BEIJING, China -- The application of innovative and sustainable silicone technology is gradually becoming the wave of the future for the construction industry. With their ability to help conserve water, reduce energy consumption and enhance renewable resources, Dow Cornings silicone products and services have been widely applied in ultra-high-rise buildings worldwide.

"Silicones make it possible to design sustainable curtain walls." Eric Wang, silicone technology experts in Dow Cornings Construction Industry Department noted at the 2011 China Curtain Walls Design and Engineering Forum. "The advantage offered by silicone products has already been universally recognized by industry insiders." Research demonstrates that Dow Cornings innovative assembly system with its silicone structure has a stronger seal than standard fixed mechanical glass assemblies, ensuring the stability and structural integrity of wall curtains, while also reducing the penetration of air and water, enhancing insulation and reducing energy consumption. If that was not enough, the structural assembly also functions to lengthen the use life of a wall glass curtain, while decreasing maintenance costs."

As a global leader in silicones, silicone-based technologies and innovations, Dow Corning has decades of experience in the construction sector, and has provided curtain wall solutions for many ultra-high-rise buildings both in China and overseas, including the newly completed Canton Tower and Tower One of the World Trade Center in New York, which is currently under construction. The advantages of silicone structural assemblies are quite clear, and include:

• Stronger waterproofing and airproofing, which increase building insulation
• Increase natural light, reduce energy consumption
• Photovoltaic current walls absorb sunlight and convert it to energy to power the building
• More durable assembly technology tested for resistance to earthquakes and explosions prevents falling glass
• Highly fire retardant
• Safe, environmentally friendly products
• Offers greater space for innovation

Dow Cornings silicone technology works not only to make ultra-high-rise buildings more sustainable, but can also be applied to add protection to a wide range of infrastructure projects. In China, Dow Cornings construction technology has been applied to the Hangzhou Bay Bridge, airport terminals, and metro platform screen doors, providing city residents with enhanced safety and convenience.

In 2011, Dow Corning was the gold sponsor for the Solar Decathlon 2011 held in Washington, D.C., and also supported Tongji University, the only Chinese team in the competition, to build the "Y Container". This self-sufficient and energy-saving "green" construction is easy to transport and assemble, but has high flexibility and reasonable cost. The project combines visual enjoyment, multi-function and energy efficiency. Not only it has rainwater collecting system and sewage treatment, but also it uses rainwater for living, landscape and irrigation watering.

"We are very happy to support Team Tongjis participation in this competition. We hope that we can continue to support green constructions in China in as many ways as possible." Eric Wang expressed.

Dow Corning provides comprehensive support to project owners, builders, and curtain wall factories. In addition to outstanding adhesives, elastics and pressure resistant products, Dow Corning also provides clients with project management systems, including the review of blueprints, diagnostic reports; on-site quality management and other services to ensure that throughout the entire process silicone solutions are implemented to the highest possible standards.

The 2011 China Curtain Wall Design and Engineering Forum will be held from November 28-30 in Beijing. With the theme "Optimizing Building Sustainability and Multi-functionality through Innovative and Iconic Wall Curtains Designs," the Forum will attract the participation of a great number of developers, builders, project consultants, curtain wall designers and materials providers.

About Dow Corning

Dow Corning provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the companys Dow Corning and XIAMETER brands. Dow Corning is a joint venture equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Cornings annual sales are outside the United States.