Saint-Gobain Building Glass launches advanced solar control glass

With 75 per cent light transmission and neutral appearance, to support the drive for net-zero carbon buildings

Saint-Gobain Glass has introduced a new double-silver coated solar control glass with a neutral appearance and 75 per cent light transmission, to realise the current architectural trend for large expanses of glass that provide high levels of natural daylight.

COOL-LITE® SKN 183 & SKN 183 II, annealed and to-be-tempered respectively, not only satisfies the demand for beautifully, neutral glass for facades, it also delivers a range of building performance enhancements, considering the benefits of high light transmission and thermal insulation, along with low internal and external reflectivity.

In the UK, building operations accounts for around 30 per cent of CO2 emissions, mainly from heating, cooling and electricity use. In the drive to achieve net-zero carbon buildings, the consistent use of high performance, coated glass as part of a building facade is necessary. Constructing a robust and energy efficient glazed facade creates a healthy environment for building occupants while helping to minimise the effects of building operations on climate change.

COOL-LITE® SKN 183 & SKN 183 II achieves very effective solar protection with a solar factor of 0.40 in double glazed units (DGU). This means the facade can help a building meet energy performance requirements while keeping occupants cool. Heating loads are reduced in winter due to the product’s excellent thermal insulation levels with a Ug value of 1.0 W/m²K.

These performance attributes make COOL-LITE® SKN 183 & SKN 183 II an ideal choice for double-glazed windows, facades and curtain walling in education facilities, hospitals, residential and commercial office buildings.

Lauren Whittaker, Market Manager for the commercial sector at Saint-Gobain Glass said:

“COOL-LITE® SKN 183 & SKN 183 II allows high levels of daylight to flood into a building but prevents the heat and glare from making the room uncomfortable for occupants. This ensures the minimum amount of heating, lighting and air-conditioning are required, which reduces a building’s carbon footprint.

“This really is the ultimate, double silver, solar control glass, providing the best in daylight, thermal comfort and aesthetics; allowing architects to create visually stunning buildings that also provide optimal comfort for building occupants, with lower lighting, heating and cooling costs.

The COOL-LITE® range already pushes the limits for the highest light transmission combined with the best solar control – and this latest innovation provides the additional dimension of neutral aesthetics, ensuring the views through the glass are as natural as possible.”