Did you know that...?

Did you know that every year, millions of birds die from collisions with building windows? This problem is becoming increasingly common in cities worldwide, especially in areas with more high-rise buildings, such as office towers. The solution could be bird-friendly glass.

Birds cannot distinguish between real reflections and reflections of trees or the sky. Even glass with a lower reflectivity can act as a mirror when it is bright outside and dark inside. Combined with certain façade designs, reflections can create areas that are visually confusing for birds.

Bird-friendly glass is designed to reduce the risk of birds colliding with glass surfaces. It features various patterns, often in the form of small lines or dots, which are visible to birds but do not obstruct the view for humans. This allows birds to see and avoid obstacles, significantly reducing the risk of collisions.

This technology is used in both new buildings and in the retrofitting of existing structures. Cities like New York and Toronto have already introduced regulations requiring the use of bird-friendly glass in new construction projects. As a result, such initiatives can save hundreds of thousands of birds each year.

Did you know that light emitted by buildings can disorient young sea turtles during their first journey to the ocean? Newly hatched turtles, right after emerging from their eggs on the beaches, instinctively head towards the brightest point, which is usually the reflection of the moon on the water. In places where the coastline is built up, lights from buildings can confuse the turtles, causing them to head towards the land instead of the water.

To prevent this, special turtle-friendly glass is used. This glass has properties that limit the emission of artificial light towards the beach. Often, darker, less reflective coatings and filters are applied, which reduce the visibility of external light. Thanks to these technologies, the light does not attract young turtles, allowing them to safely reach the ocean.

In many parts of the world, especially where the protection of sea turtles is a priority, regulations have been introduced requiring the use of turtle-friendly glass in buildings located near beaches. This helps protect these endangered species from unnecessary stress and death.

Bird-friendly and turtle-friendly glass are excellent examples of how modern technology can combine with environmental care, helping to protect wildlife and ensure a balance between urban development and nature.