A Modern Response to Rising Summer Temperatures

As periods of extreme heat become increasingly common across Europe, building designers face growing pressure to balance occupant comfort with energy efficiency. Solar protection has become a critical consideration, particularly in buildings with extensive glazing and sun-exposed façades.

FINEO Solar Control, developed by AGC, addresses these challenges through advanced vacuum-insulated glazing technology. The solution is designed not only to limit solar heat gain and improve indoor comfort during warmer months, but also to reduce cooling demand, lower operational carbon emissions, and support sustainable building strategies over the long term.

According to Clément Lemoine, Head of Product & Marketing at FINEO by AGC, the product was developed to resolve a common architectural dilemma: maximizing natural daylight while minimizing unwanted solar heat. By integrating a highly selective solar control coating, FINEO Solar Control allows generous daylight penetration while significantly reducing heat transmitted through the glass. This enables architects to incorporate larger glazed surfaces and south-facing elevations without compromising thermal comfort.

Maximising Natural Light Without Overheating

Windows are among the most influential components of a building envelope, affecting both energy performance and occupant well-being. Access to daylight is widely recognised as a contributor to comfort, productivity and health. Natural light supports the body’s circadian rhythm by influencing hormone production throughout the day, helping regulate alertness and rest.

As a result, building certification systems such as WELL, LEED, BREEAM and DGNB place strong emphasis on daylight availability within occupied spaces.

FINEO Solar Control has been engineered specifically for applications where daylight access is essential but solar gains must remain under control. This is particularly valuable for south- and south-west-facing façades, which experience the highest levels of solar exposure.

The glazing achieves a light transmission of up to 73% while delivering a solar factor (g-value) of 0.41 in the FINEO 8 configuration. This combination provides bright interior environments while helping prevent overheating during summer months.

Vacuum Insulation Technology Explained

The performance of FINEO Solar Control is based on a unique vacuum-insulated construction. Two thin panes of glass are separated by a hermetically sealed vacuum cavity measuring just 0.1 mm. A highly selective low-emissivity coating further enhances thermal and solar performance.

Despite an overall thickness starting at only 7.7 mm, the system delivers insulation levels comparable to contemporary triple glazing systems.

The Solar Control coating can be incorporated into multiple FINEO product configurations, including Standard, Acoustic, Safety and Tempered versions. This flexibility allows the technology to be specified for a wide range of building applications, including large-format glazing up to 2980 mm by 1605 mm.

Designed for Decades of Consistent Performance

One of the challenges associated with conventional insulated glazing is the gradual decline in performance caused by gas diffusion within the cavity. Vacuum glazing eliminates this issue entirely.

Because FINEO contains no gas fill and relies on advanced sealing technology, its thermal performance remains stable over extended periods. Extensive durability testing conducted by AGC has demonstrated an expected service life of at least 60 years while maintaining thermal and acoustic performance.

This longevity provides building owners with confidence that energy efficiency benefits will continue for decades without significant degradation.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Working Together

FINEO Solar Control has been developed as more than a high-performance glazing solution. Its design combines energy-saving capabilities with environmental considerations throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Performance Benefits

• Thermal transmittance of 0.7 W/m²K, comparable to modern triple glazing.
• Slim construction similar in thickness to traditional single glazing.
• Solar factors ranging from approximately 30% to 60%, depending on specification.
• Around 20% greater light transmission than conventional triple glazing for standard FINEO products.
• Approximately 10% higher light transmission than standard triple glazing for Solar Control variants.

Sustainability Advantages

• No noble gases within the cavity.
• No organic sealants or evacuation ports that may degrade over time.
• Fully recyclable and free from lead and metal contamination.
• Manufactured in Belgium, helping reduce transportation-related emissions.
• Third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) listed in recognised databases.
• Low-carbon version with a verified footprint of 18.9 kg CO₂ equivalent per square metre.

These characteristics support project teams pursuing sustainability certifications and environmental performance targets, while also contributing to lower operational energy consumption throughout a building’s life.

Proven in Refurbishment and Heritage Projects

The benefits of FINEO Solar Control have already been demonstrated in both commercial renovation and heritage restoration projects.

