MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SageGlass®, the world’s smartest electrochromic glass, will be installed in the landmark 3.0 University Place project, the world’s first commercial office building pre-certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) V4 Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council. The façade of the 189,000-square-foot commercial office building in Philadelphia will feature 50,000 square feet of SageGlass, marking the largest installation of electrochromic glass to date. The inclusion of SageGlass in the project will provide future occupants with a more comfortable working environment and greater connection to the outdoors, supporting the University Place developer’s vision to transform the traditional ideals of the commercial office building.
SageGlass, a product of Saint-Gobain, announced this project at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, the world’s largest conference dedicated to green building and sustainability, taking place in Washington, D.C., Nov. 18-20, 2015.
Located in Philadelphia’s University City neighborhood, 3.0 University Place will be the second LEED Platinum commercial office building developed by University Place Associates. SageGlass was selected for this project for its ability to dynamically control sunlight to optimize daylight, maintain outdoor views and enhance comfort by preventing glare and solar heat. By blocking sunlight on hot days, SageGlass dramatically reduces energy demand and the need for HVAC, while increasing occupant comfort and well-being. With electronically tintable SageGlass, future building occupants will have the ability to control their own environment and provide employees with a space that connects them to the natural environment, which has been shown to boost productivity and satisfaction in the workplace.
“With 3.0 University Place, we’re setting the precedent for corporate and environmental responsibility, and Saint-Gobain and SageGlass are an integral part of our vision. SageGlass’ unparalleled ability to enhance the indoor experience for occupants made it the perfect fit for this project,” said Scott Mazo, Founder and Managing Partner of University Place Associates. “Commercial building owners who want to attract rising, dynamic companies need to offer spaces that align with the values of socially responsible millennials. Innovative products like SageGlass are helping to create beautiful spaces that also improve the overall health and well-being of building occupants.”
Upon completion, 3.0 University Place will advance the development of the “Platinum Corridor,” a series of Platinum LEED-certified buildings in University City. The first project completed by University Place Associates in the Platinum Corridor was 2.0 University Place, the first multi-certified and multi-tenant LEED Platinum new construction office building in the world and the flagship green building in Philadelphia, featuring more than 100,000 square feet of office space. 3.0 University Place will sit adjacent to its predecessor, bringing University Place Associates one step closer to creating a Platinum Corridor in University City, which also includes plans for a 4.0 University Place in the future.
“SageGlass is excited to be an essential component of this remarkable project. We’re completely aligned with University Place Associates’ vision to develop commercial office space that redefines the traditional working environment,” said Alan McLenaghan, CEO of SageGlass. “We’re confident that the 3.0 University Place project is going to set the tone for the future of occupant-sensitive design.”
SageGlass is one of a number of eco-friendly design elements that helped 3.0 University Place achieve LEED V4 Platinum pre-certification. The building will feature a rooftop garden that improves air quality, conserves energy and reduces storm-water runoff; efficient heating and cooling systems that reduce both internal air pollution and tenants’ energy costs; and common-area power that utilizes wind- and solar-generated energy.
The architect of record and sustainability consultant for 3.0 University Place is The Sheward Partnership, LLC. For more information on 3.0 University Place, visit: http://30universityplace.com/.
Editor’s Note: Renderings of 3.0 University Place are available upon request to SageGlass@brownsteingroup.com.
About SageGlass®
SageGlass® is the pioneer of the world’s smartest electrochromic glass and is transforming the indoor experience for people by connecting the built and natural environments. Electronically tintable SageGlass, a product of Saint-Gobain, dynamically optimizes daylight and manages temperature – all while maintaining unobstructed views of the outdoors. With SageGlass, building occupants can comfortably experience the biophilic benefits of the outdoors, including stress reduction, enhanced creativity and an improved sense of well-being. Unlike conventional sun controls such as mechanical window shades or blinds, SageGlass allows architects to elegantly solve solar control challenges without sacrificing aesthetics and design. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, SageGlass is backed by 350 years of building science expertise that only the world leader in sustainable environments can provide. Ready to look again? Visit www.SageGlass.com, @Sage_Glass, Facebook.com/SageGlass.
About Saint-Gobain in North America
For 350 years, Saint-Gobain, the world leader in sustainable environments, has designed and manufactured high-performance building materials that improve the lives of people all over the world. From the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles and the glass pyramid at the Louvre, to The Statue of Liberty and The World Trade Center, and even components that allow the Mars Rover Curiosity to seek out life on another planet, Saint-Gobain has been a part of the fabric of human history, advancement and improvement for three and a half centuries – and 2015 is the company’s commemorative year.
In North America, the company upholds this rich history of innovation by making a material difference in the spaces where people work, live, play, heal and learn. Along with its North American headquarters in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, Saint-Gobain has more than 265 locations in North America and approximately 15,000 employees. In the United States and Canada, Saint-Gobain reported sales of approximately $6.2 billion in 2014. Join Saint-Gobain in a celebration of the company’s 350 years of innovation, wonders and advancements by visiting www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com and connect with Saint-Gobain North America on Facebook and Twitter.
About Saint-Gobain
In 2015, Saint-Gobain is celebrating its 350th anniversary, 350 reasons to believe in the future. Backed by its experience and its capacity to continuously innovate, Saint-Gobain, the world leader in the habitat and construction market, designs, manufactures and distributes high-performance and building materials providing innovative solutions to the challenges of growth, energy efficiency and environmental protection. With 2014 sales of €41 billion, Saint-Gobain operates in 66 countries and has over 180,000 employees. For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit www.saint-gobain.com and the Twitter account @saintgobain or download the “Saint-Gobain Shareholder” application for tablet and smartphone.
