EASTERN BANK · DHAKA, BANGLADESH
The new corporate headquarters of Eastern Bank in Dhaka, Bangladesh, stands as a beacon of sustainability, featuring an innovative slatted façade made from amorphous silicon photovoltaic glass. This advanced glass façade not only enhances the building’s energy efficiency but also reduces its environmental impact.
Covering more than 500 m², the façade is composed of low-emissivity (low-e) amorphous silicon glass modules with high transparency, strategically fitted using a slat system. This design allows for the uniform passage of natural daylight into the building while providing excellent thermal insulation, preventing excessive heat buildup, a crucial feature in a city like Dhaka, where temperatures can soar to 40ºC.
The photovoltaic glass filters out 99% of harmful ultraviolet radiation and 85% of infrared radiation, offering a Solar (g) Factor ranging from 5% to 40%, depending on the transparency level. This means the glass effectively regulates light and heat, allowing natural light in without overwhelming heat gain, thereby maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. With a total installed power capacity of 12.5 kWp, the façade generates approximately 22,600 kWh of clean energy each year, enough to power 1,300 lights. This installation also prevents the release of 15 tons of CO2 annually, contributing significantly to the building's sustainability goals.
The amorphous silicon photovoltaic glass used in Eastern Bank’s façade was chosen for its ability to meet both aesthetic and performance specifications. The sleek design of the slatted system not only provides shading but also optimizes the building’s energy use by significantly reducing the need for artificial cooling. The photovoltaic glass, with its versatile transparency levels, is ideal for balancing natural light with energy efficiency, ensuring that the bank’s interior remains cool and well-lit. Additionally, the environmental benefits of the glass, such as its capacity to generate clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support the bank’s long-term sustainability objectives.
