Bird populations in North America have decreased by 30% in the past 50 years due to glass collision accidents.

A new law proposed by members of the D.C. City Council would require contractors to install bird-friendly glass on new buildings. The Migratory Local Wildlife Protection Act of 2022, or B24-0710, would help protect birds migrating through the city from injury or death from flying into windows.

The law would require new buildings in the district to be constructed with bird-friendly glass that would make the window visible to birds. According to the Smithsonian, more than 600 million birds are killed or injured each year by flying into the glass on commercial and residential buildings. Reflections off traditional glass can confuse birds, causing them to fly straight into the building. The rates of death for birds are higher depending on the height of the building.

Replacing or retrofitting glass on high- and low-rise buildings is a simple way to address the problem. Similar legislation is under consideration in Maryland and the top of the National Aquarium in Baltimore is currently being retrofitted with bird-friendly glass.

The bill under consideration would require buildings under construction to use bird-friendly glass starting at 100 feet above the ground. It would apply to office buildings, commercial buildings, multi-family, and government buildings built after January 1, 2023. It would not apply to historical buildings or single-family homes.

The law was introduced by councilmembers Mary Cheh, Brooke Pinto, Anita Bonds, Charles Allen, and Janeese Lewis George.

According to the National Audubon Society, bird-friendly glass only costs about 5% more than traditional glass making the change very affordable. The bill would also create a fund to help building owners cover the costs of complying with the law.

The law is now in committee and must be approved by the council before going to the Mayor’s desk to be signed into law.

What do you think of bird-safe glass being installed throughout buildings in D.C.? Share your thoughts in the comments below.