Sustainable Design
New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia

Glass block from Pittsburgh Corning Glass in commercial space supports sustainable design and LEED certification

• Natural light.
• Natural material.
• Naturally inspired.

LEED

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally recognized green building certification system. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in March 2000, LEED provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.

As a proven, natural material, glass block can add beauty and inspiration to a project while playing a significant role in sustainable design. Glass block, made largely from sand and limestone, is 100 percent recyclable, inert, low maintenance, and highly durable. Yet its dynamic relationship with light gives architects the opportunity to create both aesthetically pleasing and energy-efficient spaces.

Pittsburgh Corning’s glass block can be part of an overall strategy to earn points in several categories in LEED. Read more about how Pittsburgh Corning Glass Block and LEED complement each other.

Energy & Atmosphere

According to Architecture 2030, three-fourths of all electrical energy in the U.S. is used to operate buildings. Reducing energy use in buildings through improved energy performance and energy-saving strategies like daylighting helps reduce the impact buildings have on our atmosphere.

Materials & Resources

The production and transport of building materials can impact our environment in many ways. Conserving resources, using local materials and reducing construction waste reduces that impact.

Indoor Environmental Quality

The U.S. EPA estimates that the average American spends over 80 percent of his/her time indoors. It is important for our own wellbeing to create indoor spaces that are healthy and comfortable.

Innovation & Design

The LEED Rating System, while comprehensive, is not complete. Other aspects of sustainable design, not covered in LEED, are also important. These can be recognized in the Innovation in Design credit.

Contact US

Call us at Eastern Glass Block. We have over 20 years of experience in Glass Block design and installation. We can talk more with you about Glass Block’s value in sustainable designs.