Go Green

How green is your company? It's an issue it seems as though everyone, everywhere is talking about--the green scene, green buildings, green design--how green are you?
For the glass industry especially we here talk about it almost daily. Just scroll through the stories and articles on www.usgnn.com and you're likely to see at least a couple of related stories each week. Attend an industry conference and you'll hear a presentation that talks about green buildings and design. Walk the aisles of a trade show, such as the AIA show that will be happening this May in San Antonio, and you will find hundreds of products for reducing heating and cooling costs.
Not too long ago "green building" was classified as an industry trend. As the victim of some seriously bad hair and fashion crimes of the 1980s, I can say this--I know what a trend is. It's something that's really hot and exciting and within a year or so it fades away. Green building, however, seems to have some staying power (at least that's what I hear).
And for the glass industry, their are so many opportunities. The question, though, is how do we get more glass products in buildings? I've heard companies say before that they are not competing so much with others in this industry, but with other building products--other building products that may be classified as more energy efficient, perhaps? Maybe even better for the environment? I would be interested in hearing what you do to keep your company and your products ahead in the architectural market--ahead of wood, concrete, etc. What can the industry do to keep glass on the cutting edge? Post your comments or email me at egiard@glass.com.