Glass in building - Determination of thermal transmittance (U value) - Calculation method

This document specifies a calculation method to determine the thermal transmittance of glass with flat and parallel surfaces.
This document applies to uncoated glass (including glass with structured surfaces, e.g. patterned glass), coated glass and materials not transparent in the far infrared which is the case for soda lime glass products, borosilicate glass, glass ceramic, alkaline earth silicate glass and alumino silicate glass. It applies also to multiple glazing comprising such glasses and/or materials. It does not apply to multiple glazing which include in the gas space sheets or foils that are far infrared transparent.
The procedure specified in this document determines the U value (thermal transmittance) in the central area of glazing.
The edge effects due to the thermal bridge through the spacer of an insulating glass unit or through the window frame are not included. Furthermore, energy transfer due to solar radiation is not taken into account. The effects of Georgian and other bars are excluded from the scope of this document.
NOTE   EN ISO 10077 1:2017 provides a methodology for calculating the overall U value of windows, doors and shutters [1], taking account of the U value calculated for the glass components according to this document.
Also excluded from the calculation methodology are any effects due to gases that absorb infrared radiation in the 5 to 50 µm range.
The primary purpose of this document is product comparison, for which a vertical position of the glazing is specified. In addition, U values are calculated using the same procedure for other purposes, in particular for predicting:
-   heat loss through glass;
-   conduction heat gains in summer;
-   condensation on glass surfaces;
-   the effect of the absorbed solar radiation in determining the solar factor [2].
Reference can be made to [3], [4] and [5] or other European Standards dealing with heat loss calculations for the application of glazing U values determined by this standard.
Reference can be made to [6] for detailed calculations of U values of glazing, including shading devices.
Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG) is excluded from the scope of this document. For determination of the U value of VIG, please refer to EN 674 or ISO 19916-1.
A procedure for the determination of emissivity is given in EN 12898.
The rules have been made as simple as possible consistent with accuracy.

Glas im Bauwesen - Bestimmung des Wärmedurchgangskoeffizienten (U-Wert) - Berechnungsverfahren

Verre dans la construction - Détermination du coefficient de transmission thermique, U - Méthode de calcul

Steklo v gradbeništvu - Določanje toplotne prehodnosti (vrednost U) - Računska metoda

General Information

Status
Not Published
Public Enquiry End Date
27-Feb-2026
Current Stage
4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
Start Date
18-Dec-2025
Due Date
07-May-2026

Relations

Effective Date
23-Sep-2025

Overview

SIST EN 673:2026/oprA1:2026 is a European standard developed by CEN (European Committee for Standardization) that specifies a precise calculation method to determine the thermal transmittance (U value) of glass used in buildings. The standard applies to various types of glass with flat and parallel surfaces, including uncoated glass, coated glass, and non-transparent materials in the far infrared spectrum, such as soda lime glass, borosilicate glass, glass ceramic, alkaline earth silicate glass, and alumino silicate glass. It also encompasses multiple glazing systems made from these materials, except for those involving elements transparent to far infrared or specific vacuum insulating glass types.

This document is essential for architects, engineers, manufacturers, and energy consultants interested in evaluating thermal performance of glazing products to optimize energy efficiency in buildings.

Key Topics

  • Thermal Transmittance (U value) Calculation
    Specifies the methodology to calculate the U value in the central area of glazing, focusing on heat flow through glass elements without considering edge effects or solar radiation contributions.

  • Scope of Application
    Covers uncoated and coated glass types, patterned glass, multiple glazing units excluding those containing far infrared transparent sheets or foils, and certain glass ceramics.

  • Exclusions

    • Edge thermal bridges caused by window frames or spacers
    • Solar radiation energy transfer
    • Effects of Georgian bars or similar shading bars
    • Vacuum insulating glass units (VIG) - EN 674 and ISO 19916-1 recommended instead
    • Infrared-absorbing gases in the 5 to 50 µm wavelength range
  • Reference Standards for Complementary Use

    • EN ISO 10077-1:2017 for overall window U value calculations including frame effects
    • EN 12898 for emissivity determination
    • Additional European standards for detailed heat loss and solar factor calculations
  • Updated Annex
    Amendment modifying internal heat transfer coefficient calculation, improving precision in cases without condensation on coated surfaces.

Applications

  • Product Comparison and Certification
    SIST EN 673:2026/oprA1:2026 enables manufacturers and testing bodies to benchmark glazing products based on consistent, repeatable thermal transmittance calculations.

  • Energy Performance Modeling
    Architects and engineers use the U values calculated per this standard to predict heat loss or heat gain through glass components, essential for designing energy-efficient buildings.

  • Condensation Risk Assessment
    Accurate U value determination assists in predicting condensation on glazing surfaces, helping maintain indoor air quality and durability.

  • Thermal Comfort and HVAC Planning
    By understanding glazing heat transfer behavior, building services professionals can optimize heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for occupant comfort and energy savings.

  • Supporting Sustainable Building Certifications
    The calculated thermal performance supports compliance with green building certifications and national energy codes requiring evidence-based thermal transmittance values.

Related Standards

  • EN ISO 10077-1:2017: Methodology for calculating total U value of windows including frames and spacers
  • EN 674 & ISO 19916-1: Standards addressing U value calculation for vacuum insulating glass units (VIG)
  • EN 12898: Procedure for determining emissivity of glazing coatings
  • Additional European Standards: Cover detailed heat loss and solar factor evaluations incorporating results from EN 673 calculations

Keywords: SIST EN 673:2026/oprA1:2026, thermal transmittance, U value calculation, glass in building, glazing thermal performance, coated glass, uncoated glass, insulating glass units, energy efficiency, building standards, CEN, European standard for glazing, heat loss through glass, condensation risk, thermal insulation.

