The LG Files

The glass industry is changing — and it’s not just happening in the factory.

Major manufacturers are now testing new ways to melt glass using hydrogen, biofuels, and electricity instead of natural gas. These changes are being driven by sustainability goals and tighter building regulations. But what starts at the furnace quickly shows up on the jobsite — through new specs, new glass types, and different installation standards.

If you’re a project manager or foreman trying to keep jobs running smooth, it’s critical your team understands how these shifts affect their work.

Here’s a quick guide to what’s happening — and how to train your crew to stay ahead of it.

1. What’s Changing in Glass Production

Glass Futures, a major research hub backed by companies like Guardian Glass and Encirc, recently fired up a furnace that can run on:

• Natural gas
• Hydrogen
• Electricity
• Biofuels like waste oil

Why does that matter? Because it means glass can now be made with a much lower carbon footprint — and many architects and developers are starting to ask for that.

You’ll see it in specs with language like:

• “Low-carbon glass”
• “Hydrogen-fired glass preferred”
• “EPD required” (Environmental Product Declaration)

2. How It Affects the Jobsite

Even though the change is happening upstream, it impacts your crew in ways that might surprise you.

Watch for:

• Visual differences: Some “green” glass products may have slight tints or markings (like bird-safe dots or etching).
• Handling changes: New coatings or compositions might require special care during transport or installation.
• Spec confusion: Field crews might question why glass “looks different” than expected — or why substitutions aren’t allowed.

If the field doesn’t understand the spec, mistakes happen.

3. Training Points for Foremen and PMs

Here’s what your crew needs to know during install planning or toolbox talks:

• Know the terms: Explain what EPDs or “low-carbon” glass mean and why they’re required on certain projects.
• Check the markings: Help your team identify any bird-safe or sustainability markings before install.
• Ask early: Encourage crews to ask questions before install — not after the glass is set.

Simple adjustments in awareness can prevent rework, spec violations, and delays.

Download: Glass Spec Terms Cheat Sheet for Field Leads

Ready to learn more?

Get your crew up to speed before your next job eats your margin. We’ve got the cheat sheets, the courses, and the field-tested know-how. Free. LearnGlazing.com.

Glass Spec Terms Cheat Sheet for Field Leads
(Download Full PDF)