Examples include the refurbishment of the Belnine office building in Brussels’ European Quarter and the restoration of the historic Domaine de Myosotis villa in France. In both cases, the glazing solution helped satisfy architectural preservation requirements while improving energy performance and sustainability credentials.

An Alternative to Full Window Replacement

A significant proportion of Europe’s existing building stock still relies on outdated glazing systems that no longer meet modern energy standards. Replacing entire window assemblies can be expensive, disruptive and, in heritage buildings, often undesirable.

FINEO offers an alternative approach through glass-only replacement. Available in thicknesses ranging from approximately 7 mm to 20 mm depending on specification, the vacuum glazing can often be integrated into existing frames originally designed for single or double glazing.

This approach preserves original architectural features, maintains slender frame profiles and reduces installation complexity while delivering a substantial upgrade in thermal performance.

Opportunities for Window Manufacturers and Renovation Specialists

Stefan Lips, Sales Director, highlights the commercial advantages the technology offers to manufacturers and refurbishment professionals.

The slim profile of FINEO makes it suitable for installations where rebate depth is limited, while its performance characteristics support energy upgrades that may otherwise be difficult to achieve.

Each project is individually assessed according to factors such as building type, location, glazing dimensions and performance requirements. In addition to standard formats, FINEO can also be manufactured in custom shapes, providing a valuable solution for restoration projects where preserving original window geometry is essential.

This capability is particularly important in listed buildings, where maintaining historic appearance while improving occupant comfort and energy efficiency has traditionally been a major challenge.

Certified for Modern Building Requirements

FINEO Solar Control is supported by a comprehensive certification framework. AGC was the first vacuum glazing manufacturer to obtain both CE marking and general building type approval from the German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt).

Independent environmental verification confirms the product’s low embodied carbon profile, while long-term testing validates thermal and acoustic stability over a minimum lifespan of 60 years.

For architects, consultants and building owners seeking a glazing solution that addresses overheating, energy consumption and sustainability objectives simultaneously, FINEO Solar Control offers an advanced alternative within an exceptionally slim vacuum-insulated glass unit.

New Manufacturing Line Significantly Boosts Output

AGC Glass Europe has expanded the manufacturing capabilities of its FINEO vacuum insulating glass by introducing a high-capacity production line at its site in Lodelinsart, Belgium. The move dramatically increases the company’s output and strengthens its position in the growing European market for advanced energy-efficient glazing systems.

The upgraded line multiplies production levels well beyond the original demonstration facility that began operating in 2019. With market demand rising rapidly for vacuum insulated glazing, the expansion is expected to shorten customer waiting times and improve supply reliability throughout Europe.

Vacuum Glass Designed for High Efficiency

FINEO vacuum insulating glass is recognised for combining strong thermal performance with a very slim structure. The product uses a microscopic vacuum space between panes rather than relying on thicker multi-layer glass assemblies.

Because the vacuum cavity measures only a fraction of a millimeter, the glazing delivers insulation levels similar to much thicker systems while maintaining a lightweight profile.

Thin Structure with Strong Performance Benefits

Compared with traditional triple-glazed windows, vacuum insulating glass offers several practical advantages:

• Considerably thinner overall construction
• Reduced overall weight
• Improved natural light transmission
• Strong acoustic insulation performance
• Lower material usage during production
• Easier installation in renovation projects

These characteristics make vacuum glazing especially useful in buildings where frame dimensions or structural limitations prevent the use of heavier glazing systems.

The lighter composition also contributes to reduced transport emissions and lower installation impacts, supporting broader environmental goals within the construction industry.

Sustainability Embedded in the Manufacturing Strategy

Environmental efficiency plays a central role in the FINEO development strategy. AGC designed the system to achieve higher thermal performance while using fewer raw materials than conventional insulating glass solutions.

The Belgian production location provides additional sustainability advantages due to its proximity to AGC’s float glass operations and coating facilities. By concentrating manufacturing processes within the same region, the company reduces transportation requirements and associated emissions.

