Processed Glass EPD

ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION

PROCESSED GLASS

TECNOGLASS

Laminated Glass: Laminated glass is an industry-transformer composed of two or more Tecnoglass is forging ahead with
heat-treated glass lites and lamination interlayer(s). This processed glass type is capable of innovative sustainable solutions for
providing durability, high-performance, and multi-functional benefits such as safety, solar both commercial and residential
energy performance, and hurricane resistance while preserving the aesthetic of the glass. buildings. Each year, Tecnoglass
evaluates progress in these crucial
Insulating Glass: Insulating glass improves the thermal performance of windows and is areas, setting new goals while
composed of two or more heat-treated glass lites, spacer(s) and sealants. This processed considering the economic, social and
glass type creates a more comfortable indoor environment free from extreme environmental impact of their
temperatures and can reduce heating and cooling costs significantly. products.

Fully-Tempered Glass: Tempered glass is a safety heat-treated glass that is around four Tecnoglass is the destination for
times stronger than regular annealed glass of similar specifications. When broken, it breaks customers who want high-quality
into fairly small pebble-like pieces to reduce the chance of injuries and makes it more likely glass that meets custom needs, is
that the glass will separate from the opening. offered at competitive prices and
comes with timely delivery. Their
Low-E Glass: Our low-e coatings offer efficient energy saving benefits to any architectural record-breaking technology has
project, minimizing the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that passes through the made Tecnoglass a one-stop-shop
glass without compromising the amount of visible light transmittance. Tecnoglass offers a for all glass needs, including
wide variety of coatings, both passive and solar control, which can be applied to clear or tempered, laminated and insulating
tinted glass. glass, as well as glass with screen
printing, impact-resistant glazing and
This EPD was not written to support comparative assertions. Even for similar products, differences curved glass.
in declared unit, use and end-of-life stage assumptions and data quality may produce
incomparable results. It is not recommended to compare EPDs with another organization, as The purpose of this EPD is to access
there may be differences in methodology, assumptions, allocation methods, data quality such as the environmental impacts of our
variability in data sets and results of variability in assessment software tools used. products while providing design
teams with the documentation they
need towards green building rating
systems.

Processed Glass According to ISO 14025, EN 15804 & ISO 21930:2007
Processed Glass Products

This declaration is an environmental product declaration (EPD) in accordance with ISO 14025. EPDs rely
on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to provide information on a number of environmental impacts of products
over their life cycle. Exclusions: EPDs do not indicate that any environmental or social performance
benchmarks are met, and there may be impacts that they do not encompass. LCAs do not typically
address the site-specific environmental impacts of raw material extraction, nor are they meant to assess human health
toxicity. EPDs can complement but cannot replace tools and certifications that are designed to address these impacts
and/or set performance thresholds – e.g. Type 1 certifications, health assessments and declarations, environmental
impact assessments, etc. Accuracy of Results: EPDs regularly rely on estimations of impacts, and the level of
accuracy in estimation of effect differs for any particular product line and reported impact. Comparability: EPDs are not
comparative assertions and are either not comparable or have limited comparability when they cover different life cycle
stages, are based on different product category rules or are missing relevant environmental impacts. EPDs from
different programs may not be comparable.

PROGRAM OPERATOR UL Environment
DECLARATION HOLDER Tecnoglass, Inc.
DECLARATION NUMBER UL Provided

DECLARED PRODUCT 1 m2 of Processed Glass

REFERENCE PCR UL Part B: Processed Glass (North America) 2016

DATE OF ISSUE UL Provided

PERIOD OF VALIDITY 5 Years

Product definition and information about building physics

Information about basic material and the material’s origin

CONTENTS OF THE Description of the product’s manufacture
DECLARATION Indication of product processing
Information about the in-use conditions

Life cycle assessment results

Testing results and verifications

The PCR review was conducted by: UL Provided
UL Provided

UL Provided

This declaration was independently verified in accordance with ISO

14025 by Underwriters Laboratories

☐ INTERNAL ☒ EXTERNAL UL Provided

This life cycle assessment was independently verified in
accordance with ISO 14044 and the reference PCR by:

