Green ... It's Everywhere

By now if you have not read about, heard about or talked about how the glass industry is getting green, then you've just been under a rock or something. I don't know of a glass or glazing company that's not doing something in this realm, be it creating new energy-efficient products, installing them or getting involved in one of the industry's groups or organizations that have a green focus.

But that's our industry and it's something we're constantly exposed to. Sometimes I get so caught up in my job and all that's happening in that world, that it's funny when those in my life outside of the industry start sounding like us. Because, you see, more and more consumers are trying to be more environmentally aware.

I was visiting my friend Doug this week and his new kick is how we as Americans are spoiled to pieces with our big gas-guzzling SUVs and our big houses with wasted space that just sucks up heat or cold air.

"You should get yourself some Energy Star products in your home," I told him. "That will help save energy." He quickly responded that they had an Energy Star refrigerator. "You could upgrade your windows, too," I reminded him.

But what really got me, was the next day we were talking to another friend, Peggy, at the gym, and he again goes on about wasteful we all are.

"You're going green!" Peggy said to him. "Green," she again said. "Haven't you head about the 'greening' of the country?"

It was the first time anyone in my everyday life had talked about green, and it was surreal. I think that's when it really hit me how big green is; it's not just us glass folks anymore--it's everyone (or it will be before you know it).

Have you had a green encounter outside the glass industry? Post a comment here or send me an email and tell me about it.

Whenever I travel to big cities on of my favorite sites is the individual skyline of each. To me, whenever I look at a skyline I never really see one building or skyscraper. Instead I see it and think of it as one structure that defines a given city. Chicago's skyline is probably my favorite, San Diego's is great, too, as is Dallas'. These cities have great architecture, which also have great glass.

Speaking of cities, glass and skylines, earlier this week I traveled to Pittsburgh for GANA's Glass Fabrication conference (read more about it at www.usgnn.com, as well as in future issues of USGlass). While the event is designed to cater to the educational and informational needs of those new to industry (fewer than five years), it also includes a special evening activity. This year that event was a dinner cruise and while it was very cold most people opted to spend the evening inside the boat rather than on the top deck. I was one of those people who spent most of the night inside, though I did go on the top deck for just a couple of minutes so I could get a good look at the many buildings.

Standing outside, though just for a few minutes, it was pretty cool to see some of the buildings I've read about. Of course, there's PPG's Crystal Palace, which you can't help but notice. If you're one whose never seen even a picture of it here's a Wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PPG_Place.

The other thing I noticed about the city is that the architecture is a great mix of very old buildings right beside very new buildings--some still under construction. I like how it was a combination of both.

What do you see first when visiting new sittings and taking in the architecture? Send me an email or post a comment telling me about your favorite skylines and buildings.

Talk to just about anyone in the industry and they'll tell you same thing about business: right now the commercial market is strong. And a booming market is good for everyone. You're staying busy, you're filling orders, making some money. What more could you ask?

Read the pages of USGlass and you can learn about what lots of companies are doing during these peak times ... how they are thriving and surviving; what they see as good and what they see as not so good. These big companies are great. They do the big stuff, the tough stuff, monumental jobs even. But think about this: what would your local grocery store, Target or Wal-Mart be without their storefronts and entrances? Those places need glass, too, right? And someone's got to install it, yes? And just who does those jobs? A lot of times it's smaller, locally owned glass shops and businesses that take on this work.

It's easy to get caught up in the fast-paced, excitement of top-of-line glazing installations, but local, small shops are important, too. And I'm not saying we all don't already know this, I just wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation and gratitude. For you see, I love to go shopping (as most women do) and I LOVE to go to Target. Honestly, I can't leave the store without spending $50 ... I don't know what it is (the catchy TV ads, I guess). Anyway, if my local Target didn't have a storefront, well then I would practically be shopping in an open-air market (not that I still couldn't do some serious monetary damage).

Our small glass shops do a great job taking care of local businesses. And while they may not be ones that go down in the glazing hall of fame, they are still important. After all, it is glass we're talking about here and it does break. And broken glass has to be replaced.

Spring is here and much of the country has been enjoying all that the season offers. I, for one, am loving this weather and hope it's here to stay.

Just a few weeks ago I wrote here about how the first-of-the-year travels for many of us were winding down. Just as quickly as that ended, we're now preparing for spring and summer events. The next big excursion for many of us will be the AIA Show next month in San Antonio. This is a great show for the glass industry because it's a prime opportunity to reach architects firsthand.

It's also a great way to see all the innovative products that glass manufacturers and fabricators will be launching. We all know that architects love glass, and I have no doubt that exhibitors this year will not disappoint. I also expect that two of the big themes at this year's show will be green trends and decorative glass. These are focus areas that are here to stay. So be on the lookout to see what companies will unveil.

The AIA show is only the beginning of the industry's spring and summer educational and informative events--more will follow. I truly believe the more you know about the industry, the better you can do your job. If you've not been one to visit trade shows or conferences in years past, maybe now is the time to attend one. You never know what you'll get out of it.