Dow Corning industry scientist Lawrence Carbary highlighted the necessity to maintain original specified air infiltration rates on building faades as a way to manage energy consumption in a presentati…
Dow Corning industry scientist Lawrence Carbary highlighted the necessity to maintain original specified air infiltration rates on building faades as a way to manage energy consumption in a presentation on 13 June at the GPD Conference, in Tampere, Finland. The recommendation was based on the results of a study comparing thermal performance and energy consumption of commercial buildings with varying climatic conditions, fenestration systems, and materials. Simulations were performed using Therm and Window software from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories and eFen software from Carli Inc. The fenestration systems evaluated were mechanically fixed glazed curtainwall systems compared to silicone structural glazed systems. More energy efficient buildings are critical to maintaining longer term energy savings and sustainability, said Carbary. Silicon-based energy efficient fenestration systems play a vital role in reducing not just carbon emissions, but they“re also more cost-efficient. Proper energetic performance of buildings provide owners and specifiers with the data they need to select the most appropriate programme and materials available to effectively renovate an existing or new building structure, saving building manufacturers both time and money for more cost-effective maintenance and restoration programmes. Energy consumption of a building must be a long term commitment, not just during the construction process, said Carbary. Wet sealed silicone structural glazed faades have a long history of structural performance due to the longevity of the structural silicone used as an adhesive/sealant. This technology is known to have longevity superior to organic technologies. Typical gasket technologies in use today are organic based and have a shorter lifespan compared to the silicone counterparts. The Glass Performance Days (GPD) conference is organized bi-annually and consists of the largest and leading international glass conference, several workshops, glass product exhibition and versatile social activities.