Window & Glass Guideline 2021

USGBC (LEED)
Window & Glass Guide Line
Prepared By:
USGBC Faculty, International Green Expert

LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP EB O+M, LEED AP ID+C, LEED AP HOMES, LEED AP ND
Managing Director: 360 Total Solution Limited
Submitted By:
USGBC (LEED)
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Introduction
Window and window glass plays an important role in energy saving as a part of the room and building envelops.
So, we need to focus on the window type, size, orientation and U-Value of the window glass.
Sustainable and Green Development require Energy Efficient Building Envelop.
What's a Building Envelope?

One term that's used a lot when we creating a space or building a house is 'Building Envelope'. The concept of a
Building Envelope relates to the design and construction of the exterior of the space, building or house. A good
building envelope involves using exterior wall materials and designs that are climate-appropriate, structurally
sound and aesthetically pleasing. These three elements are the key factors in constructing your building
envelope.
360 TSL, The Art of Solutions (House # 3/1, 1st Floor, Road # 8, Dhanmondi, Dhaka -2015, Tel: 02 9613964) Page 2
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The building envelope of a space, building or house consists of the followings; -
• Roof
• Sub Floor
• Exterior Doors
• Windows
• Exterior Walls
To build an Energy Efficient Building Envelop we need to know a very important factor of materials that going to
be used in to construct various part of the Building Envelop and it is called U-Value.
What is U-Values and why are they important?

Understanding U-values will help you create a comfortable space, building or home with low running costs. Very
broadly, the better (i.e. lower) the U-Value of a Building Envelop, the less energy is required to maintain
comfortable conditions inside the building. As energy prices increase, and there is greater awareness of
sustainability, performance measures such as U-Values have become more important, and building standards
(such as the Building Regulations and Green Building Concepts) have required that lower U-Values are achieved.
This has required changes in the design idea of buildings, both in the use of materials (such as insulation and
configuration), the make-up of the building elements (such as cavity walls and double glazing), and the overall
make up of a Building's Envelop configuration (for example, reducing the proportion of glazing).
U-Values, technically termed heat transfer coefficients, are used to measure how effective building products are
at preventing heat from being gain or lost inside a building. Example is the lower the U-Value of a door, the more
slowly heat is able to transmit through it, and so the better the door performs as an insulator. Therefore, less
energy is required to cool/heat your space, building or home.
How are U-Values calculated?

Most materials have known and published values for the rate at which heat is conducted through them under
specified conditions. These values are known as k-values. They are a measure of thermal conductivity. In any
element, such as a wall, the k-values for each material layer are divided into the thickness of that material to
obtain the R-value for that layer or the thermal resistance. When they are added all together, the total resistance
for the complete section of the wall is nearly found (the air resistances for the inner and outer face have also to
be added on). The total resistance is then divided into one to obtain the reciprocal of resistance and this figure
is the U-Value for the wall.
The U- Value of an element (in W/m²K) can be calculated from the sum of the thermal resistances (R-values in
m²K/W) of the layers that make up the element plus it’s inside and outside surface thermal resistances (Ri and
Ro).
U-value = 1 / (ΣR + Ri + Ro)
Where the thermal resistance of the layers of the element R = the thickness of each layer / the thermal
conductivity of that layer (its k-value or lambda value (λ) in W/m2.K).
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The units used to express U-values are watts per m² Kelvin (W/m²K). This means that if a wall, for example, had
a U-value of 1.0 W/m²K, for every degree of temperature difference between the air on the surface inside the
wall and the air on the surface outside, 1 watt of heat would pass through any m² of walling.
U-Value can be converted to Imperial value as follow; -
1.0 W/m²K = 0.1761 Btu/h ft² °F.
Limiting U-Values
Because whole-building energy calculations can take account of many factors. The limiting U-values are shown
below and should never be exceeded:
Element Btu/h ft² °F. W/m2.K

External walls: 0.0528 0.30
Roofs: 0.0352 0.20
Floors: 0.0440 0.25
Windows: 0.3522 2.00
What is a Good U-value?

