Repair Round-up
nwra reports

The Times They Are A-Changin’
by Mike Boyle

While Bob Dylan probably wasn’t referring to the glass repair industry back in the ’60s, the words are appropriate for what’s happening right now with the National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA). Our new name, effective September 1, 2009, is the Global Glass Conservation Alliance (GGCA). Our new focus will be to promote the repair, restoration, reuse and recycling of all types of float glass from automotive glass to architectural glass.

Why the expansion? Consumers and businesses worldwide have a heightened interest in environmental responsibility. Glass restoration and repair can play a huge part in sustainable business practices, so it just makes sense to expand our organization’s focus to conservation. As glass repair and restoration experts, our members can help customers to understand how their choices about dealing with damaged glass directly affect the planet.

Why?
Why is it so important for the glass industry to become environmentally conscious? The manufacture of new glass is an energy-hungry process, which results in the emission of combustion byproducts (sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides) and the high-temperature oxidation of atmospheric nitrogen. Add this to the transportation emissions of CO2 and you have a recipe for negative global impact. Many types of glass, including laminated windshield glass, are not recycled and take more than one million years to decompose in our landfills.

It’s also important to note that it is often completely unnecessary to replace glass. In fact, approximately 82 percent of the architectural glass replaced today can be saved—by using scratch removal products to remove scratches or by using enhancements such as film to add security, decoration or retard graffiti.

The GGCA’s expanded mission opens up the benefits of membership to more types of companies. The GGCA is comprised of three councils: the Scratch Removal Council (SRC), the Reuse and Recycling Council (RRC) and the National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA). The three councils work concurrently to bring awareness to the public about the benefits of glass repair, restoration, reuse and recycling.

Members may belong to one, two or all three councils depending on their line of work and interest. Membership can bring key advantages to anyone involved in the glass industry, from manufacturers of glass, windshields, doors and windows, to glass technicians and business owners. Here are just a few examples of the kinds of companies that could benefit from joining the new GGCA:
• Architectural glass manufacturers and distributors;
• Automotive glass manufacturers and distributors;
• Film manufacturers and applicators;
• Fabricators;
• Glaziers;
• Distributors and retailers;
• Scratch removal companies;
• Flat glass repair companies;
• Glass recyclers;
• Manufacturers of products using recycled or reused glass;
• Insurance companies;
• Windshield repair companies; and
• Any other entity actively engaged in reducing the impact of glass and glass products upon the earth.

It’s the Right Thing to Do
The GGCA can help those in the glass industry to achieve sustainability objectives, while also building profits right into the business model. We are dedicated to helping our members reduce the energy impact of glass upon the earth, while saving money and time by saving glass. Our programs and services for our members include: a free newsletter subscription to the Green Glass News; access to informational tools and company listings on our website at www.ggcalliance.org; networking opportunities; product showcasing; lead referral program; legislative and regulatory representation; public relations assistance; purchasing discounts; and more.

Help reduce the environmental impact of glass with the GGCA. To join, visit www.ggcalliance.org or call 540/720-7484.

Mike Boyle is chief visionary officer of Glass Mechanix in Bend, Ore., and serves as president of the National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA). Mr. Boyle’s opinions are solely his own and not necessarily those of this magazine.

AGRR
© Copyright 2009 Key Communications Inc. All rights reserved.
No reproduction of any type without expressed written permission.