Use of glass in construction has become a fad. But it is not the right choice for Indian climate

Use of glass in construction has become a fad. But it is not the right choice for Indian climate

There was commotion at the CBI headquarters in Delhi on the day the Northern Grid tripped in July. Though diesel gensets sprung into action, the building occupants were visibly uncomfortable as the central air-conditioning chillers had no power back-up. The overwhelming glass envelope of the building led to quick increase in temperature. It became unbearable, especially because the glass panels designed as windows would not open. “It was a nightmare,” said an official who did not wish to be named. Frantic calls were made to the National Building Construction Corportion, responsible for its construction, for a solution.

Despite many such experiences, the use of glass in construction is gaining popularity in the country. Industry is hard selling the material on the ground that glass contributes to aesthetics, energy efficiency, safety, security and comfort. Even Saint-Gobain Glass, the world leader in glass manufacturing, has a website glassisgreen.com. The company’s India unit is the founding member of the Indian Green Building Council that awards green ratings to buildings. The website of another glass maker AIS Glass also highlights the green caliber of glass.

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