During the 11th Glass Performance Days held in Tampere, Finland, in June 2009, attendance topped 800 to listen to 300 professional presentations. The lead theme of Renewable Energy and Energy Savings …
During the 11th Glass Performance Days held in Tampere, Finland, in June 2009, attendance topped 800 to listen to 300 professional presentations. The lead theme of Renewable Energy and Energy Savings attracted representatives of the international glass industry, universities and research institutions as well as structural engineers and architects. The strong growth of solar applications, especially PV, BIPV and thermal applications, where glass is such a key component, turned out to be of special interest. The previous GPD put special focus on glass manufacturers and now we wanted to create a special forum for solar specialists where a dialogue between solar and glass developers was of particular importance, says Jorma Vitkala, Chairman of the Organizing Committee. We were also very pleased to see that the Architects module discussions became so fruitful in the best GPD spirit. Design, product supply and applications need to work hand in hand in this important market, Vitkala remarks. The GPD also continued its practice of handing special awards to participants who have made extraordinary contributions to the development of the industry, with 2009 award winners being: Graham Dodd, Orup Partners International Ltd., UK, Chairman of the Session on Architectural Challenges and Solutions); Jens Schneider, Professor, Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany, Chairman of the Architect Forum); Norbert Wruk, Pilkington Deutschland AG, Germany, Chairman of the Session on New Products & Applications); Tapio Nissinen, in retirement, six-time Chairman of the GPD sessions on Insulating Glass Units. The strong growth of solar energy applications has inspired new growth for its entire sourcing chain, where glass stands out as a key and irreplaceable component, Jorma Vitkala states. The new emphasis on renewable energy and energy savings has brought new life to solar applications as well. Growth rates in the order of 40% have been recorded and are forecasted to continue for, at least, the near future. In this way solar applications have become a driving force for an otherwise stalemate market. The suppliers of solar applications all feel the positive impact that also brings new challenges. Glassmakers must adjust to delivering low-iron glass with better light and energy transmission in larger quantities than before. Glass processors need to fine-tune their processes for more stringent quality requirements in pre-processing, tempering, laminating and the handling of coating materials. The entire industry undergoes a structural change where those who can deliver with quality and economy hold the upper hand. The energy transmission of glass and new coating options attracted strong attention and the exchange of information initiated at the 11th GPD will continue at the next GPD Conferences: GPD China in March 2010 and GPD Tampere in 2011. The printed book containing the proceedings of the 11th GPD is available from the organizers for deeper studies now while the contents will be placed on the website later in the year. The GPD 2009 attendance analysis reveals that some 70% of all 800 participants represented the sectors of architecture or construction. This is highly encouraging also against the background that buildings consume some 40% of all energy used in the world. Another impressive percentage is that some 40% of participants represented top management in their background organizations, the balance came from managerial, design and specialist functions. The figures clearly show the key position the GPD has achieved as the leading forum for the international glass industry in the world. On behalf of the GPD team, I would like to thank all the GPD 2009 speakers, journalists and other participants who gave us support that enabled us to reach this impressive participant level, adds Jorma Vitkala.