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.