Code, performance and switchable glass presentations at IGMA

Technical presentations occupied the second day of the Annual Conference for the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance, Ottawa, Ontario. The conference, held at Paris Las Vegas, began March 23 and runs through March 26.

Helen Sanders, vice president, technical business development, Sage Electrochromics Inc., Faribault, Minn., presented a snapshot of the overall glazing market, a look at theelectrochromic glass market, and case studies of various Sage projects. “The long-term future of facades is that they are going to become more complex,” she said.Sunshades, exterior louvers, double-skin curtain wall and switchable glass products will become more common place, as the codes and overall market continue to demand better performing wall systems, she said. Products that offer high performance, durability, compatibility and low-cost manufacturing will succeed, she said.During the Ask the Experts panel session, five industry code and standard authorities fielded questions from meeting attendees. Questions were varied, and addressed issues such as ratings for switchable glazing, the National Fenestration Rating Council’s requirement for insulating glass certification, and the differences between the building code and Energy Star. The discussion underlined the drive in the codes and standards community for better performing systems, highlighted in discussions about Energy Star. “When the building codes meet up with Energy Star levels, as they have recently done, Energy Star will increase requirements, become more stringent,” said Jeff Baker, president, WestLab Canada, West London, Ontario. “Codes are pushing up, and Energy Star is pulling from the top.”A panel of seven industry representatives delivered the Glass Performance for Energy Efficient Fenestration presentation. The educational presentation addressed the issues and components that affect glazing performance. It will be available on the IGMA Web site. Share this article: