--- title: "Technical Forum: The Growing Role of Glass Reflectivity in Buildings" description: Discover Vitro's BirdSmart® glass, a bird-safe solution designed to reduce bird collisions through innovative etching techniques and rigorous testing. image: https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/VCN/Vitro_BirdSmart_TheWhiteHouse_SWP_9306-v4.jpg --- [![VCN_Hor_RGB.png](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VCN_Hor_RGB.png?width=320&name=VCN_Hor_RGB.png "VCN_Hor_RGB.png")](https://blog.vitroglazings.com/vcn) # *Vitro Certified*® Newsletter ### The *Vitro Certified*® Newsletter is a quarterly newsletter for glass fabricators, laminators and window manufacturers within the *Vitro Certified*® Network. For more information about the *Vitro Certified*® Network, visit Vitro Architectural Glass (formerly PPG Glass) at [VitroGlazings.com](https://www.vitroglazings.com). --- ## Technical Forum: The Growing Role of Glass Reflectivity in Buildings Posted by [Vitro Architectural Glass](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/author/vitro-architectural-glass) on Dec 10, 2025, 4:52:19 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When specifying glass in buildings, sometimes architects and owners seek high levels of transparency and visibility. Other times, a building design calls for low transparency, or [reflectivity](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/topics/the-benefits-of-designing-with-reflective-glass), to provide privacy, reflect the building’s surrounding environment and/or hide messy mechanicals. ![VIT Champane 1920x960_72](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VCN/VIT%20Champane%201920x960_72.jpg?width=1920&height=960&name=VIT%20Champane%201920x960_72.jpg) *Solarban Champane*™ Glass at Vitro Architectural Glass, Glass Technology Center  For example, a library, retail setting or university research lab seeking visibility to showcase the activities or merchandise inside is likely to choose more transparent glass. Whereas multi-family buildings or government and corporate spaces, where more  privacy is required, might opt for less visibility and more reflectivity. ## The Type of Light Matters ![solar-spectrum_hr](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/solar-spectrum_hr.jpg?width=588&height=442&name=solar-spectrum_hr.jpg) To understand glass reflectivity, you first need to understand the solar energy spectrum and how visible light interacts with glass and coatings. Energy, heat and light constantly flow away from the sun into Earth’s atmosphere in the form of short-wave energy, including: - **Ultraviolet Light** (UV) which represents 3% of the solar energy spectrum - **Visible Light** which makes up 44% of the solar energy spectrum - **Infrared Light** accounts for 53% of the solar energy spectrum Energy efficient glazings, such as low-e glass, block a portion of the UV and infrared light while allowing a high percentage of visible light to come through. The result is less need for artificial lighting, increased comfort for building occupants and an overall reduction in energy usage.   ## Understanding Exterior Reflectivity Glass reflectivity refers to the measure of how much visible light bounces off the glass surface. The reflectance value indicates how the glass will interact with natural and artificial lighting and influences factors such as visibility and privacy. In addition to providing privacy, glass reflectivity helps to control glare and impacts visible light transmittance (VLT) and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). As the glass’ reflective properties increase, light levels decrease and thermal performance increases as less solar heat comes into the building. The higher the reflectance value, the more the glass will mirror its surroundings – especially during the day or when lighting conditions outside are brighter than those inside. The lower the percentage, the more transparent the glass will appear.  | **Glass Exterior Reflectivity Ranges** | | | --- | --- | | **Uncoated Glass ** | 15% | | **Low Reflective Glass** | 0-19%  | | **Medium Reflective Glass ** | 20-29%  | | **High Reflective Glass** | 30-100% | As mentioned above, high exterior reflectivity is desirable for buildings that require high levels of privacy. Mid-reflective glass is ideal when there are no major privacy concerns, and a façade with a slightly less reflective appearance is desired.   Mid-reflective glass provides some coverage of the building’s HVAC systems, presents a more harmonious façade appearance and blends well with spandrel glass, metal panels and extrusions. This glass category also helps control glare, thereby reducing the level of interior and exterior shading systems required. Mid-reflective glasses such as [*Solarban*® R77 glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/reflective-low-e-glass/solarban-r77-glass/) and [*Solarban Champane*™ glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/reflective-low-e-glass/solarban-champane-glass/) by Vitro deliver around 25% exterior reflectivity and strike a balance between allowing some visibility in, while still retaining a level of privacy and a vibrant crisp aesthetic.   Where daylighting and mitigated heat gain is desired, which is often the case, mid-reflective glass can help strike that delicate balance. For example, *Solarban*® R77 clear glass has a VLT of 47% and SHGC of 0.25.  ![_Solarban_Champane-hexagon-perspective-v3 (1)](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VCN/_Solarban_Champane-hexagon-perspective-v3%20(1).jpg?width=286&height=190&name=_Solarban_Champane-hexagon-perspective-v3%20(1).jpg)  ![Solarban® R77 Glass ](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VCN/Vitro_Panel_3_Large.jpg?width=297&height=190&name=Vitro_Panel_3_Large.jpg) | *Solarban Champane*™ Glass  | *Solarban*® R77 Glass  | | --- | --- | ## What About Interior Reflectivity? Interior reflectivity is a measure of how much visible light is reflected off the inside surface of the glass. Low interior reflectivity is a key performance metric for optimizing views from inside the building. It is particularly important for applications where clear views are desired, such as in an office or home, because it reduces reflections from the inside, improves visibility of the outside and prevents a "mirror" effect that can make it hard to see through the window at night.   ## Viewing Guidance There are many factors that impact our perception of glass reflectivity. When it comes to privacy and reflectance, it’s important to consider both the interior and exterior lighting conditions because what we see when we look at glass depends on where the light is brightest. If it’s night and you’re outdoors looking into a well-lit interior, you’ll be able to see into the building because you’ll get a transmitted view. The same applies when you’re inside a building looking out on a bright sunny day – you’ll get a clear, transmitted view of the outdoor scenery. Conversely, if you’re outside on a bright, sunny day looking into a darkened building, you’ll see a reflected view of the outdoor scene, and if you’re inside with the lights on at night, you’ll see a reflection of the interior. ## Design Trends In the realm of aesthetics and color, the market offers a number of reflective glasses in crisp silver-blue hues in the cool color range. These offerings present a light appearance, enabling the glass to reflect the color of the sky. At the same time, architectural and interior design trends have shifted toward more natural materials like timber and limestone. This, in turn, has created a need for reflective glass in warmer colors — like champagne, bronze and warm silver — to reflect and blend with these façade tones and interiors. Responding to evolving market preferences, Vitro has added [*Solarban Champane*™ glass](https://vitroglazings.com/solarbanchampane) — a crisp, warm-toned low-e glass — to its mid-reflective line. The new offering will better harmonize with wood, stone and biophilic materials while providing the benefits that the [Solarban® low-e glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/) line of products has become known for, like its excellent solar control and low-e properties. The warm hue is created by manipulating magnetron-sputtered vacuum deposition (MSVD) coating stack layers used to produce the *Solarban*® coating with reflective glass characteristics. Prior to the development of MSVD technology, the industry relied on tinted glass to create a bronze-colored tint, but the drawback was a reduction in light transmittance. Now, with the MSVD-created warm-toned mid-reflective glass, daylighting is preserved. As a result, the interiors are enhanced with more natural light and the views outside are brighter. ## Careful Evaluation is Key When specifying mid-reflective glass, it’s important to carefully evaluate samples. Due to the nature of the glass, it is insufficient to lay the glass sample down on a conference table. Instead, the glass pane must be held up against a white background to view and evaluate the transmitted color and against a black background to accurately see the reflected color of the glass. For the most accurate evaluation, glass should be viewed at all angles and at multiple times throughout the day in natural light. Like other glass and glazing products, mid-reflective glass can incorporate bird-friendly technology. To achieve this, a first surface treatment with a laser edge or frit is more effective. This helps birds perceive the glass as a barrier as opposed to an opening they can fly through. Mid-reflective glass can also meet [Sea Turtle Code](https://www.vitroglazings.com/media/de1j0kqq/vitro-td-123.pdf) requirements as mandated in locations like the Florida coast and other Gulf state municipalities as it meets the 45% VLT requirement. This prevents hatchling sea turtles from mistaking the light of the moon for artificial lighting and subsequently migrating away from the water where chances of survival are very low. For more information about Vitro’s latest mid-reflective glass options, visit [vitroglazings.com](https://www.vitroglazings.com/).    ![IMG_7825-rev](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VCN/IMG_7825-rev.jpg?width=519&height=539&name=IMG_7825-rev.jpg) | **Project Name:** | FNB Tower  | | --- | --- | | **Location:** | Pittsburgh, PA  | | **Vitro Glass Product:** | *Solarban*® R77 *Acuity*® Glass *Solarban*® 60 *Acuity*® Glass  | | **Architect:** | Gensler  | | **Glass Fabricator:** | *Vitro Certified*® Network | | **Glazing Contractor:** | PJ Dick  | | **General Contractor:** | Antamex  | | **Photographer:** | Jim Cunningham  |   ![one-flagler_3304-01-dr](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VCN/one-flagler_3304-01-dr.jpg?width=359&height=539&name=one-flagler_3304-01-dr.jpg) | **Project Name:** | One Flagler | | --- | --- | | **Location:** | West Palm Beach, FL  | | **Products:** | *Solarban*® R77* Acuity*® Glass  | | **Architect:** | Skidmore Owings & Merril (SOM)  | | **Glass Fabricator:** | Tecnoglass S.A.   | | **Glazing Contractor:** | West Tampa Glass  | | **Owner/Developer:** | Related Companies  | | **General Contractor:** | Coastal Construction Co.  | | **Photographer:** | Terry Wieckert - Abstract Photography, Inc.  |     #### Newsletter Archive:  - [June 2026](https://info.vitroglazings.com/a-trusted-and-proven-partnership-2) - Project Showcase: Hillman Library, Pittsburgh, PA - Technical Forum: *EcoArmor*™ Protective Topcoat  - Get to Know Vitro: Meet Johnny Lorigan - [March 2026](https://info.vitroglazings.com/a-toast-to-25-years) - Project Showcase: Lincoln Yards, Chicago, IL - Technical Forum: *Vitro Certified*® Network Online Training Resources - Get to Know Vitro: Honoring Women’s History Month - [December 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-drives-meaningful-progress-1) - Project Showcase: Nashville Airport Hilton, Nashville, TN - Technical Forum: The Growing Role of Glass Reflectivity in Buildings - Get to Know Vitro: New Roles for Chris Fronsoe and Trevor Hall - [October 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-drives-meaningful-progress) - Project Showcase: 700 Santana Row, San Jose, California - Technical Forum: *BirdSmart*® Bird Safe Glass Research & Testing - Get to Know Vitro: Logan Tautkus-Berry - [June 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/were-a-glass-half-full-kind-of-company) - Project Showcase: FirstHealth Cancer Center - Technical Forum: FramingFactor™ - Get to Know Vitro: Ben Rider - [March 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/2025-has-already-taken-off) - Project Showcase: National Aviary, Pittsburgh, PA - Technical Forum: Bird Safe Glass Advancements and Trends - Get to Know Vitro: Dan Plotnick - [January 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/2024-was-a-certified-success-for-vitro-architectural-glass) - Project Showcase: Hugel Welcome Center (Lafayette College) - Technical Forum: Center of Glass vs. Framing Performance - Get to Know Vitro: Patrick (PJ) Campbell - [September 2024](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-certified-network-members-q3-check-in-1) - Project Showcase: RIDC Mill 19 - Technical Forum: Methods for Improving U‑Value - Get to Know Vitro: Larry Withrow - [July 2024](https://info.vitroglazings.com/second-quarterly-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: Amazon HQ2 - Technical Forum: Sustainability Certifications - Get to Know Vitro: Patty Fisher - [March 2024](https://info.vitroglazings.com/first-quarter-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: UC San Diego Torrey Pines Living & Learning Neighborhood - Technical Forum: Condensation - Get to Know Vitro: Fernando Diez - [January 2024](https://info.vitroglazings.com/first-quarterly-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: BancFirst Tower  - Technical Forum: Embodied Carbon  - Get to Know Vitro: Meet Erin Casci  - [October 2023](https://info.vitroglazings.com/q3-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members-1) - Project Showcase: Hanna Gabriel Wells Architects  - Technical Forum: Pros and Cons of Gas-Filled IGUs  - Get to Know Vitro: Bill Davis  - [June 2023](https://info.vitroglazings.com/q2-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: Pittsburgh Produce Terminal  - Technical Forum: Framing and Performance Values  - Get to Know Vitro: Chris Fronsoe  - [April 2023](https://info.vitroglazings.com/q1-2023-update-for-vitro-certified-members) - Project Showcase: Pikes Peak Summit House  - Technical Forum: Color Rendering Index  - Get to Know Vitro: Heather Brion  - [December 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/fourth-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members-2022) -  Project Showcase: 345 4th Street  - Technical Forum: Vacuum