The production of flat glass represents aenergy-intensive activities, with numerous points of contact with other strategic industries for one widespread decarbonisation of the entire secondary sector.
The transition to a carbon neutral Europe calls for a comprehensive transformation ofglass industry plan, which declares itself ready to produce, at a competitive price, "those essential materials for the renovation of buildings, for sustainable mobility and for an increase in the share of solar energy".
2050 | Flat glass in climate-neutral Europe
Several interesting reflections for the future of the sector come from the report “2050. Flat glass in zero-emission Europe” by Glass for Europe. Flat glass is presented as a “high-tech material, essential for energy efficiency, safety, protection and the comfort in buildings and cars”.
The attractive performance of flat glass also favors the progress of multiple sectors (solar, electronics, digital devices, furniture), offering incomparable quality and functionality.
The transition for the built heritage
In anticipation of a climate-neutral Europe by 2050, the demand for glass for solar energy and energy-efficient windows and lightweight safety glass for clean vehicles will increase significantly.
In particular, it must be considered that buildings represent 36% of total EU emissions. By doubling the window renovation rate and installing high-performance glass widely, in just 10 years, the European building stock would see a 14% reduction in energy consumption and related emissions.
A ten-year commitment
The path to carbon neutrality is still quite complex. But the flat glass sector has already shown great sensitivity and attention to this dynamic. Since 1990, industry has reduced its CO43 emissions by 2%., promoting constant improvement of its processes, increasing the share of recycled glass as a raw material and encouraging a concrete evolution of the energy mix.
Further developments in this perspective will contribute only marginally to strengthening the efficiency of the sector. So one will be needed radical revolution in infrastructure, science and society to achieve the ambitious sustainable development goals set.
Source: glassforeurope.com