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SIST EN 673:2026/oprA1:2026

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4 pages
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Frequently Asked Questions

SIST EN 673:2026/oprA1:2026 is a draft published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Glass in building - Determination of thermal transmittance (U value) - Calculation method". This standard covers: This document specifies a calculation method to determine the thermal transmittance of glass with flat and parallel surfaces. This document applies to uncoated glass (including glass with structured surfaces, e.g. patterned glass), coated glass and materials not transparent in the far infrared which is the case for soda lime glass products, borosilicate glass, glass ceramic, alkaline earth silicate glass and alumino silicate glass. It applies also to multiple glazing comprising such glasses and/or materials. It does not apply to multiple glazing which include in the gas space sheets or foils that are far infrared transparent. The procedure specified in this document determines the U value (thermal transmittance) in the central area of glazing. The edge effects due to the thermal bridge through the spacer of an insulating glass unit or through the window frame are not included. Furthermore, energy transfer due to solar radiation is not taken into account. The effects of Georgian and other bars are excluded from the scope of this document. NOTE EN ISO 10077 1:2017 provides a methodology for calculating the overall U value of windows, doors and shutters [1], taking account of the U value calculated for the glass components according to this document. Also excluded from the calculation methodology are any effects due to gases that absorb infrared radiation in the 5 to 50 µm range. The primary purpose of this document is product comparison, for which a vertical position of the glazing is specified. In addition, U values are calculated using the same procedure for other purposes, in particular for predicting: - heat loss through glass; - conduction heat gains in summer; - condensation on glass surfaces; - the effect of the absorbed solar radiation in determining the solar factor [2]. Reference can be made to [3], [4] and [5] or other European Standards dealing with heat loss calculations for the application of glazing U values determined by this standard. Reference can be made to [6] for detailed calculations of U values of glazing, including shading devices. Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG) is excluded from the scope of this document. For determination of the U value of VIG, please refer to EN 674 or ISO 19916-1. A procedure for the determination of emissivity is given in EN 12898. The rules have been made as simple as possible consistent with accuracy.

This document specifies a calculation method to determine the thermal transmittance of glass with flat and parallel surfaces. This document applies to uncoated glass (including glass with structured surfaces, e.g. patterned glass), coated glass and materials not transparent in the far infrared which is the case for soda lime glass products, borosilicate glass, glass ceramic, alkaline earth silicate glass and alumino silicate glass. It applies also to multiple glazing comprising such glasses and/or materials. It does not apply to multiple glazing which include in the gas space sheets or foils that are far infrared transparent. The procedure specified in this document determines the U value (thermal transmittance) in the central area of glazing. The edge effects due to the thermal bridge through the spacer of an insulating glass unit or through the window frame are not included. Furthermore, energy transfer due to solar radiation is not taken into account. The effects of Georgian and other bars are excluded from the scope of this document. NOTE EN ISO 10077 1:2017 provides a methodology for calculating the overall U value of windows, doors and shutters [1], taking account of the U value calculated for the glass components according to this document. Also excluded from the calculation methodology are any effects due to gases that absorb infrared radiation in the 5 to 50 µm range. The primary purpose of this document is product comparison, for which a vertical position of the glazing is specified. In addition, U values are calculated using the same procedure for other purposes, in particular for predicting: - heat loss through glass; - conduction heat gains in summer; - condensation on glass surfaces; - the effect of the absorbed solar radiation in determining the solar factor [2]. Reference can be made to [3], [4] and [5] or other European Standards dealing with heat loss calculations for the application of glazing U values determined by this standard. Reference can be made to [6] for detailed calculations of U values of glazing, including shading devices. Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG) is excluded from the scope of this document. For determination of the U value of VIG, please refer to EN 674 or ISO 19916-1. A procedure for the determination of emissivity is given in EN 12898. The rules have been made as simple as possible consistent with accuracy.

SIST EN 673:2026/oprA1:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 81.040.20 - Glass in building; 91.040.20 - Buildings for commerce and industry. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

SIST EN 673:2026/oprA1:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 673:2026. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

SIST EN 673:2026/oprA1:2026 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 305/2011; Standardization Mandates: M/135. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.

SIST EN 673:2026/oprA1:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-februar-2026
Steklo v gradbeništvu - Določanje toplotne prehodnosti (vrednost U) - Računska
metoda
Glass in building - Determination of thermal transmittance (U value) - Calculation method
Glas im Bauwesen - Bestimmung des Wärmedurchgangskoeffizienten (U-Wert) -
Berechnungsverfahren
Verre dans la construction - Détermination du coefficient de transmission thermique, U -
Méthode de calcul
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 673:2024/prA1
ICS:
81.040.20 Steklo v gradbeništvu Glass in building
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 673:2024
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
prA1
February 2026
ICS 81.040.20; 91.040.20
English Version
Glass in building - Determination of thermal transmittance
(U value) - Calculation method
Verre dans la construction - Détermination du Glas im Bauwesen - Bestimmung des
coefficient de transmission thermique, U - Méthode de Wärmedurchgangskoeffizienten (U-Wert) -
calcul Berechnungsverfahren
This draft amendment is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 129.

This draft amendment A1, if approved, will modify the European Standard EN 673:2024. If this draft becomes an amendment,
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for inclusion of
this amendment into the relevant national standard without any alteration.

This draft amendment was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
...

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