Insulating Glass FAQs  - Get to Know Vitro: Andre Kenstowicz  - [September 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/third-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: 70 Rainey  - Technical Forum: Codes & Climate Zones  - Get to Know Vitro: Dan Sutton  - [July 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/second-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: Moody Center - Technical Forum: *Titan* oversized glass - Get to Know Vitro: Annissa Flickinger  - [March 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/first-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: KOI Sky Residences  - Technical Forum: Embodied Carbon  - Get to Know Vitro: Mike Hammond  - [December 2021](https://info.vitroglazings.com/fourth-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members?hs_preview=wuFvkqXz-68122100225) - Project Showcase: Watershed  - Technical Forum: *Vitro Certified*™ Network Professional Training Modules  - Get to Know Vitro: Adam Polcyn  - [October 2021](https://info.vitroglazings.com/committing-to-innovating-sustainably) - Project Showcase: Congress Square  - Technical Forum: *VacuMax*™ Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG)  - Get to Know Vitro: Nathan McKenna  - [June 2021](https://1977288.hubspotpreview-na1.com/_hcms/preview/content/48387080968?portalId=1977288&_preview=true&cacheBust=0&preview_key=bfZWBlMX&from_buffer=false) - Project Showcase: McMaster University  - Technical Forum: BIPV Q&A - Get to Know Your New Sample Order Website - Get to Know Vitro: Lauren Black, Ph.D.    - [March 2021](https://info.vitroglazings.com/new-product-update-and-more) - Project Showcase: HOPE Tower  - Technical Forum: Glass Options for School Safety  - Get to Know Vitro: Emily Losego  - [November 2020](https://info.vitroglazings.com/innovation-and-our-people) - Project Showcase: Old Chicago Post Office  - Technical Forum: Keys to Diagnosing Glass Breakage  - Get to Know Vitro: Steve Marino  - [August 2020](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-vcn-september-1-2020) - Technical Forum: Bird-Safe Buildings Act Closer to Law  - Project Showcase: Rolex Tower  - Get to Know Vitro: Martin Bracamonte  - [May 2020](https://info.vitroglazings.com/here-for-each-other) - Decontaminating Glass Surfaces  - Personnel Training Series  - Contactless Bills of Lading (BOL) Now Available  - [January 2020](https://info.vitroglazings.com/the-solarban-acuity-opportunity-1) - Technical Forum: The Latest in Bird Safe Glass Legislation  - Project Showcase: Calgary Central Library  - Get to Know Vitro: Paul Bush  - [September 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/the-solarban-acuity-opportunity) - Our *Solarban*®-Coated *Acuity®* Glass Journey  - Technical Forum: Specifying Heat-Rated Glass  - Project Showcase: Kinects Tower  - Get to Know Vitro: Julia Giba  - [July 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/invested-in-our-people) - Technical Forum: Silicone Strength  - Get to Know Vitro: Joanne Funyak  - Project Showcase: 181 Fremont  - [March 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/two-new-chapters) - Technical Forum: Eliminating the Stress Over Strain Patterns  - Project Showcase: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine  - Get to Know Vitro: Carlisle, PA  - [January 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/eyes-on-quality) - The Hallmarks of Product Quality  - Vitro Survey: Insights on General Contractors  - Get to Know Vitro: Salem, Oregon  - [August 2018](https://info.vitroglazings.com/the-future-is-here) - Technical Forum: Diagnosing Glass Breakage  - Project Showcase: UCSD Jacobs Medical Center  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: Carlisle, PA  - Gearing Up to Transport Jumbo Glass  - [March 2018](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-certified-newsletter-march-2018) - Technical Forum: Focusing Beyond Glass Construction in Specifications  - Project Showcase: BioSteel Centre  - Technical Articles to Share with Your Customers  - Vitro, on the Road  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: Wichita Falls, Texas  - [November 2017](https://info.vitroglazings.com/365-days-in) - Technical Forum: Temporary Film Fabrication Guidelines  - Project Showcase: ProMedica Health and Wellness Center  - Lunchtime Training Seminars  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: Fresno, California  - [August 2017](https://info.vitroglazings.com/introducing-the-vitro-certified-newsletter-1) - Technical Forum: New Vitro Glass EPDs Are An Industry First  - Project Showcase: 7 Bryant Park  - Your Show, On the Road  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: A Preview  #### Recent Stories:  [![Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png?width=353&name=Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png "Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png")](http://www.vitroglazings.com/en-US/Glass.aspx)