Reducing embodied carbon

Driven by regulations and sustainability, demand for low-carbon building materials is rising. To meet this demand, Eastman developed Saflex™ LiteCarbon™ Clear, a premium PVB interlayer that reduces the embodied carbon of laminated glass elements while maintaining the construction of safe buildings. 

trees and facade

Building a better world

Balancing environmental impact, safety and aesthetics

The building and construction (B&C) industry is under pressure to become more sustainable as it accounts for 37% of global, energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.¹ Architects and designers have traditionally relied on Saflex PVB interlayers for safety and transparency in glass applications. Now, they must also consider the environmental impact of materials.  That's where Saflex LiteCarbon Clear comes in. Eastman's first-generation, reduced carbon footprint PVB interlayer offers a sustainable alternative for architects and designers looking to minimize their environmental footprint. 

It has a carbon footprint of only 2.4 kg CO₂ eq/sqm² (for a thickness of 0.76 mm) representing a 33% reduction compared to Saflex Clear and a 56% reduction compared to the market database value for PVB in general.  

12022 global status report for buildings and construction, Global Alliance for B&C   

²Global warming potential; cradle to grave according to ISO 14040/14044; verified by external third party 

How does LiteCarbon Clear contribute to your project’s embodied carbon reduction goals?

  • Improves accuracy in measuring embodied carbon of the laminated glass
  • Contributes to earning credits in LEED and BREEAM1 green  building certifications
  • Enables minimal carbon footprint for laminated glass elements when  combined with low-carbon glass.

1 Contributes to LEED BD+C v4.1 credit MRc2 (Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction), LEED pilot credit MRpc132 (Procurement of Low Carbon Construction Materials) and BREEAM International New Construction Version 6 Mat 01 (Life Cycle Impacts) and Mat 03 (Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products) assessment issues

LiteCrabon graph
Glass structure with trees inside

Wondering what is the carbon footprint of your project?

Calculate embodied carbon of your laminated glass configuration.

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LiteCarbon Clear Benefits

 

   
  • Contributes to LEED and BREEAM green building certifications credits
  • A low carbon footprint: 2.4 kg CO₂ eq/sqm (0.76 mm)
  • Environmental Product Declaration verified by third party
  • Cradle to Cradle Material Health certification under V4.0 renewal pending
     
  • Meets P2A class under the security norm EN356
  • Meets 1B1 under the safety norm EN12600
      
  • Available in large glass panels (3.2 m)
  • Compatible with other Saflex and Vanceva™ Color PVB interlayers
  • Processable like any standard PVB interlayer
   
  • High transparency 
  • Aesthetic of the laminated glass remains unaltered

LiteCarbon Clear is the result of our holistic approach to sustainability

Our commitment to quality ensures that our production aligns with the highest standards of safety and performance. 

With the introduction of LiteCarbon Clear, we not only prioritize quality but also contribute to reducing our carbon footprint. This addition strengthens our commitment to providing materials that can support transformative action toward a more sustainable world. 

To uphold safety and quality, we employ a balanced approach that combines various sustainability strategies, including the use of dedicated, pre-consumer recycled content, enhancing energy efficiency, fostering collaboration with upstream suppliers and striving for operational excellence. By using these sustainability levers, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and maintain our commitment to safety and quality.

forest close up
calculator

Embodied Carbon Calculator

The Saflex Embodied Carbon Calculator is an online tool designed to help you assess the environmental impact of your laminated glass choices. By selecting your preferred glass type and PVB interlayer, you can calculate the embodied carbon of your laminated glass in both tonnes and per square meter. This tool also allows for easy comparison between different configurations, empowering you to make informed decisions in your specifications to optimize the carbon footprint. Once the calculation is completed, a detailed PDF report is generated, which can be emailed directly to you for convenience and record-keeping.