VIPROTEK with SOLARBAN glass, an advanced architectural glass that unites bird-friendly, acid-etched patterns by WALKER TEXTURES glass with high-performance solar control low-emissivity (low-e) coatings by PPG, was named one of the best products of 2015 by Architectural Record magazine. An “Editors’ Choice” selection in the Facades category, AviProtek with Solarban glass helps architects promote sustainable design in two ways: first, by reducing bird injury and mortality and second, by enabling buildings to use less energy.

AviProtek with Solarban glass improves bird safety by incorporating contrasting etched-glass patterns that birds can see while in flight. Studies show that birds collide with glass when its transparency, reflectivity or darkness creates the illusion of safe passage or access to water, plants or perching locations. AviProtek with Solarban glass features patterns developed by bird researchers that birds can see and detect that a barrier is present.

Walker Glass with AviProtek patterns can be manufactured on clear and STARPHIRE ULTRA-CLEAR glass substrates by PPG with Solarban 60 or Solarban 70XL glass on the second (interior) surface of an insulating glass unit (IGU). Solarban 60 and Solarban 70XL glasses combine a clear glass aesthetic with visible light transmittance (VLT) of 64 to 74 percent and solar-heat-gain coefficients (SHGCs) of 0.27 to 0.41 in standard 1-inch IGUs. By blocking solar heat and transmitting high levels of natural daylight, Solarban glass products enable buildings to reduce energy use related to HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) controls and artificial lighting, the two largest consumers of energy in commercial buildings.

AviProtek with Solarban glass is designed to help architects, designers, specifiers and building owners comply with the increasing number of bird-safe building codes and to help earn LEED certification credits for both bird-friendly building design and environmental performance. A jury of three architects, two lighting designers and one interiors director selected the best new products of the year for Architectural Record. Hundreds of entries were rated according to innovation, usefulness and aesthetics. AviProtek with Solarban glass is sold exclusively through members of the PPG CERTIFIED FABRICATOR NETWORK group.

For more information, visit www.ppgideascapes.com, call 888-PPG-IDEA (774-4332) or visit walkerglass.com.