Archives 2025

Shakir Keskin M.Sc.Eng 

President | 2024 Glass Industry Influencer | 25K+ Connections

For decades, architectural facades have served as symbols of identity, prestige, and design language. But in today’s world, where climate change and resource scarcity dominate the global agenda, facades must offer more than beauty, they must perform, protect, and preserve.

Did you know that buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions? A large portion of that is due to poor energy performance, often directly linked to the building envelope. In short, a poorly designed facade doesn’t just cost more,it costs the planet.

At United Facade, we approach facade engineering as a discipline rooted in purpose. Every design decision is driven not only by aesthetics, but by sustainability, durability, and long-term building performance.

A New Era of Facade Engineering

Modern facade systems are no longer passive shells. They are dynamic systems that:

• Reduce energy consumption by optimizing sunlight and ventilation
• Improve indoor comfort through insulation and acoustic performance
• Lower environmental impact by using recyclable and low-emission materials
• Ensure durability and ease of maintenance over the building’s lifecycle

We integrate technologies like BIM-based detailing, EPD-certified materials, and local sourcing into every stage of our process—from design to installation. Why? Because true sustainability must be planned, measured, and executed.

From Cladding to Climate Action

We no longer view facades as decorative enclosures. We see them as active climate-response tools—ones that directly influence a building’s carbon footprint, resource efficiency, and resilience.

At United Facade, we’re committed to this transformation. We believe that the facades of tomorrow must reflect the values we hold today: responsibility, innovation, and care for our shared future.

Final Thought: Every Facade Tells a Story

Each aluminum profile. Each glazing unit. Each fastener. They all represent a choice—a commitment to doing better.

We are proud to be part of an industry that is building not only cities but also a more sustainable future. Our goal is to lead that change, not just follow it.

Shakir Keskin M.Sc.Eng 

President | 2024 Glass Industry Influencer | 25K+ Connections

As the construction industry evolves, sustainability is no longer a choice, it’s a responsibility. This is most evident in facade design, where material selection, performance engineering, and aesthetic intent come together to shape a building’s visible identity and environmental footprint.

As founder and president of United Facade, Empire Railing, and West Point Architectural Products, I am committed to ensuring that each of our companies actively contributes to a more sustainable built environment. Sustainability is part of our approach at every level, whether through engineering services, precise working drawings, or responsibly sourced materials.

Why is facade sustainability important?

Facades are the interface between a building and its surrounding environment. They regulate sunlight, manage ventilation, control humidity and contribute to the thermal performance of the building. While a poorly designed facade can compromise energy efficiency and user comfort, a sustainable facade preserves daylight harvesting, acoustic protection and climate resilience.

We now have the tools to design smarter: BIM modelling, energy modelling, LCA (life cycle assessment) and high-performance materials such as low-emission glass and recyclable aluminium. But technology alone is not enough; we also need informed collaboration.

Learning from thought leaders

Organisations like the Facade Tectonics Institute play a critical role in advancing the science and application of high-performance building envelopes. Their research, conferences and publications provide in-depth insights into the innovations in materials, building physics and design trends that are shaping the next generation of sustainable buildings.

I admire the work of Facade Tectonics and similar organisations for not only bringing technical solutions to the forefront, but also helping to raise awareness and share knowledge in the industry. Their commitment to reducing carbon emissions, improving facade performance and improving indoor environmental quality aligns closely with our Group’s mission.

Final thoughts

Resilience is a team effort. This requires not only technical solutions, but also a cultural change in design, construction and operational approach. Through collaboration, innovation and education, fostered by organizations such as Facade Tectonics, we can design buildings that meet the needs of today without compromising the resources of tomorrow.

United Facade, Empire Railing, and West Point Architectural Products, are committed to moving the industry forward, one sustainable solution at a time.

We support a design culture of efficiency, durability and environmental responsibility. In every decision we make and every collaboration we engage in, we advocate for smarter, more conscious ways of building, not just for today but for future generations.

We’re proud to be part of a movement that places principles before products, and purpose before profit.