UL Provided

Processed Glass According to ISO 14025, EN 15804 & ISO 21930:2007
Processed Glass Products

Product System

Company Description

Tecnoglass Inc. is a leading manufacturer of architectural glass, windows, and associated aluminum products for the
global commercial and residential construction industries. Tecnoglass is the number one architectural glass
transformation company in Latin America and the second largest serving the United States. Headquartered in
Barranquilla, Colombia, the company operates out of a 2.7 million square foot vertically‐integrated, state‐of‐the‐art
manufacturing complex that provides easy access to the Americas, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Tecnoglass
supplies their products to over 1,000 customers in North, Central and South America, with the United States
accounting for more than 80% of revenue.

Energía Solar ES Windows was established in 1984 as an artisanal solar heater business and since 1988 has become
involved in the production and commercialization of aluminum and glass windows and facades for residential and
commercial projects. Tecnoglass SAS was established in 1994 as a manufacturer of tempered, laminated, insulating
and other processed glass products. Alutions by Tecnoglass was established in 2007, reinforcing the group´s vertical
integration strategy and strengthening its production cycle with the manufacturing of aluminum profiles, crystals and
windows providing lower production times and even more competitive prices. ES Windows was acquired by
Tecnoglass Inc. in 2016, further enhancing its vertical integration operations and allowing the company to efficiently
serve its rapidly expanding U.S. customer base.

Today, Tecnoglass Inc. includes Energía Solar ES Windows, Tecnoglass, Alutions and ES Windows, which are all
conveniently headquartered on the Barranquilla campus to streamline production and provide the highest quality
products to their customers. Over the years, Tecnoglass Inc. has gained industry recognition and prowess through its
ability to respond to market demand for high quality products, competitive prices, and timely delivery.

Tecnoglass Inc. hopes to sustain their competitive advantage through consistent investment in R&D, innovative new
products, and increased geographic diversification. They are focused on continuous improvement across all aspects of
their business and are constantly updating business strategies and streamlining initiatives to achieve their vision – to
be a worldwide leader of high-quality architectural products and innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
Supported by a team of highly trained and motivated employees, Tecnoglass Inc. is well on its way to achieving this
ambition. In a demonstration of their commitment to this cause, Tecnoglass Inc. has joined the UN’s Global Compact
program, which consolidates the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiatives.

Product Description

The product under study is 1 m2 of processed glass. Processed glass products covered under this EPD include
Laminated, Insulating, Fully-Tempered and Low-E Glass. While multiple products have slightly different compositions,
the composition in this EPD is considered representative of the product line. For further description and percent mass
compositions please refer to the Baseline and Ancillary Materials section below.

Laminated Glass: Laminated glass is a heat-treated glass with a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or SentryGlas interlayer.
Additional Features include:
- Low-E and reflective coatings
- Clear, low iron, or tinted glass options
- Various glass substrate thicknesses
- Heat treatment including heat strengthened or fully tempered
- Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) or SentryGlas interlayer

Insulating Glass: Insulating glass is a heat-treated sealed unit composed of two or more lites of glass separated by a
spacer.

Processed Glass According to ISO 14025, EN 15804 & ISO 21930:2007
Processed Glass Products

Additional Features include:
- Low-E and reflective coatings
- Laminated glass substrate
- Clear, low-iron, or tinted glass options
- Various glass substrate thicknesses
- Heat treatment including heat strengthened or fully tempered
- Alternative spacer materials
- Air or Argon

Fully-Tempered Glass: Tempered glass is a safety heat-treated glass that is around four times stronger than regular
annealed glass of similar specifications.

Additional Features include:
- Can be incorporated into any glass type
- Clear, low-iron, or tinted glass options
- Various glass substrate thicknesses

Low-E Glass: Low-E or low-emissivity glass minimizes the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that passes through
the glass, controlling heat transfer.

