Simple Measures Can Save a Million Lives a Year

Large glass surfaces connecting the interior with the exterior are one of the trends in contemporary architecture. However, they often represent a deadly trap for birds. “Birds mostly have peripheral vision and pay less attention to the space directly in front of them. In addition, they can’t reliably distinguish reality from mirror reflections, so they often mistake reflective surfaces for safe greenery that they can fly through,” explains Pavel Jeřábek, amateur ornithologist and owner of Triangel, a company providing complete facade supplies.

Jeřábek knows from his own experience that there are a number of solutions on the market, from specially modified glass to more affordable options in the form of self-adhesive films. “It’s important to know that sticking a single silhouette of a bird of prey doesn’t solve anything; the stickers must cover the glass at intervals no larger than the size of a palm,” Jeřábek points out. 

Exterior blinds, roller blinds, or mirrored surface shading can be an esthetically and practically interesting alternative. “The Nature and Landscape Protection Act requires the implementation of preventive measures on high-risk glass surfaces; starting at the end of 2022, authorities will also have access to a set of recommendations on how to implement these measures in practice,” states Jeřábek. So far, authorities have mainly required noise prevention measures for office buildings, noise barriers, and glass public transit shelters; for residential projects, it's a matter of education and investor interest. “I’m pleased to see that there are enlightened developers who are already proactively addressing this issue,” he concludes.

“Caring about the environment is one of the important pillars of our corporate culture,” says owner of the company Prokop Svoboda, who is also the founder of the Refugium environmental company. “We are long-term supporters of the Czech Ornithological Society and other environmental organizations,” he states. “We want to promote good practices and recommend solutions to our clients that will improve the environmental standards of their real estate projects, thereby strengthening their long-term value and market position.”