AGC continues to expand production of float glass with a low indirect carbon footprint.

Six months ago, AGC Glass Europe launched production of Planibel Clearlite, a float glass whose carbon footprint has been reduced by more than 40%, at its production site in Moustier, Belgium.

The production of Low-Carbon Planibel Clearlite produces a maximum of 7 kg of CO₂ per m² for glass with a thickness of 4 mm.

Meanwhile, AGC's production site in Seingbouse, France, has also begun producing this same sustainable glass, which is the next step in the planned long-term rollout across the Group.

Now that this additional production capacity is operational, AGC has expanded its Low-Carbon Glass offering to include Low-Carbon Stratobel (safety glass), Stratophone (soundproof glass), iplus (thermal insulation glass), Stopray and Energy (solar control glass), as well as toughenable coatings (T-coatings). The entire series is now available in thicknesses from 3 to 10 mm.

AGC Glass Europe has taken the next step on the path to CO₂-neutrality by equipping another AGC production site to produce Low-Carbon Glass. With its integrated approach, the Group is taking into account the entire value chain: decarbonization of production processes, reduction of CO₂-emissions from the upstream supply chain and reduction of other indirect emissions. With visible results, AGC is committed to more sustainable sourcing of raw materials, highly efficient melting furnaces with innovative electroboosting technology, even greater recycling via intelligent "pre-consumer" scrap streams and optimized transportation between AGC production sites and customers. The Group also supports the use of renewable energy by not only purchasing green energy, but also generating its own green solar and wind energy.

Investors and building owners are increasingly demanding that sustainable materials be used in their projects. Sustainable buildings have a smaller carbon footprint, minimize the consumption of non-renewable resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. During the construction phase, several aspects such as the use of decarbonized materials, recyclability, reusability of building components and waste reduction must be taken into account, both during the construction process and after the building's life cycle.

There are also financial arguments for investors and owners: healthy and ecological buildings bring higher rental and sales prices, which in turn increases the likelihood of a long-term increase in the value of the investment.

By pursuing portfolios of sustainable assets, investors, and fund managers can work toward their scope 3 targets, such as tenant-generated emissions and indirect emissions, and improve their ESG status.

For AGC Glass Europe, the growing demand for sustainable and decarbonized construction is already reflected in the first projects for which AGC's Low-Carbon Glass has been chosen:

- Research & Diagnostics Centre of UMC Amsterdam

The Amsterdam UMC has a new center for research and diagnostics, it has chosen 1,600 m² to Low-Carbon ipasol Ultraselect 62/29 (solar control glass) and Low-Carbon Planibel Clearlite (single glass).

- Nervesa 21, Milan

This Class A building in Milan, with an area of 10,000 sq. ft., is pursuing the highest ESG status and strictest circular economy practices in a process of sustainable renovation, recycling more than 90% of the materials removed during the renovation process and using local materials. Approximately 6,500 m² of Low-Carbon Stratophone 66.2 and Low-Carbon Planibel Clearlite will be provided.

- Mobilis, Brussels

Redevelopment project carried out by D'Ieteren Immo for a multifunctional, innovative, flexible and sustainable building that will be both energy neutral - with BREEAM Outstanding certification - and climate proof. The facade will incorporate Low-Carbon Stratobel 44.2 and Low-Carbon Stratophone 44.2.

- NDR Fernsehen, Hamburg

In the facade of the new program building of the NDR, in the Hamburg district of Lokstedt is 2,000 m² to Low-Carbon Stratobel iplus 1.1 and Low-Carbon Energy 72/38 incorporated.

Qualitatively, aesthetically and technically, there is no difference between AGC's Low-Carbon Glass and AGC's traditional glass. However, the production process does produce approximately 40% less CO₂ generated .

Those interested in this can find more information at www.agc-yourglass.com.