Additional Features include:
- Various coatings to reduce glare and UV transmittance
- Can be combined in an insulating glass unit
- Clear, low-iron, or tinted glass options
- Various glass substrate thicknesses

Flow Diagram

The primary manufacturing processes of the glass are made by Tier 1 suppliers and the final manufacturing processes
occur at the Tecnoglass facility located in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Figure 1. Manufacturing Process Flow Diagram

Processed Glass According to ISO 14025, EN 15804 & ISO 21930:2007
Processed Glass Products

Product Use and Application

Tecnoglass receives float glass from multiple suppliers and then processes the glass through cutting, heat-treatment,
lamination, or by creating insulating glass units. These processed glass products can be further assembled into
finished window or door products by ES Windows, a Tecnoglass Inc. company, or can be shipped directly to
customers for further assembly and/or installation. The processed glass products listed in this declaration may be used
in both commercial and residential settings and can be installed in place to improve the energy efficiency of a building.

Technical Data

Common Dimensions (w x h)

Tecnoglass dimensions and thicknesses vary according to clients’ needs and specifications. Tecnoglass offers an
extensive range of thicknesses and dimensions. The dimensions listed below represent the minimum and maximum
sizes, and the most common thicknesses.

Minimum and maximum sizes:

- Laminated: w x h; 8”x12” min / 130”x236” max
- Insulating: w x h; 8x12” min / 98”x196” max
- Fully tempered: w x h; 8”x12” min / 130”x236” max
- Low - E: Varies according to each configuration: laminated, insulating or insulating laminated glass

Common Thicknesses (Inches)

- Laminated: 5/16”, 7/16”, 9/16”, 13/16”
- Insulating: 1”
- Insulating Laminated: 1 5/16”
- Fully tempered: 3/16”, 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”
- Low - E: Varies according to each configuration: laminated, insulating or insulating laminated glass

Technical data on Tecnoglass’ processed glass products is available at https://www.tecnoglass.com/.

Placing on the Market

The products validated in this EPD conform to the following technical standards for processed glass:

• ANSI Z97.1
• ASTM C 1036: Standard Specification for Flat Glass
• ASTM C 1376: Standard Specification for Pyrolotic and Vacuum Deposition Coatings on Flat Glass
• CPSC 16CFR 1201: Safety Standard for Architectural Glazing Materials
• EN 12898: Glass in building. Determination of the emissivity
• MS 2397: Coated Glass in Building - Specification

Delivery Status

Processed Glass According to ISO 14025, EN 15804 & ISO 21930:2007
Processed Glass Products

Shipments of processed glass to external customers are first wrapped in plastic wrap, and then placed in a wooden
crate with extruded polystyrene foam cushioning to protect the glass. Internal transportation of the processed glass to
ES Windows, a part of the same facility in Barranquilla, is done using handcarts.

Baseline and Ancillary Materials

The following table describes the material composition of a Low-E Coated Laminated IGU manufactured at
Tecnoglass.

Table 1 – Low-E Coated Laminated IGU Composition

Constituent % Composition
Float Glass 99.39 - 99.60
PVB Interlayer 0.35 - 0.40
Argon Gas Spacer 0.27 - 0.40
Low-E Coating < 0.002

Manufacture

Tecnoglass processed glass products are manufactured in Barranquilla, Colombia. Float glass is received from various
suppliers, cut to the appropriate dimensions as dictated by the customer, rinsed, and then undergoes heat-treatment to
fully-temper the glass. Then, the tempered glass can either be further processed into Low-E coated glass, laminated
glass, insulating glass or insulating laminated glass.

For Low-E glass, a thin coating comprised of various low-emissivity materials, including silver, titanium, zinc, tin, and
oxygen, is applied to the annealed or tempered glass. Because the glass face with the Low-E coating applied cannot be
exposed, this glass either undergoes lamination or becomes part of an insulating glass unit.

Laminated glass is comprised of two or more lites of float glass that have undergone full tempering and can also be Low-
E coated. Either a PVB or SentryGlas interlayer is applied between the two pieces of glass.

Insulating glass, also known as an IGU, is a double sealed unit comprised of two or more lites of fully tempered glass,
Low-E glass, or laminated glass separated by a metal or warm edge spacer. The air space between the two lites can
be filled with air or argon gas according to the performance required by the customer. The units are sealed with
polyisobutylene (PIB) as a primary sealant and silicon as a secondary sealant.

