Low-carbon glass is set to become a common specification among architects within the next five years, according to new research by Pilkington United Kingdom Limited. However, questions around performance, price and awareness are still curbing its wider adoption.
The study, conducted with 100 UK-based architects and specifiers, found that just over half (54%) expect to frequently specify low-carbon glass by 2030. The findings, presented during a recent Pilkington UK webinar, suggest rising ambition across the sector, but also highlight a gap between environmental goals and current usage.
Several barriers are holding back adoption. Concerns over performance and durability were cited by 42% of respondents, while 41% pointed to higher costs compared with conventional glass. One in three cited lack of information or awareness, and a similar proportion reported client resistance. Limited product availability and absence of industry standards were noted by 31% and 28% respectively.
Despite these concerns, there are signs of optimism. A majority (51%) believe the quality and aesthetics of low-carbon glass are on par with standard alternatives, and 34% said they outperform them. Only 14% felt low-carbon options were inferior.
The perceived benefits of specifying low-carbon glass go beyond reducing embodied carbon. Some 44% said it improves brand reputation and helps meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives. The same share said it supports broader sustainability targets, while 43% believed it enhances appeal to investors and occupants who value eco-credentials. One third (34%) felt it future-proofs projects against tighter regulations.
Circular design is also gaining traction. Four in five respondents said it is already a key consideration in glass specification, and 74% expect this influence to grow.
Pilkington UK, part of the NSG Group, is investing in technologies that support these ambitions. Its low-carbon float glass product, Pilkington Mirai™, offers the same performance and aesthetic quality as conventional glass while cutting embodied carbon by 52%. The company’s renew:glass initiative further supports circular design by turning glass waste into new float glass.
These efforts align with the company’s wider makechange™ vision, which promotes industry collaboration to advance sustainability. Pilkington UK is also contributing to the industry’s move towards zero carbon fuels in glass production.
Arne De Ceapog, Specification Manager at Pilkington UK, said: “We’re seeing growing ambition in the industry to cut embodied carbon, but that’s not yet translating into widespread specification of low-carbon glass.”
“To change that, we need to build trust in the performance of sustainable products and address common misconceptions,” he added.
Why This Matters: This story underscores a pivotal shift in the construction industry, as low-carbon glass emerges as a crucial tool in reducing embodied carbon and meeting stringent environmental and sustainability targets.
