PHILADELPHIA—In the largest installation to date of glass that dynamically controls sunlight to help with heating and cooling of large office buildings, SageGlass will be installed in the landmark 3.0 University Place project in Philadelphia, the world's first commercial office building pre-certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) V4 Platinum by the US Green Building Council.

The façade of the 189,000-square-foot commercial office building will feature 50,000 square feet of SageGlass, described by its manufacturer as "the world's smartest electrochromic glass."

The inclusion of SageGlass in the project will provide future occupants with a more comfortable working environment and greater connection to the outdoors, supporting the University Place developer's vision to transform the traditional ideals of the commercial office building.

Located in Philadelphia's University City neighborhood, 3.0 University Place will be the second LEED Platinum commercial office building developed by University Place Associates. SageGlass was selected for this project for its ability to dynamically control sunlight to optimize daylight, maintain outdoor views and enhance comfort by preventing glare and solar heat.

By blocking sunlight on hot days, SageGlass dramatically reduces energy demand and the need for HVAC, while increasing occupant comfort and well-being. With electronically tintable SageGlass, future building occupants will have the ability to control their own environment and provide employees with a space that connects them to the natural environment, which has been shown to boost productivity and satisfaction in the workplace.

"With 3.0 University Place, we're setting the precedent for corporate and environmental responsibility, and Saint-Gobain and SageGlass are an integral part of our vision. SageGlass' unparalleled ability to enhance the indoor experience for occupants made it the perfect fit for this project," says Scott Mazo, founder and managing partner of University Place Associates. "Commercial building owners who want to attract rising, dynamic companies need to offer spaces that align with the values of socially responsible millennials. Innovative products like SageGlass are helping to create beautiful spaces that also improve the overall health and well-being of building occupants."

When it's completed, 3.0 University Place will advance the development of the "Platinum Corridor," a series of Platinum LEED-certified buildings in University City. The first project completed by University Place Associates in the Platinum Corridor was 2.0 University Place, the first multi-certified and multi-tenant LEED Platinum new construction office building in the world and the flagship green building in Philadelphia, featuring more than 100,000 square feet of office space. 3.0 University Place will be adjacent to its predecessor. University Place Associates is already working on plans for a 4.0 University Place in the future.

"SageGlass is excited to be an essential component of this remarkable project. We're completely aligned with University Place Associates' vision to develop commercial office space that redefines the traditional working environment," says Alan McLenaghan, CEO of SageGlass. "We're confident that the 3.0 University Place project is going to set the tone for the future of occupant-sensitive design."

SageGlass is one of a number of eco-friendly design elements that helped 3.0 University Place achieve LEED V4 Platinum pre-certification. The building will feature a rooftop garden that improves air quality, conserves energy and reduces storm-water runoff; efficient heating and cooling systems that reduce both internal air pollution and tenants' energy costs; and common-area power that utilizes wind- and solar-generated energy.

The architect of record and sustainability consultant for 3.0 University Place is The Sheward Partnership.

Instant Insights /

Philadelphia Building Getting Electrochromic Glass

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