The final processed glass is then packaged and shipped to the customer for further fabrication or gets transferred to the
ES Windows facility to be assembled into a window or door product.

Environment and Health During Manufacturing

Tecnoglass is committed to reducing its environmental impact and to the health and safety of its employees. Through
their core values, Tecnoglass assumes a responsibility to be accountable for their actions and interactions with the
environment and stakeholders. This is emphasized in the code of conduct which includes respecting human rights and
the rights of employees in addition to protecting the environment and surroundings through sustainable production
processes. To reduce energy consumption, Tecnoglass has installed a solar panel system to offset energy needed
from the local grid. Additionally, Tecnoglass recycles water onsite throughout various manufacturing processes.

Tecnoglass’ environmental management program has been certified to NTC ISO 14001: 2015 by ICONTEC since
2005. This program has been consolidated as a great administrative tool, supporting the growth of the
organization. Through this program, Tecnoglass has continuously worked to minimize the consumption of water and
energy, and to reduce waste generation during the production process.

Processed Glass According to ISO 14025, EN 15804 & ISO 21930:2007
Processed Glass Products

Product Processing/ Installation

Tecnoglass’ processed glass products should be further fabricated or installed by qualified contractors, adhering to
best industry standards and according to all applicable building codes in the local jurisdiction.

Packaging

Shipments of processed glass products are delivered to external customers in a wooden crate. For processed glass
that is transported internally to ES Windows, wooden crates are reused within the manufacturing plant to the extent
possible. The scope of this study focused on glass produced for ES Windows so transport to other locations was
excluded. Tecnoglass requests that customers dispose of these materials in the appropriate disposal/recycling
streams in accordance with their local guidelines.

Conditions of Use

Tecnoglass products are intended primarily for construction applications for commercial and residential building
projects. They are typically assembled into window and door products as specified by architects, contractors and other
building professionals for finished products.

Environment of Health During Use

There is no harmful emissive potential. No damage to health or impairment is expected under normal use
corresponding to the intended use of the product.

Reference Service Life

As this analysis does not include the use stage of the glass, no reference service life is declared for Tecnoglass’
processed glass products.

Extraordinary Effects

Tecnoglass’ facility is OSHA certified by ICONTEC.
Fire: No negative environmental impact will result from exposure to fire.
Water: Product contains no substances that would have an impact on water quality during a flooding event.
Mechanical Destruction: No danger to the environment can be anticipated during mechanical destruction.
Re-use Phase

Reuse or recycling of processed glass should be considered where feasible. Tecnoglass recycles scrap annealed and
fully-tempered glass generated during the manufacturing process to a float glass company who re-uses this glass to
the best extent possible. However, such recycling phases and use are outside the scope of this EPD.

Disposal

Tecnoglass’ processed glass products are not considered hazardous and may be disposed via typical, non-hazardous
waste stream classifications and disposable routes. Nevertheless, Tecnoglass encourages the repurposing of
processed glass products due to their ease and versatility of reuse. When not suitable for reuse, recycling options are

Processed Glass According to ISO 14025, EN 15804 & ISO 21930:2007
Processed Glass Products

typically available and should be investigated rather than introducing the product to the waste stream. Glass is
considered a non-combustible material and is not suitable for waste to energy.

Further Information

For further information, please visit https://www.tecnoglass.com/ or contact at [email protected].

Life Cycle Assessment

Declared Unit

The declared unit is 1 m2 of processed glass.

Table 2 - Processed Glass Declared Unit

Name Value Unit
m2
Declared Unit 1 kg/m2
Mass per declared unit 12.36 – 18.59 -
Conversion factor to 1 kg mm
Thickness 0.05 - 0.08 %
Interlayer percent mass > 3/16”

0.35 - 0.40

System Boundary

The system boundary used for this analysis is strictly cradle-to-gate (Table 3). Life cycle stages beyond Tecnoglass
facilities’ operation - distribution, use, and end-of-life- are not included. Additionally, capital goods, infrastructure, and
personal activities are excluded from the system, as is typical for LCA studies.

