PPG SOLARBAN 60 in Bullitt Center, Shares Up
PPG Industries Inc.’s (PPG) Solarban 60 solar control low-emissivity (low-e) glass and Starphire ultra-clear glass have been used in the construction of world’s ‘greenest’ office building, the Bullitt Center, in Seattle. The company’s stock is up around 3% since the release of this news (based on last Friday’s close).
The Miller Hull Partnership designed the six-storied Bullitt Center. This center is self-sustaining and has the integrated building management systems that enable 100% of its energy and water harvesting, water treatment and waste processing to be conducted on-site.
The Miller Hull Partnership specializes in designing public and private buildings with simple, innovative and authentic designs. They also master in architecture, master planning, interior design and space planning.
The building’s design architect along with glazing contractor stressed on using Solarban 60 glass in the building due to its unique features that include best balance of thermal, solar control and daylighting performance to meet the needs of the project.
Solarban 60 glass with argon fill in the insulating glass units (IGUs) is part of a high-performance curtain wall system designed by Schuco USA, Newington, CT, and fabricated by Northwestern Industries, Seattle. The glass blends triple-glazed IGUs with a maximum fenestration U-value of 0.25, along with manual and motor-controlled openings that facilitate passive cooling and natural ventilation.
Solarban 60 glass is also designed with retractable external blinds to help block solar heat. The Bullitt Center, which has large windows and high ceilings, draws 82% of its lighting needs from the sun. At the building, the entrance and terrace doors, operable windows and skylights are fabricated with the Solarban 60 glass.
The Bullitt Center’s ‘irresistible stairwell,’ which represents the building’s signature design element, is build with PPG’s Starphire glass. The stair case fabricated with the transparent architectural glass Starphire persuades the occupants to climb the steps instead of riding the elevator as it provides panoramic external views.
The Bullitt Center is set to become the first office building that is Living Building Challenge certified. The Living Building Challenge happens to be the most difficult and advanced sustainability standard for buildings.
PPG Industries currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Other companies in the chemical industry worth considering are Asahi Kasei Corp. (AHKSY), Johnson Matthey plc (JMPLY) and Methanex Corp. (MEOH). While Asahi Kasei and Johnson Matthey hold a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Methanex retains a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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Read the Full Research Report on MEOH
Read the Full Research Report on AHKSY
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