Leading architecture companies launch sustainability standard for glass

Reported in PBC Today back in July, a group of the world’s leading architecture companies have come together to develop the first global sustainability standard for the glass industry.

Glass can have an extraordinarily high carbon footprint. It is estimated that glassmaking is responsible for 95m tonnes of CO₂ emissions globally each year, meaning that decarbonisation remains a critical priority for the sector.

The initiative is being led by ResponsibleGlass, a non-profit organisation established in 2025 to create a common framework for responsible glass production.

Key members include Bovis, Morgan Sindall and Waugh Thistleton Architects.

The draft standard is now open for a 60-day public consultation, giving businesses, suppliers, customers, policymakers, NGOs and other stakeholders the opportunity to help shape its development. Whether you are a glass manufacturer, supplier, customer, civil society organisation, researcher, policymaker or other stakeholder, your feedback is requested.

Francis Sullivan, Chair of ResponsibleGlass, said: “Glass is fundamental to modern life, from buildings and vehicles to solar technology and packaging, yet the sector has never operated under a unified, independent global sustainability framework.

“The publication of this first ResponsibleGlass Draft Standard is an important milestone in changing that.”

The draft standard is centred around six core areas:

• Management systems – ensuring companies have the policies and reporting systems needed to manage sustainability performance effectively.
• Responsible business practices – including legal compliance, anti-corruption measures, stakeholder engagement, transparency and public reporting of sustainability data.
• Responsible sourcing – requiring companies to understand and assess the environmental and social impacts of key raw materials, recycled materials and energy sources used in glass production, while promoting greater supply chain transparency. This includes everything from silica sand and soda ash through to recovered glass and energy inputs.
• Environmental performance – covering greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, water stewardship, biodiversity, waste management, air emissions and pollution, with companies expected to measure, manage and disclose performance against key sustainability metrics.
• People and communities – including worker health and safety, labour rights, human rights and engagement with local communities affected by glassmaking operations.
• Circularity and sustainable product design – encouraging greater use of recycled materials, improved recycling and recovery rates, and the development of glass products designed to reduce environmental impacts both during use and at the end of life.

To read the PBC article in full click here and for more information on the Responsible Glass Organisation click here.