Additional environmental measures connected to the production process include:

• Greater use of recycled glass materials
• Electrified manufacturing operations
• Increased use of renewable energy sources
• Reduced dependence on bulky framing systems
• Fully recyclable glass-based components

FINEO has also received an Environmental Product Declaration, helping verify the product’s environmental performance credentials.

Growing Demand from the Renovation Sector

The product originally gained traction within the restoration and heritage renovation market, where preserving original window frames is often essential. Traditional triple glazing can be too thick or too heavy for older structures, making vacuum glazing a practical alternative.

As energy-efficiency regulations become stricter across Europe, AGC is now targeting a wider range of residential, office, and commercial renovation projects.

The slim appearance of vacuum glazing allows architects and contractors to improve insulation performance without dramatically altering the visual appearance of existing buildings.

Advanced Production Methods Behind the Technology

The latest production facility represents a major evolution from the original pilot setup. Internally, the company views the new generation of manufacturing technology as a significant advancement in vacuum glazing production.

Unlike standard insulating glass fabrication, the process begins with large-format glass sheets prepared inside a cleanroom environment. These sheets are vacuum sealed before being processed into finished pane sizes.

The manufacturing approach minimizes the need for traditional spacer systems and additional assembly materials commonly found in conventional insulating glass units.

Circular Design Supports Recycling Goals

One of the key differences between vacuum glazing and traditional insulated glass systems is the product’s material composition.

Because the structure relies primarily on glass and ceramic materials, the product can be more easily recycled at the end of its lifecycle. Conventional insulated glazing often combines multiple bonded materials that complicate recycling processes.

AGC believes this circular design approach could help reshape long-term sustainability standards within the glazing and construction industries.

Expansion Opens the Door to New Product Variants

The increased manufacturing capacity also enables AGC to broaden the range of FINEO glazing solutions available to the market.

Future developments may include:

• Vacuum glazing with enhanced thermal performance
• Larger glass dimensions for modern architecture
• Toughened vacuum glass systems
• Solutions tailored for contemporary new-build projects
• Specialized configurations for restoration work

This expanded product offering allows the company to serve a broader range of applications, from historical preservation projects to high-efficiency commercial construction.

Vacuum Glazing Positioned for Long-Term Growth

AGC Glass Europe sees vacuum insulating glass as a major advancement in modern glazing technology rather than a niche product category.

With increasing demand for sustainable building materials, thinner high-performance glazing systems are expected to play a growing role in Europe’s renovation and decarbonization efforts.

By combining thermal efficiency, reduced material usage, lightweight construction, and recyclability, FINEO represents a significant shift in how advanced glazing solutions are being developed for future buildings.

AGC Expands Vacuum Glass Manufacturing Operations

AGC Glass Europe has expanded its manufacturing capabilities for FINEO with the opening of a new highly automated production line in Lodelinsart, Belgium.

The new facility significantly increases output capacity for the company’s vacuum insulating glass solutions while also reducing delivery lead times to approximately two weeks. The expansion supports growing market demand for high-performance glazing products across both renovation and new-build construction sectors throughout Europe.

The move highlights AGC’s long-term investment in advanced glazing technologies and energy-efficient building materials.

Advanced Production Technology Driving Growth

The upgraded manufacturing line incorporates next-generation automation and process innovations designed to improve efficiency and scalability.

One of the major technological developments involves a lower-temperature vacuum evacuation process, helping shorten production cycles and accelerate manufacturing throughput. AGC states that the new line will also enable broader product customization and additional coating options.

The facility can manufacture glass units in a wide range of dimensions, supporting applications from specialist restoration projects to large-scale architectural façades.

FINEO Delivers High Thermal Performance in a Slim Profile

FINEO vacuum insulating glass is engineered to provide thermal insulation levels comparable to traditional triple glazing while maintaining a much slimmer and lighter construction.

The product uses a vacuum cavity between two panes of glass rather than conventional gas-filled chambers. This vacuum layer measures only 0.1 millimeters thick, allowing the glazing system to achieve strong thermal performance without the bulk typically associated with multi-pane units.

Key Features of FINEO Vacuum Glazing

• Triple-glazing-level insulation performance
• Slim and lightweight construction
• Improved daylight transmission
• Reduced frame thickness requirements
• Enhanced aesthetic appearance
• Lower material consumption

Because the units are thinner and lighter, they are particularly suitable for projects where existing structures cannot support heavier glazing systems.

