MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SageGlass®, the world’s smartest electrochromic glass, was installed in an office suite at the Syracuse Center of Excellence (SyracuseCoE) headquarters. Electronically tintable SageGlass, a product of Saint-Gobain, is included in a daylighting research project being conducted in collaboration with Siemens Industry, Inc., Building Technologies Division a strategic partner of the SyracuseCoE. The project will compare electrochromic glass and automated window blinds side-by-side to determine which product most effectively minimizes energy consumption while maintaining glare control and creating a comfortable environment for building occupants.
SageGlass was selected for this project for its ability to dynamically control sunlight to optimize daylight, maintain outdoor views, and enhance comfort by preventing glare and solar heat. By blocking sunlight on hot days, SageGlass dramatically reduces energy demand and the need for HVAC. Through this project, researchers from Syracuse University, Siemens Industry, Inc., Building Technologies Division and the SyracuseCoE will study the interactions between daylighting, occupant comfort, and energy used for lighting, heating and cooling in the building for both SageGlass and automated blinds. The SyracuseCoE building is equipped with window blinds that change angle based on the position of the sun and temperatures, automatically controlled by Siemens’ building management system.
“Automated window blinds and electrochromic glass are two of the most effective methods for solar control available today,” said Klaus Jank, Product Manager, US Room Level Controllers, at Siemens Industry, Inc., Building Technologies Division. “In partnership with the SyracuseCoE, our goal is to identify an optimized control scheme for integrating daylighting and electrical lighting, while using different technologies for dynamic exterior façades. This study will help improve the way building systems are managed.”
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum SyracuseCoE headquarters serves as a “living laboratory” to help companies and universities develop new products to improve energy efficiency in buildings. SyracuseCoE currently collaborates with more than 200 organizations, including Siemens Industry, Inc., Building Technologies Division, to address global challenges in clean and renewable energy, indoor environmental quality and water resources. As part of the partnership, Siemens Industry, Inc., Building Technologies Division finances research into energy efficiency and air quality in buildings.
According to Ed Bogucz, Executive Director at the Syracuse Center of Excellence, “Our mission at the Center is to accelerate innovations for clean energy and healthy buildings. With the daylighting research, we’re studying energy efficiency and human comfort in a whole new way to improve the indoor experience.”
“Electrochromic glass and automated blinds have been the traditional solutions for solar control for years and this study will help inform which is truly more effective,” said Alan McLenaghan, CEO of SageGlass. “We’re confident SageGlass will prove to be a superior solar management solution thanks to its ability to control sunlight and create a more comfortable environment for building occupants, without compromising outdoor views.”
For a virtual tour of the SyracuseCoE headquarters, click here.
About SageGlass®
SageGlass® is the pioneer of the world’s smartest electrochromic glass and is transforming the indoor experience for people by connecting the built and natural environments. Electronically tintable SageGlass, a product of Saint-Gobain, dynamically optimizes daylight and manages temperature – all while maintaining unobstructed views of the outdoors. With SageGlass, building occupants can comfortably experience the biophilic benefits of the outdoors, including stress reduction, enhanced creativity and an improved sense of well-being. Unlike conventional sun controls such as mechanical window shades or blinds, SageGlass allows architects to elegantly solve solar control challenges without sacrificing aesthetics and design. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, SageGlass is backed by 350 years of building science expertise that only the world leader in sustainable environments can provide. Ready to look again? Visit www.SageGlass.com, @Sage_Glass, Facebook.com/SageGlass.
About Saint-Gobain in North America
For 350 years, Saint-Gobain, the world leader in sustainable environments, has designed and manufactured high-performance building materials that improve the lives of people all over the world. From the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles and the glass pyramid at the Louvre, to The Statue of Liberty and The World Trade Center, and even components that allow the Mars Rover Curiosity to seek out life on another planet, Saint-Gobain has been a part of the fabric of human history, advancement and improvement.
In North America, the company upholds this rich history of innovation by making a material difference in the spaces where people work, live, play, heal and learn. Along with its North American headquarters in Malvern, Pennsylvania, Saint-Gobain has more than 150 locations in North America and approximately 15,000 employees. In the United States and Canada, Saint-Gobain reported sales of approximately $6.2 billion in 2014. Experience our innovation, wonders and advancements by visiting www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com and connect with Saint-Gobain North America on Facebook and Twitter.
About Saint-Gobain
In 2015, Saint-Gobain is celebrating its 350th anniversary, 350 reasons to believe in the future. Backed by its experience and its capacity to continuously innovate, Saint-Gobain, the world leader in the habitat and construction market, designs, manufactures and distributes high-performance and building materials providing innovative solutions to the challenges of growth, energy efficiency and environmental protection. With 2014 sales of €41 billion, Saint-Gobain operates in 66 countries and has over 180,000 employees. For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit www.saint-gobain.com and the Twitter account @saintgobain or download the “Saint-Gobain Shareholder” application for tablet and smartphone.
