DuPont Hurricane Resistant Glass Technology Honored for Protecting Buildings

May 24, 2006

WILMINGTON, Del., - Lifesaving DuPont protective glass technology used at Miami’s new U.S. Federal Courthouse has been recognized by the nonprofit Protecting People First Foundation with its Safety Award. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) was awarded the honor for the new Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. Courthouse, the first in the country designed to withstand both bomb blasts and hurricane-force winds. The new building, the largest federal courthouse in the United States, spanning two city blocks, meets Miami’s stringent hurricane codes as well as U.S. government security standards for blast mitigation. The courthouse is part of the GSA’s Design Excellence Program, which commissions designers and artists to improve the design and quality of federal buildings.


“We take very seriously our responsibility to construct government buildings and facilities that provide a safe environment for employees, as well as the public,” said Edwin E. Fielder, Jr., regional administrator of GSA’s Southeast Sunbelt Regional Office.


DuPont™ Butacite® and SentryGlas® Plus laminated glass interlayers are integral to the courthouse design in windows supplied by glass fabricator Viracon Inc.


“DuPont has a long tradition of protecting people, properties and operations around the world by putting its science to work,” said Craig Binetti, vice president and general manager -- DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers. “The Miami Courthouse is a good example of how our innovative new materials such as SentryGlas® Plus can be applied to meet very specific needs in an area that is vulnerable to severe weather.”


Founded in 2000 in the wake of the 1995 Murrah Federal Building bombing in Oklahoma City, the Protecting People First Foundation has advocated the use of new technologies to make buildings safer. Its mission is to raise awareness of the technologies to protect people and property from the hazards of flying glass associated with natural and man-made disasters.


DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people’s lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

Contact Information

Cathy Branciaroli

DuPont

Contact via E-mail