Table 3 - Description of the System Boundary

Product Construction Use End-of-Life Benefits of loads
Installation beyond the system

boundary

Raw Material
Extraction and

Processing
Transport
Manufacturing
Transport
Construction/
Installation

Use
Maintenance

Repair
Replacement
Refurbishment
Operational
Energy Use
Operational Water

Use
De-Construction/

Demolition
Transport
Waste Processing
Disposal

Reuse
Recovery
Recycling

A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 C1 C2 C3 C4 D D D
X X X MND MND MND MND MND MND MND MND MND MND MND MND MND MND MND MND

Estimates and Assumptions

The major assumptions for the development of this EPD are listed below:

• The ecoinvent v3.5 database with cut-off allocation processes is used as the primary database source for
conducting the LCA in SimaPro.

Processed Glass According to ISO 14025, EN 15804 & ISO 21930:2007
Processed Glass Products

• Certain raw materials are not entirely modelled but selected from the ecoinvent v3.5 database.
• Certain materials, for which the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) was not provided, or which had missing components,

were modelled as proxy chemical compounds in approximation with similar products and/or best available
practices.
• The LCA results in this EPD are for a Low-E Coated Laminated IGU as this product has the highest
environmental impact amongst all processed glass products. This product is therefore considered to be a
representative of other processed glass since its impacts are on the higher spectrum of the processed glass
product line.

Cut-off Criteria

Processes whose total contribution was less than 1% of the product mass or contribute less than 1% to all considered
impact categories were excluded.

All material flows that exit the system and whose total contribution was more than 1% of the total impact in that impact
category were included.

For the processes within the system boundary, all available energy and material flow data have been included in the
model.

Software and Background Data

SimaPro v9.0 Software System for Life Cycle Engineering, an internationally recognized LCA modeling software
program, was used for life cycle impact assessment modeling. Background and secondary datasets were modeled
using the ecoinvent v3.5 database developed by the Swiss Centre for Life Cycle Inventories. Wherever data from
ecoinvent databases were not available, the US LCI database, developed by the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory, were used.

Data Quality

Throughout the creation of the LCA model, a variety of tests and checks were done to ensure the highest of quality of
the completed analysis. Checks include an extensive review of the model and the background data.

To ensure precision, completeness, consistency and representativeness of the data, first-hand industry data and
reliable LCI data from ecoinvent v3.5, US-EI 2.2 and US LCI databases were used. Processes and data used are
representative of the global geographical range and the standard or best available practices.

Period Under Review

The data is representative of Tecnoglass’ processed glass production for the 2018 calendar year. Primary data
includes product formulations, manufacturing energy and water consumption, as well as waste generation. Water
treatment chemicals and other ancillary materials are included in the scope of this study.

Allocation

Wherever manufacturing inputs, such as electricity use, natural gas consumption etc., were not sub-metered at the
Barranquilla, Colombia facility, they were allocated by surface area of total processed glass produced. This allocation
methodology was chosen since the plant operational data for the manufacturing process remains similar for production
of one m2 of different types of processed glass.

Comparability

Processed Glass According to ISO 14025, EN 15804 & ISO 21930:2007
Processed Glass Products

Comparison of the environmental performance of processed glass using EPD information shall be based on the
product’s use and impacts at the building level, and therefore EPDs may not be used for comparability purposes when
not considering the building energy use phase as instructed under this PCR.

Full conformance with the PCR for North American Processed Glass allows EPD comparability only when all stages of
the processed glass life cycle have been considered, which is not permitted under this PCR. However, variations and
deviations in the results upstream or downstream of the life cycle stages declared are possible due to the use of
different Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software and background Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) datasets. Environmetnal
declarations from different programs may not be comparable.

LCA Results

Results

Results are reported based on characterization factors from the US EPA Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of
Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts (TRACI 2.1 impact categories). ADP Elements from ReCiPe 2008 is also
reported alongside TRACI impact categories as required by the PCR. Additionally, impact categories taken from the
University of Leiden (CML) methodology are reported to facilitate the use of this EPD outside of North America.

