A Northern Ireland tombstone maker has accidentally brought to life an entirely new form of environmental-friendly glass.

Basil Haslett, from County Antrim, inadvertently invented an original type of glass, etching himself a completely new business path.

Mr Haslett transforms the molecular structure of toughened glass when he carves designs into it. Less heat can pass through the pane as a result of the etching.

According to Mr Haslett this side effect could reduce the cost of air conditioning in warmer climates.

Mr Haslett noticed the conservation effects of the glass after installing panes in his own home.

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"Every year, the porch was so hot during the summer but with the etched glass it was so cold," he told the BBC.

"It just struck me what was happening. I didn't realise that when I etched toughened glass, I was changing its molecular structure."

University of Ulster research has supported Mr Haslett's findings.

The Ballymoney man has suggested the implementation of glass etchings could reduce solar heat transference by around 45%.

Mr Haslett's company Glasscraft is awaiting Canadian and European patents, having already secured the US design rights this year.

Mr Haslett expects sales to begin to filter into his Atlanta, Georgia base soon.

"When you ask people how much they spend on air conditioning in a year, they'll say $5,000 to $7,000. All you have to say is: 'We'll save you $4,000 a year, would you be interested in having your glass etched,' it's as simple as that," he said.

Mr Haslett started dabbling in glass design after he was asked to design etchings for a Coleraine nightclub.

(PR/JM)