Made a promise to go green in 2022? Keen to be more environmentally aware, whether that’s at home or in the office? Then have you considered using more glass?
If you’re looking to make office or home improvements but have also resolved to reduce your environmental impact, glass balustrades could be just what you need.
Offering functionality, style, and that all-important sustainability, glass is the perfect material for balustrade systems. Helping you to achieve a great design, whilst also meeting your environmental objectives.
Here the team at Square 1, look at how glass balustrades can offer you a great green solution.
Why is sustainability important?
There’s no ignoring the fact that ‘sustainability’ is a buzzword at the moment. It’s used everywhere, but what does it really mean?
In simple terms, it’s about taking responsibility. Ensuring that our needs are met – but not at the expense of future generations.
For a business, this is particularly important. Committing to corporate sustainability and making more environmentally conscious decisions will help to initiate more focused ideas and strategies. It can also help to increase business by enhancing reputation and broadening appeal – which in turn, will expand your client base.
No longer is it good enough to recycle waste, turn off lights and make sure computers aren’t left on external standby. Customers are demanding more substantial, accountable actions. Responsible decision making that considers all elements of a business and its environmental impact.
Why glass?
First and foremost, glass looks great. Balustrades made from glass are effortlessly stylish and bring a fresh, contemporary feel to any setting – be that an office, school, public building or residential home.
Yet thanks to improved technologies, glass offers so much more than just good looks.
Glass balustrades are also:
· Sustainable
Glass is integral to achieving sustainability.
It’s no longer enough to simply think about individual factors – such as the recyclability of a material. Instead, the complete ‘life-cycle’ must be considered. This means taking into account the environmental impact of manufacturing processes, construction and even demolition.
Glass is made from sand, which is an abundant raw material, and choosing glass goods contributes directly to saving precious natural resources.
· Energy efficient
Get smart with your architectural design and glass balustrades can significantly contribute to low energy buildings and structures. They reduce energy demands by minimising the amount of electric light and heat needed.
Buildings reliant on electric lights will find that increasing glass levels – by opening up balconies, stairways and landings with glass balustrades – is an effective way to boost the natural internal light levels.
Cleverly positioned glass balustrades outside can also preserve energy. Protecting the façade of a building and serving as a windbreak to minimise potential drafts and reduce heat loss.
If space is at a premium, you could consider replacing an ill-fitting window with a Juliet balcony. Not only will this boost light levels, but it will also provide an additional layer of protection against drafts.
· Recyclable
Perhaps the most crucial trait when assessing the green characteristics of glass is the fact that it is fully recyclable.
And not just once. Glass doesn’t degrade when recycled which means it can be recycled endlessly and need never go to waste – one day a glass balustrade the next a glass bottle!
Talk to the team
Whether you’re looking to renovate an existing space, or to design a new area with considerations for the environment at the heart of the project, glass balustrades are your first step to a greener solution.
At Square 1 Balustrades we have a team of in-house experts, who are on hand to answer any questions you may have about glass balustrades systems and their suitability for your project.
Why not get in touch? You can call us on 01489 583371, email mail@square-1balustrades.co.uk or fill in our contact form and we’ll be in touch soon.