LCA results are presented per the declared unit (1 m2 of processed glass). Note that, at this point, the reported impact
categories represent impact potentials, i.e., they are approximations of environmental impacts that could occur if the
emissions would (a) follow the underlying impact pathway and (b) meet certain conditions in the receiving environment
while doing so. Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) results are therefore relative expressions only and do not predict
actual impacts, the exceeding of thresholds, safety margins, or risks.

Table 4 - Life Cycle Impact Results, per Declared Unit (1 m2)

TRACI 2.1 Impact Assessment Method, October 2013

Parameter Unit (per 1 m2) Raw Material Extraction Raw Material Transport Manufacturing
(A1) (A2) (A3)
GWP
ODP kg CO2 eq. 2.04E+01 6.54E+00 3.50E+01
AP 3.05E-06
EP kg CFC-11 eq. 2.28E-06 1.61E-06 1.24E-01
POCP 6.80E-02
ADPE kg SO2 eq. 1.75E-01 3.30E-02 2.30E+00
ADPF 3.61E-01
kg N eq. 3.52E-02 7.62E-03 6.48E+01
Parameter
kg O3 eq. 2.05E+00 4.88E-01 Manufacturing
(A3)
kg Fe eq. 2.32E+00 2.23E-01

MJ surplus 2.79E+01 1.36E+01

CML 4.1 Impact Assessment Method (per EN 15804:2012 + A1:2013)

Unit (per 1 m2) Raw Material Extraction Raw Material Transport
(A1) (A2)

GWP kg CO2 eq. 2.06E+01 6.55E+00 3.55E+01
ODP kg CFC-11 eq. 1.74E-06 1.21E-06 2.37E-06
AP 1.76E-01 3.25E-02 1.12E-01
kg SO2 eq.

Processed Glass According to ISO 14025, EN 15804 & ISO 21930:2007
Processed Glass Products

EP kg (PO4)3 eq. 2.46E-02 5.13E-03 3.96E-02

POCP kg ethene eq. 6.26E-03 1.48E-03 4.75E-03

ADPE kg Sb eq. 2.32E+00 2.23E-01 3.61E-01

ADPF MJ 2.22E+02 1.00E+02 5.33E+02

GWP = Global warming potential; ODP = Depletion potential of the stratospheric ozone layer; AP = Acidification potential of land and water; EP = Eutrophication potential;
SFP = Smog formation potential; FF = Fossil fuel consumption; POCP = Formation potential of tropospheric ozone photochemical oxidants; ADPE = Abiotic depletion
potential for non-fossil resources; ADPF = Abiotic depletion potential for fossil resources

Table 5 - Use of Resources, per Declared Unit (1 m2)

Parameter Raw Material Extraction Raw Material Transport Manufacturing
Unit (per 1 m2) (A2) (A3)

(A1)

PERE MJ 4.40E+00 9.08E-01 2.79E+01

PERM MJ 5.36E+00 3.18E-01 7.36E+01

PERT MJ 9.76E+00 1.23E+00 1.02E+02

PENRE MJ 2.47E+02 1.09E+02 6.24E+02

PENRM MJ 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

PENRT MJ 2.47E+02 1.09E+02 6.24E+02

SM MJ 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

RSF MJ 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

NRSF MJ 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

FW m3 1.34E-01 1.95E-02 1.38E-01

PERE = Use of renewable primary energy excluding renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials; PERM = Use of renewable primary energy resources
used as raw materials; PERT = Total use of renewable primary energy resources; PENRE = Use of non-renewable primary energy excluding non-renewable primary
energy resources used as raw materials; PENRM = Use of non-renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials; PENRT = Total use of non-renewable
primary energy resources; SM = Use of secondary material; RSF = Use of renewable secondary fuels; NRSF = Use of non-renewable secondary fuels; FW = Use of net
fresh water

Table 6 - Output Flows and Wastes, per Declared Unit (1 m2)

Parameter Unit Raw Material Extraction Raw Material Transport Manufacturing

(A1) (A2) (A3)

