In recent years, there have been more natural disasters, storms and significant temperature extremes in both colder climates and hotter climates due to climate change. Meanwhile our aging building stock is not equipped to sufficiently handle these disturbances to maintain indoor environments to protect occupants. This paper and presentation will focus on how the architectural glass and glazing community can help with building resiliency. 

High-performance architectural glass products are available in both new construction and retrofit/remodel options to extend the habitability of buildings during extreme weather conditions. Windows and doors can be designed to help maintain the structural integrity of buildings during windstorms, fire and other disasters, as well as helping to insulate the building envelope during extreme summer heat and winter cold. In the event of extended power disruption, high-performance windows enhance building resiliency and maintain habitable interior temperatures for longer periods of time. 

Recent studies by the United States Department of Energy and the National Laboratories show that improving passive efficiency, such as, by installing high-performance window and doors that meet or exceed current energy code, saves lives during periods of extreme heat and cold. For example, “installing passive measures in existing single-family buildings to meet code requirements extends habitability by as much as 120% during extreme cold and by up to 140% during extreme heat." Another study demonstrated “over a 7-day cold spell following a winter blackout when the temperature outdoors drops to 10°F, the house or office with high-performance windows cools from 70°F to about 55°F whereas the buildings with conventional windows can drop below freezing (25°F-35°F).” 

Federal initiatives aimed at encouraging U.S. states to adopt the most recent energy codes can contribute to more widespread access to passive efficiency measures such as high-performance windows and doors.