High-Performance Façades Drive Demand for Triple and Quad IGUs

Bud South in New York City features high-performance triple-pane IGUs fabricated by Press Glass. Warm edge spacers in the triple-pane IGUs enhance thermal performance, improve occupant comfort and boost overall energy efficiency. Photo by Press Glass.

As the building industry works to meet increasingly strenuous energy codes, façade systems are evolving to deliver better thermal performance, reduce operational carbon and improve occupant comfort. Triple-pane and even quad-pane insulating glass units, commonly found in European facades, are now seeing increased adoption in the North American market prompting glass fabricators, manufacturers, installers and glazing contractors to adapt to this trend. 

Several key factors come together to help bring these multi-pane IGUs into the mainstream: 

• Energy efficiency requirements. New versions of IECC, ASHRAE 90.1, Title 24 and local carbon reduction mandates (like NYC’s LL97) are driving building envelope U-factors lower, fueling demand for increased thermal performance of buildings. 

• High-performance building goals. An increase in Passive House and net-zero projects is accelerating the adoption of triple/quad IGUs for energy savings and improved occupant comfort. 

• Retrofit potential. As building performance standards increase, multi-pane IGUs provide a measurable strategy for improving existing envelope performance. 

Improving glass performance pushes greater energy efficiency of components 

As multi-pane IGUs become more common in the North American market, innovation will extend beyond glass to the entire glazing assembly. Warm edge spacers and thermal breaks balance thermal efficiency across the system and capitalize fully on thermal performance gains and on the investment made into adding more material into the IGU. 

Triple and quad IGUs magnify the importance of edge performance. Advanced warm edge spacer systems deliver lower perimeter U-factors, reduce thermal bridging and improve condensation resistance at the edge. 

Heavier and deeper glazing systems place new demands on the frame. Aluminum curtain walls, window walls and storefronts require wider thermal barriers to maintain continuous insulation around high-performance IGUs.

High performance glazing poised for growth, and further innovation

Commercial projects in the U.S. are specifying triple IGUs with increasing frequency, particularly in sectors like life sciences, health care, higher education and government facilities. While quad-pane remains niche, it’s emerging in projects pursuing Passive House certification or targeting ultra-low operational carbon. 

Market Research Future projects the global IGU market (which includes triple and higher pane units) will grow from $12.56 billion in 2024 to US$23.77 billion by 2032—an 8.4% CAGR, driven by both energy-efficient new construction and envelope retrofits tied to building performance mandates. 

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and façade consultancies continue to document measurable energy and comfort benefits of upgrading from double to triple or quad IGUs. In a field test at the Denver Federal Center, NREL found that lightweight quad-pane windows—comparable in thickness and weight to standard high-performance double-pane units—achieved approximately 24% energy savings for heating and cooling, while improving thermal comfort. 

The rise of triple and quad IGUs in commercial projects reflects a shift toward improved building envelope performance. Beyond the glass itself, innovations in the edge of glass and frame will be essential to enabling these high-performance systems. As codes tighten and building performance standards increase, the industry is positioned to deliver higher-factors, thermally optimized solutions for both new and existing buildings. Continued collaboration among IGU fabricators, framing system providers, component manufacturers and installers will be essential to increased multi-pane adoption.