HWD kg 2.18E-04 6.52E-05 7.19E-04

NHWD kg 1.42E+00 5.48E+00 1.17E+00

RWD kg 7.18E-04 6.83E-04 7.07E-04

CRU kg 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

MFR kg 3.18E-03 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

MER kg 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

EEE MJ 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

EET MJ 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

HWD = Hazardous waste disposed; NHWD = Non-hazardous waste disposed; RWD = Radioactive waste disposed; CRU = Components for re-use; MFR = Materials for
recycling; MER = Materials for energy recovery; EEE = Exported electrical energy, EET = Exported thermal energy

Processed Glass According to ISO 14025, EN 15804 & ISO 21930:2007
Processed Glass Products

LCA Interpretation

Based on the impact assessment results, raw material extraction (A1) followed by manufacturing (A3) are the most
impactful stages across most of the impact categories. Amongst raw materials, the float glass drives the raw material
impacts across all impact categories. Float glass constitutes around 99% of the product by mass. For the
manufacturing process, electricity usage drives the results for manufacturing impacts across most of the impact
categories. Fossil fuel depletion during manufacturing is primarily driven by the use of natural gas, including natural
gas used for electricity generation on-site. Use of natural gas and electricity have a considerable impact on the
cumulative energy demand during the manufacturing process.

Processed Glass Environmental Impcats

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

GWP ODP AP EP POCP ADPE ADPF

Raw Materials (A1) Raw Material Transport (A2) Manufacturing (A3)

Figure 2 - Environmental Impact of lifecycle of 1 m2 Processed Glass (TRACI 2.1)

References

UL Environment General Program Instructions April 2015, version 2

PCR Part A: UL Environment and Institute of Construction and Environment e.V. Konigswinter (pub.): Product
Category Rules for Building-Related Products and Services from the range of Environmental Product Declarations
of Institut Bauen und Umwelt (IBU), Part A: Calculation Rules for the Life Cycle Assessment and Requirements on
the Project Report, July 2014, version 1.3 https://www.ul.com/businesses/environment

UL Environment (2016) PCR Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services Part B: Processed Glass EPD
Requirements 2016 https://www.ul.com/businesses/environment

EN 15804: 2012-04 - Sustainability of construction works — Environmental Product Declarations — Core rules for
the product category of construction product.

ISO 14025: 2006 - Environmental labels and declarations — Type III environmental declarations — Principles
and procedure

Processed Glass According to ISO 14025, EN 15804 & ISO 21930:2007
Processed Glass Products

ISO 14040: 2006 - Environmental management – Life cycle assessment – Principles and framework

ISO 14044:2006 - Environmental management – Life cycle assessment – Requirements and guidelines

ISO 21930: 2007 - Sustainability in building construction -- Environmental declaration of building products

Wernet, G., Bauer, C., Steubing, B., Reinhard, J., Moreno-Ruiz, E., and Weidema, B., 2016. The ecoinvent database
version 3 (part I): overview and methodology. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, [online] 21(9),
pp.1218–1230. Available at: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11367-016-1087-8
"U.S. Life Cycle Inventory Database." (2012). National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2012. Accessed November 19,
2012: https://www.lcacommons.gov/nrel/search
Icontec, Norma Técnica Colombiana NTC-ISO 14001:2004 Sistemas de gestión ambiental. Requisitos con orientación
para su uso, Bogotá: Icontec, 2004.
ANSI Z97.1
ASTM C 1036: Standard Specification for Flat Glass
ASTM C 1376: Standard Specification for Pyrolotic and Vacuum Deposition Coatings on Flat Glass
CPSC 16CFR 1201: Safety Standard for Architectural Glazing Materials
EN 12898: Glass in building. Determination of the emissivity
MS 2397: Coated Glass in Building - Specification

Contact Information

Study Commissioner

Tecnoglass
Avenida Circunvalar a 100 mts de la Via 40
Barrio Las Flores Barranquilla-Colombia
PBX: (+575) 373 40 00
[email protected]
www.tecnoglass.com

LCA Practitioner

Sustainable Solutions Corporation
155 Railroad Plaza, Suite 203
Royersford, PA 19468 USA
(+1) 610 569-1047
[email protected]
www.sustainablesolutionscorporation.com