Pilkington is at the Center of new Wolseley Building

A range of high quality Pilkington glazing is on display in the UK’s first commercial sustainable specification showroom, in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.

Brainchild of leading construction products supplier Wolseley, the Sustainable Building Center (SBC) shows architects, specifiers and builders how to make environmentally friendly building a reality. From experiencing the latest technologies to viewing the widest range of energy efficient and recycled building products, the £3.2million center is the place to visit for green construction.

The center showcases 400m2 of glazing, comprising of Pilkington Suncool™, Pilkington Optitherm™ and Pilkington Activ™. Picked for its energy saving credentials, the glazing is used throughout the two storey building, which incorporates more than 150 other sustainable products - including photovoltaics, rain water harvesting and green floor coverings.

The SBC’s south facing elevation features Pilkington Suncool™, offering visitors the chance to experience its solar control properties, which prevent solar heat gain from the sun. Thanks to Pilkington Suncool™, energy does not have to be wasted on air conditioning to cool down rooms overheated by sunlight.

In the north facing elevation, Pilkington Optitherm™ is showcased due to its impressive thermal insulation properties. Its low emissivity stops heat escaping from a building and allows light to enter, creating bright spaces with low energy requirements.

Self cleaning glass, Pilkington Activ™, is used in combination with both Pilkington Suncool™ and Pilkington Optitherm™. In a dual-action process, organic dirt is broken down by daylight and it is then washed away by rain. With no need to use detergent, Pilkingtin Activ™ is environmentally friendly and very easy to maintain.

Phil Savage, Commercial Contract Sales Manager, Pilkington, said: “The center displays the very best eco-friendly building products and with Pilkington at the forefront of developing sustainable glazing solutions, it is a perfect combination. Increasingly there is an onus on architects and specifiers to select environmentally sustainable products, and the glazing on show in the building illustrates how this is achievable without compromising style and design.

“The building offers an excellent opportunity for those within the construction industry to experience sustainable products in situ. It is a new and convenient way to see a selection of the glazing we offer - all in one building. The glazing on display can help contribute to a sustainable future, saving energy and money.”

Chris Booker, Product Manager, SBC, said: “We wanted the most sustainable products for the building, and Pilkington glazing was ideal for our requirements. We have a good working relationship with the company because we already supply Pilkington glass via our Build Center Glass branches, so we know their products are of a very high standard.”