Vitro America wins an award in the USA for its ´green´ initiatives

The National Glass Association gave Vitro America the 2008 Crystal Achievement Award for presenting the most innovative application of glass certified by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, (LEED), during the reconstruction of the community Arts Center in Greensburg, Kansas.

After a category F5 tornado (maximum category) demolished Greensburg in May 2007, the city began a process of rebuilding using sustainable building techniques which is the reason for its designation as the first totally green city in USA.

Among all of the new construction the community Arts Center stands out after having been completely rebuilt from recovered wood blended with a massive glass wall Tintex (green), supplied by Vitro, that completely surrounds the structure.

“We chose this type of glass, due to its protective characteristics from ultraviolet rays that deflects the heat from the entire structure leading to enormous energy savings”, explains Boyd Jonson, from Studio 804 Inc., the design company responsible for designing the community center.

He adds that the precision and esthetics of the glass installed next to the wood, all of which was recovered from the devastation, blends together to form a beautiful esthetic ensemble.

Alice Dickerson, Marketing & Sales Director for Vitro America, points out that the Tintex glass (10 millimeters thick) was donated by Vitro and manufactured at their facilities, Vitro America, in Dallas, Texas.

“We are very proud to receive this Award but even more important is our ability to offer to the community sustainable products that adjust perfectly to their needs”, she concludes.