Unlocking the Re use Potential of Glass Facade Systems
The ubiquitous insulated glazing unit (IGU) has been referred to as a monstrous hybrid consisting of a mixture of materials or assemblies of components from which it is not economically feasible to salvage the raw materials after their current life. In recent decades there has been an increase in the use of glass within facade systems with little consideration for end of life (EoL) recovery. Technical improvements focused on improving operational energy of glazed facades can have unintentional negative consequences on the ability to recover high value material. This research aims to assess the opportunities of avoidable waste through a comparative life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) bound to the EoL stage and evaluate the reclamation potential of glass and aluminium from an existing curtain walling glazing unit in different recovery scenarios. A framework for the assessment of recovery potential of glass facade designs is proposed. Further, the technical challenges that prevent glazing systems from exploiting their re use potential, in terms of the separation of laminated glass and adhesive connections, have been reviewed to direct future experimental research on glass facades designed for disassembly and re use.