How can glazing selection reduce lifecycle energy costs for mixed-use towers in Doha and Almaty?1

Glazing selection is one of the most impactful façade decisions for reducing lifecycle energy costs in mixed-use towers, particularly where climates differ between Gulf cities like Doha and Central Asian hubs such as Almaty. High-performance IGUs with spectrally selective low-e coatings limit solar heat gain while admitting useful daylight; combined with argon or krypton fills and warm-edge spacers, these units deliver lower U-values and improve HVAC efficiency. Solar control should be tuned to orientation—south and west façades in Doha demand stronger solar control than cooler, northerly aspects in Almaty. Incorporating double- or triple-glazed units, selective frit patterns to reduce glare, and dynamic shading systems can further reduce cooling and lighting loads. Lifecycle energy savings also depend on durable coatings and maintainable units that preserve performance over decades; selecting proven suppliers and specifying testable performance targets (condensation resistance, U-value, SHGC) mitigates performance drift. For mixed-use owners aiming to optimize total cost of ownership, glazing decisions should be integrated early with mechanical systems, daylighting strategies and operational setpoints to realize measurable energy and operational savings.