Enhance the
Environment
Smart Glass is an innovative solution for enhancing energy efficiency, privacy, and workplace aesthetics in modern office environments.
KEY
DRIVERS
Natural Light
Control
Adjustable Tints: Smart glass can change its opacity or tint based on sunlight, allowing employees to adjust light levels without needing traditional blinds. This helps reduce glare on screens and creates a more comfortable work environment. Energy Savings: By controlling the amount of sunlight entering the office, smart glass reduces the need for artificial lighting, leading to lower energy consumption.
Privacy
On-Demand Privacy: For meeting rooms, smart glass can be switched from clear to opaque to create a private environment. This is ideal for confidential discussions without needing physical blinds or curtains. Privacy Without Compromising Space: In open-office designs, smart glass partitions can be used to create privacy without making the space feel closed off.
Improved
Aesthetics
Sleek Design: The clean, minimalist look of smart glass can contribute to a modern and stylish workplace. It’s often used in high-end offices, boardrooms, or reception areas for a professional appearance. Glass Walls or Partitions: It can be used as a transparent barrier for meeting spaces or office partitions, maintaining an open, airy feel while providing the option for privacy when needed.
Enhanced Focus and Well-Being
Regulating Light Exposure: Smart glass can help control light exposure by preventing excessive direct sunlight, which can be distracting or cause discomfort, helping employees stay focused. Reduction in Heat Gain: Some smart glass systems also have heat-control features, preventing the office from becoming too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter, further improving comfort and reducing HVAC energy usage.
Smart
Integration
Automated Control: Integration with smart building systems allows the glass to adjust automatically based on time of day, external weather conditions, or occupancy, contributing to a more energy-efficient and user-friendly environment. Voice/Remote Control: Employees can also control the glass using mobile apps or voice commands, making it easy to adjust privacy or light conditions on the go.
Health
Benefits
Reduced Eye Strain: By managing natural light more effectively, smart glass can help reduce eye strain caused by harsh glare or uneven lighting in the workspace. Circadian Rhythm: By mimicking natural daylight patterns, smart glass can help support employees' circadian rhythms, potentially improving sleep patterns and overall well-being.
Sustainability
Eco-Friendly: Some smart glass options are made from sustainable materials and are designed to reduce the need for energy-intensive heating, cooling, and artificial lighting, contributing to a greener office environment. LEED Certification: Using smart glass in office designs can help buildings meet sustainability standards and earn LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.
IMPLEMENTATION
STEPS
Define Objectives & Requirements
​Identify the main goals of implementing smart glass: Energy efficiency, Privacy control, Aesthetic enhancement and Improved comfort and productivity. Assess where smart glass will be used: Meeting rooms, Office partitions, Windows & facades, Executive offices or common areas. Determine the type of smart glass technology: Electrochromic Glass: Changes opacity gradually when voltage is applied. Suspended Particle Devices (SPD): Fast-switching between transparency levels. Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC): Turns from clear to opaque instantly. Budget Estimation: Factor in material costs, installation, and integration with smart systems.
Site Assessment & Feasibility Study
Conduct a workspace evaluation to:, Assess existing windows and partitions, Identify electrical & network requirements and Ensure compatibility with HVAC and lighting systems. Consult stakeholders (management, employees, facility managers) for feedback. Obtain quotes from smart glass vendors & compare solutions.
Vendor Selection & Procurement
Shortlist reliable suppliers based on: Technology quality, Cost-effectiveness, Warranty & maintenance services and Integration capabilities with smart office systems. Finalise contracts, payment terms, and delivery timelines. Ensure compliance with local building codes and sustainability requirements.
Installation & System Integration
Pre-Installation Prep: Secure permits if required, Prepare wiring for electric-controlled glass and Remove existing windows or partitions if needed. ​Installation Process: Install smart glass panels according to vendor specifications, Connect glass panels to power sources and control systems, Integrate with IoT-enabled workplace automation (smart lighting, HVAC, voice control, etc.). Testing & Calibration: Ensure smooth transition between glass states (clear/opaque), Test automation features (e.g., auto-dimming based on sunlight), Verify security, power efficiency, and reliability.
Employee Training & Change Management
Train employees on: How to use smart glass controls (manual, remote, app-based, or voice-activated), Benefits of smart glass in terms of energy savings & workplace comfort and Troubleshooting basic issues. Gather feedback to make necessary adjustments.
Monitoring & Maintenance
Set up regular maintenance checks to: Ensure electrical components function correctly, Clean and inspect glass for damage, Update smart control software as needed. Monitor energy savings and employee feedback to measure ROI (Return on Investment). Adjust smart glass settings based on office usage patterns.
Evaluation & Scaling
Assess the performance over 6-12 months: Energy efficiency improvements, Employee productivity & satisfaction, Cost savings on lighting & HVAC. Expand implementation to other areas if successful. Upgrade system features as new technology emerges.