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CSI: Where’s the Glass?

Those in search of the latest in glass and glazing did not find an over-abundance of information in their field at the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) convention in late June. J.E. Berkowitz, McGrory Glass and PPG Industries were the three glass companies that made up the fewer than 500 total exhibitors. Curtainwall and window film companies, as well as hardware suppliers, also attended or exhibited at the show. 

CSI was not only light on glass exhibitors; it was light on attendees. But those who did attend were very focused, according to exhibitors.

“The attendees are focused and looking for information,” said Bill Wilder of Graham Architectural Products. While at the show, his company promoted a new architectural products binder designed to complement the company’s website. The company also promoted new thermal materials.

Green building and energy efficiency were major focuses this year. Employees at the PPG booth—one of the busiest at the show—wore green shirts to promote the “green” trend. The company displayed a variety of products–such as glass, paint and finishes–that can help earn LEED points. James Bogdan, manager of green building initiatives, said the company is always looking at ways it can be more energy-efficient. 

Curtainwall companies such as YKK AP, United States Aluminum and Traco kept in check with the green trend and focused on safety and security. Doug Ellerbrock, executive vice president of United States Aluminum, said sunshades are a popular company product as well as their impact products that were redesigned to be dry-glazed, a system on which they worked with DuPont to develop. www.csinet.org 

USG
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