Remember, the higher the figure, the worse the thermal insulation quality. If you want a comfortable, modern
home that has relatively small heating requirements, aim to keep your U-values low (and ideally less than the
figures below):

Roofs: 0.0229 0.13
Floors: 0.0352 0.20
Windows: 0.2466 1.40
USGBC LEED U-value baseline

Roofs: 0.063 0.3577
Floors: 0.350 1.9873
Windows: 1.200 6.8139
Note: Architect should design the Building Envelop Elements with lower U-Value possible.
Fenestration (exterior window)

Window and window glass are also playing an important role in energy saving as a part of the room envelopes.
So, we need to focus on the window type, size, orientation and U-Value of the window glass.
For minimum fresh air requirements and natural ventilations, we need window opening 4% of carpet (floor) area.
To qualify for LEED point we need 30% more of that. So, with open out window system we need 4+30%= 5.2%
and with sliding window (two-part) we need 8%+30%=10.4% window. We may have three slide windows to
increase the opening or decrease the total window needed. For day light in mind we may have 10% to 15%
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window. For natural ventilation qualifications as per ASHRAE we need window or opening within 25 feet from all
spaces. Architect may incorporate Open Louver (Top or under the window or any other places) to increase open
ventilation size and it can be combining with open window size to satisfy LEED requirements. (Openness of the
Louver can be calculated as Size of the Louver window – Louver thickness).
Open out Window Sliding Window Open Louver
Window Canopy or Shed (Balcony/Louver)

Window canopies or sheds will keep interior spaces cool, save money and add a stunning feature to building
elevations. A window canopy/shed will keep interior cooler in summer and warmer in winter, so that you can
turn off your air conditioner and save on electricity costs. It will reduce water penetration through window by
protecting window from direct rain and if the needed window can be kept open. It will reduce direct sunlight
glare so we can take advantage of the day light without the sun glare. Placing window under extended balcony
or inside the wall will give similar benefits. If possible, we may plant tree to shed window from sunlight. To
enhance window performance, we can put Louver outside of the window. Use of Low – E glass also reduce the
sun glare.
Fresh Air Requirements

For minimum fresh air requirements and natural ventilations, we need window opening 4% of carpet (floor) area.
To qualify for LEED point we need 30% more of that. So, with open out window system we need 4+30%= 5.2%
and with sliding window (two part) we need 8%+30%=10.4% window. We may have three slide windows to
increase the opening or decrease the total window needed. For day light in mind we may have 10% to 15%
window. For natural ventilation qualifications as per ASHRAE we need window or opening within 25 feet from all
spaces. Architect may incorporate Open Louver (Top or under the window or any other places) to increase open
ventilation size and it can be combining with open window size to satisfy LEED requirements. (Openness of the
Louver can be calculated as Size of the Louver window – Louver thickness).
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Fenestration Type (exterior window)
More than any other component, windows set the tone of your building by providing views, ventilation, daylight
and a sense of space. They also play a critical role in your comfort and energy consumption levels, selectively
shielding unwanted heat gain, whilst insulating against heat loss.
Choosing the right glass gives you greater design flexibility to overcome site deficiencies and it’s the best way to
provide a comfortable, healthy and energy efficient environment.
Choosing the wrong kind of glass can have a lasting impact on how you are able to enjoy your space. Without
glazing that offers strong solar control and thermal insulation, it can be difficult to mediate the temperature in
your building. And people are never really comfortable if they are too hot or too cold. This means you could find
yourself relying heavily on heating and cooling systems that cost you a fortune.
Personal comfort and financial savings aren’t the only reasons for using energy efficient glass products. Green
building gas emissions have become a growing concern in recent years. In response to this, the LEED (USGBC) has
developed mandatory minimum Energy Efficiency Measures for both residential and commercial construction.
The code is performance-based, offering a number of paths to compliance and setting out the performance that
a building has to achieve. In terms of glazing, the key focus is on minimizing the rate of summertime heat gain
and winter heat loss – a job for energy-efficient products.
What is Low-E Glass & Does it Make Windows Energy Efficient?
In this section, you will learn...
• What a Low-E glass window is and what makes it energy efficient

