In a bold move toward sustainability and innovation, Volvo Car Canada has engaged Advanced Glazings Ltd. (AGL) to integrate Solera® glass technology into select dealerships, starting with four locations across Canada. This signifies a major leap forward in design, energy efficiency, and customer experience for a brand already synonymous with environmental leadership in the automotive world, setting new standards for car showrooms by using cutting-edge materials that not only enhance aesthetics but reduce carbon footprints.
The first dealerships to implement Solera® glass are in Richmond, Brossard, Laval, and Halifax. Richmond and Laval are also the first in Canada to achieve LEED certification, further solidifying Volvo's commitment to sustainability. With Solera® glass, these showrooms enjoy an architectural transformation, featuring natural light diffusion that enhances the visual appeal of both the space and the cars on display while contributing to energy conservation.
The Future of Sustainable Showrooms
This venture comes at a pivotal moment for the automotive industry, where environmental considerations are more critical than ever. For years, car dealerships have relied on large glass façades to attract customers, but this design choice has historically come with big drawbacks, including excessive heat gain, glare, and high energy consumption. AGL's Solera® glass addresses these challenges head-on, offering a revolutionary alternative that dramatically improves the showroom environment without sacrificing sustainability.
Solera® glass is far more advanced than conventional glass options, such as acid-etched or frosted glass, which have been the go-to solutions for automotive showrooms until now. Solera® offers superior insulation—boasting an R-value of up to R25—along with exceptional light-diffusing properties that reduce the need for artificial lighting. This means a dealership can maintain a bright, naturally lit environment while keeping the building cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, slashing energy costs and enhancing comfort for both customers and staff.
As Doug Milburn, founder and chairman of Advanced Glazings Ltd., explained, "Volvo's decision to work with Advanced Glazings is yet another testament to their impressive dedication to sustainability and innovation. Our Solera® technology not only meets Volvo's stringent sustainability criteria but also elevates their architectural designs with its unique combination of superior aesthetics and energy efficiency."
Volvo dealerships are doing their part to commit to sustainability strategies that align with the brand's goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Through the incorporation of Solera® glass, these facilities are not only reducing overall energy consumption but also enhancing their customer's experience. This undertaking—between two Canadian companies, Advanced Glazings Ltd., based in Nova Scotia, and Volvo Car Canada—demonstrates the country's leadership in pushing the boundaries of retail and sustainability innovation.
Kim Day, President & COO of Steele Auto Group, said, "At Steele Auto and Volvo Cars Halifax, we recognize that our success is linked to the well-being of the communities we serve and the environment we all share. We understand that our responsibility goes beyond delivering exceptional products and services—it extends to how we impact the world around us. Our approach to business responsibility and sustainability is not just a strategy, it is a commitment to making a positive difference today and for future generations. We are incredibly proud of the new Volvo Cars Halifax and consider it an investment in sustainability and the future."
A Win-Win for Dealerships and Customers
The benefits of Solera® glass are multifaceted, impacting both the operational efficiency of Volvo dealerships and the overall customer experience. For dealerships, Solera® glass lowers capital costs by reducing the need for larger HVAC systems, which are traditionally required to manage the intense heat generated by regular glass in sunlight. The glass's superior insulation values also contribute to lower heating and cooling costs, creating operational savings that improve the dealership's bottom line.
The ability to maintain a "lights off in the daytime" environment, made possible by Solera's® exceptional light diffusion, adds another layer of savings and sustainability. Dealership staff benefit from a more comfortable working environment, as Solera® glass eliminates glare and creates a thermally balanced space that enhances productivity and well-being.
For customers, the advantages are equally compelling. Glare, often a significant issue in glass-heavy showrooms, is virtually eliminated with Solera® glass, allowing customers to view cars in natural light without the discomfort of harsh reflections. This ensures a more accurate representation of a car's color and appearance, reducing the chances of surprises when customers take their vehicle home.
The thermal comfort provided by Solera® glass is another game-changer for customers. Traditional showrooms often suffer from inconsistent temperatures, being too hot in summer or too cold in winter due to the "solar cooker" effect of standard vision glass. Solera® glass regulates indoor temperatures more effectively, making the showroom a more pleasant environment for customers to spend time in—an important factor when making a significant purchase decision. Additionally, the lantern effect achieved by Solera® glass—where the dealership glows like a beacon from a distance—helps Volvo showrooms stand out visually, further enhancing their appeal.
Sustainability Meets Sales Impact
Beyond operational efficiencies and enhanced comfort, AGL and independent glazing studies have shown that customers are more likely to dwell longer in spaces that are visually appealing, thermally comfortable, and glare-free. This increased dwell time can directly impact purchasing behavior, as customers are more relaxed and able to focus on their decision-making process without distractions.
"By incorporating Solera® glass into our facilities, we are not only enhancing the visual appeal of our spaces but also reducing our carbon footprint and advancing our sustainability goals," said Julian Pastore, manager of Retail Experience and Sustainability at Volvo Car Canada. "The use of Solera® not only supports Volvo's sustainability objectives but also positions its dealerships as forward-thinking, energy-efficient spaces that align with the growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible businesses."
For AGL, this project represents a significant opportunity to showcase the capabilities of Solera® glass in a high-profile retail environment. AGL has long been a pioneer in sustainable glass solutions, and its expertise in daylight design has empowered architects and builders to create energy-efficient, visually stunning structures that connect people with the outdoors.
Redefining the Future of Retail Spaces
The interest in and use of Solera® glass reflects a broader shift across industries toward more sustainable, energy-efficient buildings. With its advanced daylighting and insulation capabilities, Solera® is well-positioned to become the standard for retail environments, where large glass façades are a key design feature.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Volvo's work with Advanced Glazings Ltd. offers a blueprint for how sustainability and innovation can not only coexist in the retail space but also optimize business performance and human comfort. Through the integration of Solera® glass, Volvo is not only improving its environmental impact but also redefining the customer experience in a way that is as aesthetically pleasing and business-friendly as it is sustainable.
