Functions : Thermal insulation
This is a critical function in that it makes it
possible to strike an optimum balance between economy and
ecology (cutting energy consumed by the heating system, thereby
lessening the environmental impact) and to reduce the amount of
energy lost through windows. The lower the U-value, the more
efficient the insulation. Conventional double glazing can halve the amount of energy lost by single glazing. Developed more than 50 years ago by AGC Flat Glass Europe, this range is called Thermobel.
This new generation of insulating glasses incorporates a coated glass (Sunergy, Planibel G, Planibel TopN) that can cut energy losses to one fifth the level of ordinary single glazing. When assembled by AGC Flat Glass Europe this range is marketed under the name Thermobel.
These new-generation thermal insulating glasses help reduce emissions of CO2, in line with the commitments made under the Kyoto protocol. They have become the benchmark in many European countries that have converted these commitments into new national thermal regulations.