PPG partners with Walker Glass to debut bird-safe glass with low-e coating

Miner, PPG director of construction, flat glass, said the introduction of AviProtek with Solarban glass capitalizes on PPG’s long-standing relationship with Walker Glass and each company’s commitment to sustainable building solutions. “While PPG is devoted to developing glass and coating technologies that reduce energy use, we also understand that sustainability includes dimensions beyond building performance, such as protecting wildlife. By teaming with Walker Glass, we are able to leverage the expertise of both companies to meet emerging demand for an attractive bird-safe glass that is energy-efficient and transmits high levels of daylight.”

PPG Industries (NYSE: PPG) and Walker Glass Co., Ltd., have combined proprietary technologies to create AviProtek with SOLARBAN® glass, an advanced architectural glass that unites bird-friendly, acid-etched patterns by Walker TEXTURES™ glass with high-performance solar control, low-emissivity (low-e) coatings by PPG. Visual markers on the exterior surface of AviProtek with SOLARBAN glass create contrasting patterns that are easier for birds to see while in flight. The patterns are designed to conform to the 2-by-4-inch rule developed by the American Bird Conservancy, which states that visual markers, such as those pictured in the glass shown here, should be less than 4 inches wide between vertical stripes or less than 2 inches high between horizontal stripes to signal to birds that a barrier is present. AviProtek with SOLARBAN glass is available in five standard patterns.

Walker Glass with AviProtek patterns can be manufactured with Solarban 60 or Solarban 70XL glass on the second (interior) surface of an insulating glass unit (IGU). AviProtek patterns on the first (exterior) surface of windows and architectural glass are proven to reduce bird injury and mortality by providing contrasting patterns that birds can see while in flight.

Marc Deschamps, business development manager, Walker Glass, said AviProtek patterns developed by Walker Glass are based on research conducted by the American Bird Conservancy. “Studies show that birds collide with glass because its transparency, reflectivity or darkness can create the illusion of safe passage or access to water, plants or perching locations,” he said. “Our bird-safe glass helps eliminate such illusions by creating detectible visual patterns, developed by bird-safety researchers, which signal a barrier is present.”

AviProtek with Solarban glass gives architects, designers, specifiers and building owners the ability to comply with bird-safe building codes and to earn LEED(R) certification credits for both bird-friendly building design and environmental performance.

Available on clear and ultra-clear STARPHIRE(R) glass substrates by PPG, AviProtek with Solarban glass comes in five standard bird-friendly patterns. It is sold exclusively through members of the PPG CFP CERTIFIED FABRICATOR PROGRAM(R) group.

To learn more, visit www.ppgideascapes.com or call 1-888-PPG-IDEA (774-4332).

PPG: BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE SURFACE.(TM)

PPG Industries' vision is to be the world’s leading coatings company by consistently delivering high-quality, innovative and sustainable solutions that customers trust to protect and beautify their products and surroundings. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG provides added value to customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. Founded in 1883, PPG has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in nearly 70 countries around the world. Reported net sales in 2014 were $15.4 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPGIndustries on Twitter.

Bringing innovation to the surface is a trademark and PPG CFP Certified Fabricator Program and design, Solarban and Starphire are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

Textures is a trademark of Walker Glass Limited.

LEED – an acronym for the phrase “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” – is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Bringing innovation to the surface is a trademark and PPG CFP Certified Fabricator Program and design, Solarban and Starphire are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

Textures is a trademark of Walker Glass Limited.

LEED – an acronym for the phrase “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” – is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council.