INNOVATION

Environmentalism and sustainability are increasingly becoming the trend of the day. That’s a good development because it shows we’re finally realizing the importance of the only home we have, Planet Earth. This change of outlook has been most noticeable in architecture. While it may surprise some, fiberglass actually is known to rank relatively high when it comes to environmentally friendly construction materials. If you are still unconvinced, continue reading.

How Environmentally Friendly is Fiberglass?

At a glance, any individual might think that fiberglass, containing plastic polymers as a major component, would definitely not be environmentally sustainable. However, the distinctiveness of its application in architecture makes its long-lasting and durable nature a net-positive for the environment. Below are just some ways fiberglass is a natural choice if you are seeking green and sustainable solutions for your architectural design.

The Main Ingredient

People often forget that the main ingredient used in the making of fiberglass isn’t plastic, but silica (sand). Since silica is abundant and a non-depleting material, its mining is highly sustainable and can be done in areas that are low on biodiversity such as many deserts and badlands. Furthermore, compared to other construction materials such as metals and concrete, the mining and processing of sand into fiberglass is far less energy-intensive, helping reduce greenhouse emissions and fossil fuel consumption.

Energy Saving

As above mentioned, the manufacturing of fiberglass is a far less energy-intensive process compared to many other construction materials. However, there are plenty of other ways fiberglass can help energy consumption. For one, fiberglass features terrific thermal insulation. It has a thermal conductivity that is 500 times less than aluminum. In addition, it has features extremely low thermal expansion, maintaining a tight seal in windows and doors against the weather. Both of these properties means that it can easily retain heat inside the house during cold weather and helps greatly reduce the impact of outside heat when it is hot. This translates to a lower indoor energy consumption on climate control, helping save energy and reducing your monthly utility bills. In addition, since fiberglass is a highly lightweight material and can be molded into the desired form right at the factory, there is great energy-savings in terms of transporting it to its destination and having it installed.

Built to Last

Though pure glass is very brittle, when it is drawn into fibers its tensile strength shoots up considerably. When reinforced with special polyester resin, you get a building material that is highly durable and long-lasting. In some applications, such as one-time disposable usage, this would be considered a negative. However, in the case of architecture, this is a big positive when it comes to going green. Most buildings and houses are built to last decades or some even centuries. However, most of their components periodically require maintenance and repairs to ensure that their structural integrity remains intact and that they don’t look degraded. Fortunately, fiberglass is not one of them. Once cured and installed, fiberglass does not creep, deform or corrode over time. This means that its constructs e.g. fiberglass columns, balustrade systems, cornice, and domes can last for decades without any repairs or maintenance needed.

KEY POINTS

Over the last decade a surge in lithium-ion battery production has led to an 85% decline in prices, making electric vehicles and energy storage commercially viable for the first time in history.

Batteries hold the key to transitioning away from fossil fuel dependence, and are set to play a greater role in the coming decade.

UBS estimates that over the next ten years the energy storage market in the United States could grow to as much as $426 billion, and there are many ways to buy into the surge, including chemical companies, battery cell makers, car companies, solar companies and utility companies.

“Capturing the massive economic opportunity underlying the shift to controls and battery-based energy systems requires that planners, policymakers, regulators, and investors take an ecosystem approach to developing these markets,” sustainability-focused research firm Rocky Mountain Institute said recently.

What a difference a decade can make. In 2010, batteries powered our phones and computers. By the end of the decade, they are starting to power our cars and houses too. Over the last ten years, a surge in lithium-ion battery production drove down prices to the point that — for the first time in history — electric vehicles became commercially viable from the standpoint of both cost and performance. The next step, and what will define the next decade, is utility-scale storage.

As the immediacy of the climate crisis becomes ever more apparent, batteries hold the key to transitioning to a renewable-fueled world. Solar and wind are playing a greater role in power generation, but without effective energy storage techniques, natural gas and coal are needed for times when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t howling. And so large scale storage is instrumental if society is to shift away from a world dependent on fossil-fuel.

Our spirit defines us. We know that long-term success is achieved by linking economic growth with respect, financial performance with social responsibility, and industrial development with environmental stewardship. As a leading company, we take our Corporate Social Responsibility seriously and embed it into business practices. We are committed to shaping a better future through a strong sense of responsibility and leadership in a new era of sustainable mobility. We engage with our stakeholders through dialogue aiming to create and share value with them: our employees, our customers, our partners, our suppliers, our host territories and their communities, our investors and the environment.

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For our customers, with more than a century of innovation behind us, we are committed to shaping the mobility of the future based on solutions with strong environmental performance, safety, and connectivity, while delivering products and services that our customers are proud to choose and drive and that exceed their expectations for a great customer experience.