Double-Glazed Window

Material Composition Assumptions

A standard double-glazed window unit measuring 1.2m x 1.2m contains approximately 24 kilograms of materials distributed across several components. Glass panes comprise the largest portion at roughly 16 kilograms or 67% of total weight, consisting of two separate glass sheets with thermal coatings. The window frame accounts for 6 kilograms or 25% of materials, with composition varying significantly between aluminum, PVC, or wooden construction methods.

Inert gas filling between glass panes represents a minimal weight contribution of approximately 50 grams but provides crucial thermal performance benefits. Hardware components including hinges, locks, and weather sealing systems add roughly 1.5 kilograms or 6% of total materials. Thermal break materials and spacer systems contribute the remaining 500 grams, serving as critical barriers to heat transfer between interior and exterior surfaces.

Manufacturing Geography

Double-glazed window production concentrates primarily in China, Germany, and Poland due to established glass manufacturing infrastructure and proximity to major construction markets. China dominates global production with extensive float glass facilities and integrated supply chains supporting both domestic consumption and export operations. German manufacturers focus on premium energy-efficient products serving northern European markets with stringent thermal performance requirements.

The carbon intensity baseline reflects Chinese manufacturing conditions at 574 gCO2/kWh grid intensity, representing the highest volume production scenario. European production benefits from lower grid intensities but operates at smaller scales with higher labor costs. Transportation emissions vary significantly depending on final installation location relative to manufacturing sites.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China	574 gCO2/kWh	58.0	Baseline
Germany	420 gCO2/kWh	52.3	-9.8%
Poland	715 gCO2/kWh	64.2	+10.7%
Turkey	463 gCO2/kWh	54.1	-6.7%
United States	386 gCO2/kWh	50.8	-12.4%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Submit verified embodied energy data for glass manufacturing processes including float glass production, cutting, and thermal coating application with third-party energy audit documentation.

2. Provide frame material specifications with detailed composition analysis, recycled content percentages, and supplier-specific production energy consumption data validated by environmental product declarations.

3. Document transportation logistics including shipping distances, modal split between truck/rail/maritime transport, and packaging material weights with carrier-verified fuel consumption records.

4. Supply facility-specific electricity consumption data with renewable energy certificates, power purchase agreements, or local grid emission factor documentation covering the manufacturing period.

5. Furnish end-of-life material recovery rates and recycling processes with third-party waste stream analysis demonstrating actual material separation and reprocessing outcomes.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-gate emissions for a standard 1.44 square meter double-glazed window unit with argon gas filling and aluminum framing.

• Scope 3 dominates the emission profile at 80% due to energy-intensive glass melting processes and aluminum frame production requiring primary smelting operations.

• The functional unit assumes standard residential installation with 25-year service life and excludes operational energy benefits from improved thermal performance.

• Installation hardware, glazing compounds, and on-site assembly emissions are excluded from the current methodology due to high variability in installation practices.

• Data gaps exist for emerging low-carbon glass production technologies and bio-based frame materials that may significantly reduce future emission factors.