Designed for Renovation and Heritage Projects

The European renovation market continues to grow as building owners seek solutions that improve energy efficiency without compromising architectural character.

FINEO has become increasingly relevant for:

• Historic building upgrades
• Heritage window replacements
• Energy retrofits
• Slim-profile façade systems
• Contemporary sustainable architecture

Its compact design enables improved insulation performance while preserving the appearance of traditional window frames and façades.

Innovative Manufacturing Process

Unlike conventional insulating glass production, FINEO follows a different fabrication method that prioritizes precision and visual quality.

Large glass sheets are processed in a controlled cleanroom environment, where they are vacuum sealed before final cutting. This process eliminates the need for visible evacuation valves often found in other vacuum glazing systems.

The glazing units are also manufactured using ceramic-based materials that support recyclability and circular production principles.

Sustainability Positioned at the Core

AGC continues to emphasize sustainability as a central component of the FINEO product strategy.

The company benefits from localized European production, with float glass manufacturing, coating, and vacuum processing all operating within a closely connected supply chain. This approach helps reduce transportation-related emissions while improving production efficiency.

Additional environmental initiatives include:

• Increased use of recycled raw materials
• Electrification of production systems
• Integration of renewable energy sources
• Lower embodied carbon in manufacturing

Environmental Certifications Support Market Adoption

FINEO has secured several important sustainability certifications and technical approvals across Europe.

The product recently received an externally verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), demonstrating a low environmental impact profile. It has also been listed within the Dutch Nationale Milieu Database (NMD), supporting sustainability-focused construction projects in the Netherlands.

Long-term durability testing indicates that the glazing maintains strong thermal and acoustic performance over several decades, reinforcing its suitability for long-life building applications.

Expanding Product Options for Architects and Specifiers

The expanded production capabilities also allow AGC to diversify the FINEO portfolio with additional specialist solutions, including:

• Solar control glazing
• Acoustic insulation variants
• Fire-rated glazing combinations
• Custom geometric shapes

The company has also enhanced digital planning support through online specification and configuration tools aimed at architects, installers, and distributors.

AGC Targets Wider European Adoption

With the new production line now operational, AGC is positioning FINEO for broader accessibility across the European construction market.

The company states that the product is now available without restrictive minimum order volumes, helping open access to a wider range of projects and customer types.

As regulations around building performance, sustainability, and carbon reduction continue to tighten, vacuum insulating glass technologies such as FINEO are expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of energy-efficient construction.

About AGC Glass Europe

AGC Glass Europe manufactures and processes flat glass products for construction, automotive, transportation, solar, and industrial applications across Europe.

The company operates more than 100 sites throughout the region and employs approximately 13,000 people.

About FINEO

FINEO is a vacuum insulating glass solution developed to combine slim aesthetics with advanced thermal and acoustic insulation performance.

Manufactured in Belgium, the product is designed for both renovation and new-build projects where energy efficiency, sustainability, and architectural flexibility are priorities.

Case Study: Upgrading Period Sash Windows with Fineo Vacuum Glazing in Wexford

In the scenic countryside of Wexford, Marie owns a beautiful period home filled with character, charm, and—draughty, single pane, sash windows.

Like many older homes across Ireland, her beautiful property features original timber sash windows that, while aesthetically striking, offered poor insulation and contributed to mounting energy bills.

Keen to preserve the look of her home without compromising on comfort or performance, Marie turned to Energlaze for a solution. Her goal was to retain her traditional sash frames while significantly improving energy efficiency, acoustic insulation, and indoor comfort.

The Challenge: Traditional Frames vs. Modern Performance

Marie’s primary concern was heat loss through her windows.

With only single glazing in place, her sitting room quickly lost warmth, particularly during the colder months. She often found herself avoiding sitting near the windows due to the noticeable chill and draughts. 

She was clear on one thing: replacing the sash frames outright wasn’t an option. “I love the look of the windows—they’re part of the house’s story,” she said. But she knew something had to change.

