Glass IS Greener On The Other Side

Glass is often referred to as a "Green" product, because the main component to making glass is Silica. Found in sand, it is considered a renewable and never ending resource.

Kiln-formed cast glass offers decorative textures and patterns without compromising the environment. No plastics or resins are used in any of our processes. When you choose to use glass, it's an everlasting authentic statement Mother Nature can live with.

In the process of making float glass sheets, excess or marked portions of the glass are cut off and re-used in future production runs. Percentages will vary as to how much content of the glass is recyclable product. Glass from these factories is shipped to Nathan Allan, and we use this glass to manufacture all of our products. Currently, the glass sheets that Nathan Allan uses to produce our Cast Glass contain up to 30% recycled cullet.

Once glass is tempered, it cannot be cut. If someone attempts to cut tempered glass, the glass will explode. Companies will often discard tempered glass when panels are scratched, damaged, or ordered incorrectly. Nathan Allan has eliminated the need to discard glass by using a process in which we formulate and de-temper the tempered glass. After the panels are de-tempered, we can cut, re-cast, and re-use these panels in future projects. This ingenuitive process has eliminated the exercise of discarding of glass panels, allowing Nathan Allan to offer 100% pre-consumer recycled glass.

While providing beautiful decor, our Cast Glass also allows for ample light and warmth transmission from the sun, reducing the need for artificial lighting and heat.

Cast Glass has unique cleaning properties. With the surfaces of the glass being textured or sealed, it is essentially a No-Maintenance product. In years to come, the glass looks brand new, reducing the need to replace the glass with newer product. This also helps to eliminate the process of discarding glass into landfills.

Nathan Allan is in the process of applying for LEEDS certification. As we upgrade our building, improve manufacturing processes, and continue to increase our recycling capabilities, we look forward to being a partner in maintaining the natural beauty of the world in which we live!

 

green building

Our new facilities have the following eco-friendly features:

• low flow toilets
• green laminates and cabinet construction (millwork) utilizes recyceld materials and low VOC adhesives
• roof top A/C units use CFC free refrigerant
• T-5 high output fluorescent light fixtures in the warehouse
• high efficiency T-8 fluorescent light fixtures in the office spaces
• sensored lighting
• building waste is sorted for recycling
• bioswales around the site capture water from hard surfaces to replenish water table
• siltation controls are in place during course of construction
• skylights (natural light) in warehouse space
• EPDM roofing with gravel ballast – gravel retains some rainwater to allow evaporation without all rainfall entering the storm system; gravel is light in color to reduce heat island effect
• interior paint is low VOC (option)
• significant trees cut down to facilitate construction are replaced 2:1
• electric (not fossil fueled) kilns

LEEDS accredited projects

Dell Children's Medical Center is a LEED Platinum certified building, designed by Karlsberger

Bronx Zoo, Lion House is a sustainable LEED Gold-rated building, designed by FX Fowle