• The different types of Low-E coatings
• Which type of Low-E coating is best for your area’s climate
• How to lower your energy bills with Stanek Comfort-Gard® high-performance glass
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When it comes to windows, the type of glass you choose is a critical consideration. Experts estimate that 70
percent of energy loss occurs in windows and doors, and that 90 percent of window heat loss occurs through the
glass. Energy efficiency is important, but the lingo can be very confusing when researching different types of
energy-efficient glass. In this post, we’ll explain what a Low-E window is, why it’s energy efficient, the different
types of Low-E coatings and which is best for the area you live in.
What is a Low-E Window and What Makes it Energy Efficient?
Low-E, or low-emissivity, glass was created to minimize the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that comes
through your glass, without minimizing the amount of light that enters your home. Low-E glass windows have a
microscopically thin coating that is transparent and reflects heat. The coating is even thinner than human hair!
The Low-E coatings keep the temperature in your home consistent by reflecting the interior temperatures back
inside.
According to the Vitro (formerly PPG) Glass Education Center, there are several factors used to measure the
effectiveness of glass with Low-E coatings:
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This is the fraction of incident solar radiation that is admitted through
the window. This can be either directly transmitted and absorbed or radiated inward.
• U-Value: This is the rating that is given to a window based on how much heat loss it allows.
• Visible Light Transmittance (VLT): The measure of how much visible light passes through the glass.
• Light to Solar Gain: The ratio between the window’s visible light transmittance and its Solar Gain Coefficient
rating.
How does it work?

Traditional windows are an energy weak spot in a building’s design, letting heat in during summer and letting
warmth escape during winter. Energy efficient glass acts like a plug, letting in light while controlling the flow of
heat in and out of your space. Think about how hot a car parked in the sun can become, even on days that aren’t
that warm. This is because of solar heat gain, and it can happen to buildings the same as it happens to cars.
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When the sun’s radiant energy hits a window, it can ultimately increase the temperature inside your building.
This can lead to extreme discomfort or high energy bills from relying on air conditioning. However, Energy
efficient glass helps reduce the impact of solar heat gain to keep your space cooler in summer in a less energy-
consuming way.
Typically, toned glass is the most suitable for reducing solar heat gain, but it also tends to reduce the amount of
natural light entering your space. To maximize natural light and energy efficient range includes Solar Control
toned glass, absorbing the sun’s heat while still offering high daylight transmission to the inside.
There are two glass technologies that dramatically improve the thermal insulation and energy efficiency of your
windows, Low E glass and Double-Glazed units.
Double glazed units keep your space warmer in winter thanks to an air gap which forms a transparent insulating
barrier between the interior of your space and the outdoors.
If you’re convinced that you need energy performance glass and you want to start finding the right glass to meet
your needs – we’ve got the information for you. Following is the information regarding different types of glass
that available and their performances for you to choose the right one.
Types of Low-E Coatings
Passive Low-E Coatings (Hard-Coat):

The passive Low-E coatings are manufactured using the pyrolytic process, which creates a pyrolytic coating. The
coating is then applied to the glass ribbon while it is being produced on the float line, which causes the coating
to “fuse” to the hot glass surface. This fusion creates a strong bond, or “hard-coat,” that is very durable.
Solar Control Low-E Coatings (Soft-Coat):

Solar control Low-E coatings are manufactured using the Magnetron Sputtering Vapor Deposition (MSVD)
process, which means the coating is applied off-line to pre-cut glass in a vacuum chamber at room temperature.
This coating, which is also referred to as “soft-coat,” needs to be sealed in an insulated glass (IG) or laminated
unit. The soft-coat has lower emissivity and superior solar control performance. This coating offers the highest
performing solar control.
Which Type of Low-E Coating Glass is Best for My Climate?

If you are unsure which type of Low-E glass is best for you? Before you decide, it is important to consider your
area’s climate:
• If you live in an extremely cold climate, the hard-coat Low-E glass may be an option for you, because it
allows some of the sun’s short-wave infrared energy to pass through the glass. This helps to heat your
home in the winter and allows the glass to reflect the interior long-wave heat energy back inside.
• However, if you live in a cold to hot climate, which covers nearly all of the United States, the soft-coat
Low-E glass is best, since it offers better UV protection and has a better overall U-value. The soft-coat
Low-E coating also reflects the warm and cool air back into your room instead of allowing it to leak
outside.
When you’re trying to decide which window style, size and design is best for your home, it’s also very important
to consider which type of glass would work best. Low-E coatings play a pivotal role in the performance of your
windows, can save you money on energy costs and can drastically reduce fading to furniture and décor by
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blocking UV rays. Stanek® windows are made with a variety of high performance, energy-efficient glass options
that can meet your energy performance and budgetary needs.
High-Performance Glass
If you’re looking for one of the most energy-efficient glasses on the market, choose from following high-
performance glass and check the comparison to regular glass.
Glass Options
Regular Glass
# Description Btu/hr.ft2, ⁰F W/sq.m.K SHGC SC Selected
1 6 mm Single Glass 1.25 7.09 0.50 0.58
Shanghai Yaohua Pilkington Glass

