The US General Services Administration (GSA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) have chosen Vitro Architectural Glass as an emerging technology for evaluation as part of their efforts to accelerate the path to net-zero emissions in federal buildings. The GSA plans to invest $9.6 million to install and evaluate 17 sustainable technologies, including Vitro Architectural Glass, which will contribute to President Biden's goal of achieving a net-zero emissions federal buildings portfolio by 2045 [46502a6d].
The evaluations will be conducted as part of the GSA's Green Proving Ground (GPG) program, which aims to identify and evaluate innovative sustainable building technologies. The GPG program has been evaluating technologies since 2011 and has already deployed 23 technologies across the GSA's federally owned portfolio, resulting in carbon dioxide avoidance and cost savings. The evaluations of the 17 technologies, including Vitro Architectural Glass, are expected to be completed by 2026 [46502a6d].
The technologies being evaluated include automated diagnostic technology for building envelope performance, low embodied carbon cement technologies, wearable light exposure measurement systems, energy-saving ceiling tiles, and various HVAC technologies. These technologies have the potential to significantly improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of federal buildings, contributing to the overall goal of achieving net-zero emissions [46502a6d].
The selection of Vitro Architectural Glass as an emerging technology for evaluation highlights the importance of sustainable building materials in achieving net-zero emissions. Vitro Architectural Glass offers advanced glazing solutions that can enhance the energy performance of buildings, reduce the need for artificial lighting, and improve occupant comfort. By incorporating Vitro Architectural Glass into federal buildings, the GSA and DOE aim to demonstrate the potential of this technology to contribute to the decarbonization of the buildings sector [46502a6d].