The Solution: Fineo Vacuum Glazing Retrofit

Energlaze recommended Fineo, a next-generation vacuum-insulated glazing (VIG) solution that fits seamlessly into existing timber frames. At just 6.7mm thick, Fineo is four times thinner than traditional triple glazing, yet it achieves U-values as low as 0.7 W/(m²·K)—matching or outperforming triple-glazed alternatives.

This ultra-slim profile made it the perfect choice for retrofitting into Marie’s sash frames without altering their appearance. The Fineo units also contain no inert gases like argon or krypton, meaning their thermal performance does not degrade over time. That’s a major advantage over double glazing, which can deteriorate after 10–15 years.

The Installation Experience

Energlaze’s experienced team carried out the work with minimal disruption. “Darren at Energlaze managed the install and was fantastic to work with. They were tidy, efficient, and really respectful of the house,” Marie recalled. The entire process was completed in a few days, with no need to rip out existing joinery or repaint interiors.

The Results: Silent, Warm, and Beautiful

After installation, the change was immediate. Marie described a noticeable increase in warmth and dramatic reduction in draughts. “You can feel the difference just walking into the room,” she said. Fineo’s advanced thermal performance means up to 34% less heat loss compared to standard double glazing, and as much as 8 times better insulation than single glazing.

With Fineo Vaccum Glazing noise is also reduced. Fineo achieves up to 35 dB sound insulation, helping block out noises such as passing traffic.

Aesthetically, the slim profile meant that nothing had changed visually from the outside or inside. Marie’s windows still looked original, but now offered the performance of a modern energy-efficient home. 

Why Fineo is Ideal for Heritage Homes

Marie’s case highlights the ideal balance Fineo offers for owners of listed buildings, conservation properties, or any home where window preservation is essential. It delivers all the benefits of modern glazing—thermal comfort, sound insulation, condensation reduction, and longevity—without impacting the building’s architectural integrity.

 Fineo Glazing: Key Benefits

• Thermal Insulation: U-value as low as 0.7 W/(m²·K)
• Ultra-Slim Design: Just 6.7mm thick, fits seamlessly into heritage window frames
• Long-Term Performance: No gas-fill = no degradation over time
• Acoustic Insulation: Up to 35 dB sound reduction
• Sustainable: Fully recyclable glass and lead-free spacer
• Condensation Resistant: Up to 12x better resistance compared to single glazing
• Light Transmission: Maintains 80-85% light transmission, similar to single glazing
• Vacuum Seal: Micro-edge seal with no evacuation port ensures a clean, uninterrupted view

Fineo Vacuum Glazing – FAQs

Q: What makes Fineo different from double or triple glazing?
Fineo uses vacuum-insulated glazing (VIG) technology, eliminating the need for gas-filled cavities. It offers the thermal performance of triple glazing in a unit just 6.7mm thick—ideal for retrofit into existing frames.

Q: Can Fineo be installed in heritage or listed buildings?
Yes. Fineo is specifically suited for properties with conservation requirements, as it allows the original window frames to remain in place, preserving the visual character of the home.

Q: How does Fineo perform over time?
Unlike argon-filled double glazing, which can lose efficiency over time due to gas leakage, Fineo’s vacuum-sealed design ensures long-term performance with no thermal degradation.

Q: Will Fineo reduce condensation?
Yes. Fineo significantly reduces condensation build-up thanks to its high thermal resistance, making it an excellent choice for colder climates and bathrooms.

Q: Is Fineo environmentally friendly?
Fineo glazing is lead-free and fully recyclable. It also helps reduce energy consumption, contributing to lower carbon emissions in homes.

Q: What is the warranty on Fineo glazing?

Fineo offers a 20-year warranty, but its performance is expected to last far beyond that due to its stable vacuum-sealed structure.

Q: How quickly can it be installed? Installation is typically fast and minimally disruptive, particularly when retrofitting into existing sash or timber window frames.

Ready to Upgrade Your Windows Without Replacing the Frames?

If you’re looking to improve comfort, reduce bills, and protect the value of your period home, Fineo vacuum glazing installed by Energlaze is a future-proof investment. Contact our team today to schedule your no-obligation consultation and experience the Fineo difference.