1 6mm SC-60, Clear Float Substrate with Hard 0.63 3.6 0.70 0.81
Coating Low-E
2 6mm YEA-0182 Energy Advantage 0.63 3.6 0.47 0.54
(SYP Hard Coating Low-E)
3 6mm SFC 0.63 3.6 0.62 0.71
F-Green Tinted Glass with Energy Advantage
Pilkington USA (Glass Size 84”X130”)

4 6 mm Low-e Single Glass (Ever Green) 0.50 3.70 0.35 0.34
5 6 mm Low-e Single Clear 0.65 3.70 0.52 0.61
Saint Gobain Glass (3210 mm X 2250 mm, 3660 mm X 2440 mm)

7 6 mm. EVO Clear Cosmos tempered 0.66 3.80 0.29 0.33
Convert U-Value @ http://www.the-engineering-page.com/conv/u.html
Lower the U-Value is better on heat gain control and higher the SC is better on daylight performances. There
are many glass types such as Double Glazed, Double Glazed with Argon etc. and they are more expensive. You
may temper any of these glasses for safety with additional cost.
Sample Simulation Report:
Project Detail:
Built-up Area: 13455 Sft Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Conditioned Area: 9223 Sft Window Wall Ratio (WWR): 28.67%
Un-Conditioned Area: 4232 Sft Orientation: North/South
LEED Rating System: BD+C v3 2009 Standard: ASHARE 90.1 2007
USGBC (LEED)
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Saving Detail:
# Glass Type SHGC SC U-Value VLT Cooling Deference Savings Savings Comp.
load Comp. Reg. Glass
Baseline
1. Base Line Glass Requirement 0.25 0.30 1.20 90% 161500 - - 11.80
2. Clear Glass (Regular) 6 mm 0.80 0.83 0.60 90% 180620 +19120 +11.80% -
3. Pilkington Low E Ever Green 6 0.24 0.27 0.29 37% 159100 -2400 1.48% 12%
mm
4. Pilkington Low E Arctic Blue 6 0.19 0.22 0.26 22% 156850 -4650 2.87% 13.20%
mm
Documentation Required:
• Glass Specification
• Glass Performance Data Sheet (SHGC, SC, U-Value, VLT etc.)
• Sealant Detail (Low VOC Certificate)
• Recycle and Regional Content letter
• Purchase Invoice
• BOQ with Glass in it

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USGBC (LEED)

Window & Glass Guide Line

USGBC Faculty, International Green Expert

Sustainable and Green Development require Energy Efficient Building Envelop.

What's a Building Envelope?

What is U-Values and why are they important?

How are U-Values calculated?

U-value = 1 / (ΣR + Ri + Ro)

U-Value can be converted to Imperial value as follow; -

1.0 W/m²K = 0.1761 Btu/h ft² °F.

Element Btu/h ft² °F. W/m2.K

What is a Good U-value?

Element Btu/h ft² °F. W/m2.K

USGBC LEED U-value baseline

Element Btu/h ft² °F. W/m2.K

Fenestration (exterior window)

Open out Window Sliding Window Open Louver

Window Canopy or Shed (Balcony/Louver)

Fresh Air Requirements

What is Low-E Glass & Does it Make Windows Energy Efficient?

In this section, you will learn...

• What a Low-E glass window is and what makes it energy efficient

What is a Low-E Window and What Makes it Energy Efficient?

How does it work?

Types of Low-E Coatings

Passive Low-E Coatings (Hard-Coat):

Solar Control Low-E Coatings (Soft-Coat):

Which Type of Low-E Coating Glass is Best for My Climate?

Shanghai Yaohua Pilkington Glass

Pilkington USA (Glass Size 84”X130”)

Saint Gobain Glass (3210 mm X 2250 mm, 3660 mm X 2440 mm)

Convert U-Value @ http://www.the-engineering-page.com/conv/u.html

Sample Simulation Report:

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