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It’s Not Easy Being Green
Industry Companies are Rewarded for
Offering Energy-Efficient Products in This Year’s Green Awards
“Green isn’t just having a single really great attribute. Green is complex
and it’s about integration.” These are the words of Arlene Stewart, one
of the judges in DWM magazine’s green product awards (for more on the
judges, see box on opposite page), used to describe one of this year’s
DWM green product award winners.
Nominees were selected based on nominations from industry companies, as
well as selections from DWM editors who reviewed hundred of products.
Meet the Judges
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Kerry Haglund is a senior
research fellow at the Center for Sustainable Building Research
(CSBR) at the University of Minnesota. She has been with CSBR since
1998 and is involved in most of its research projects She also serves
on the board of directors for the National Fenestration Rating Council
(NFRC) and is a member of NFRC, the American Architectural Manufacturers
Association and Window and Door Manufacturers Association.
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Arlene Stewart is president
of AZS Consulting Inc. She also serves a regular columnist for DWM
magazine. Her firm, established in 2000, specializes in energy-efficient
and sustainable building compliance, advocacy, certification, training
and promotion. She is known as an energy code advocate, promoting
the use of window and glazing technologies to construct high performance
homes and buildings. A nationally certified Home Energy Rating
System rater as well as Florida certified in both residential and
commercial ratings, she evaluates and tests homes in north central
Florida.
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Tara Taffera is editor and
publisher of DWM/Shelter magazine. She has covered the door and
window industry since the magazine was founded ten years ago and
also serves as vice president of editorial services for DWM’s parent
company, Key Communications Inc., and oversees the company’s environmental
efforts as green officer.
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The list was then narrowed down to a limited number of nominees in a variety
of categories. Information about the nominated products was provided to
industry judges. The judges also were asked to evaluate the company’s
commitment to overall environmental sustainability, use of third-party
verifications, the accuracy of the company’s promotional materials and
other factors.
The nominees and winners are listed below.
Window Manufacturer
Category
Winner
Kolbe and Kolbe
Millwork Co. - Windquest® Series Energy Performance (EP) Windows
Wausau, Wis.
Kolbe says its Windquest Series casements, awnings and rectangular studio
windows are available as Energy Performance (EP) units and its triple-glazing
system helps achieve insulating values nearly twice those currently required
by Energy Star®. The windows exceed 2010 Energy Star criteria for
all U.S. climate zones, meet an R-PG50 rating, and allow for a maximum
air infiltration of only 0.01 cubic feet per minute, according to the
company. In addition, Windquest EP windows qualify for the Department
of Energy’s R5 Volume Purchase Program.
www.kolbe-kolbe.com
What the Company Says
Commitment: Kolbe is dedicated to practicing and promoting environmental
stewardship—in our workplace, in our suppliers and sources, and in the
energy-efficient, durable, high-quality products that we build.
Product: These windows exceed 2010 Energy Star criteria for all
U.S. climate zones, and qualify for the Department of Energy‘s Volume
Purchase Program.
Accuracy: Kolbe’s Windquest EP products meet or exceed the necessary
ratings to qualify for Energy Star certification. In addition to Energy
Star ratings, Kolbe’s practices, people and products support green building
guidelines, such as outlined by the: American National Standards Institute,
Green Building Initiative™, International Code Council, National Association
of Home Builders, U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Green Building
Rating System. Kolbe also has LEED-accredited professionals on staff.
Additionally, most of the components used in Kolbe’s products are sourced
from within 500 miles of its factory; BetterVue® fiberglass screen
mesh attained GREENGUARD® certification; standard glass contains 25
to 30 percent recycled content; pine and other wood species available
wood products are all renewable resources and sourced from managed forests;
and Kolbe has achieved Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody
certification.
“Kolbe
and Kolbe has synergy between elements, finding a balance among them—new
and replacement products, energy and impact performance, technical information
and marketing.”
—Arlene Stewart
“[The
company’s] website seems to be free of greenwashing …. For an impact window,
it has a thin profile … Combines energy efficiency and structural performance.”
—Kerry Haglund
_______________________________________________
Honored Nominees (Window Manufacturer)
Simonton Windows - Energy Tax Credit Glass
Packages
Parkersburg, W.Va.
Simonton Windows says it created the Energy Tax Credit (ETC) glass packages
as an option in mid-2009 for a wide variety of its replacement windows
and patio doors. Simonton products ordered with the ETC glass packages
are Energy Star qualified and certified by the National Fenestration
Rating Council (NFRC) to meet a U-factor rating of 0.30 or less, and
a solar heat gain coefficient of 0.30 or less.
www.simonton.com
Crystal Windows and Doors - Ultra R-5 Vinyl
Window
Flushing, N.Y.
The Crystal Ultra R-5 Vinyl Windows are available through the
Department of Energy’s R-5 Volume Purchase Program and to the company’s
existing customer base as well as potential customers. The company says
the product is a result of concentrated development efforts and investment
over the past several years. Recent energy improvements include extensive
and ongoing thermal testing of all products.
www.crystalwindows.com
Thermal Industries - Park Avenue Collection
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Thermal Industries describes its Park Avenue Window Collection
as the “Greener Choice” for homeowners looking to replace their windows.
The Park Avenue Window features solid uPVC construction. The fusion-welded,
multi-chambered construction prevents air leakage, water infiltration
and energy loss, according to the company. The window sashes and frame
chambers are filled/wrapped with Dow Blue* High R-Density Extruded Polystyrene
Insulation.
www.thermalindustries.com
Andersen Windows - Andersen 100 Series
Bayport, Minn.
Andersen Windows’ 100 Series patio doors and windows feature
environmentally responsible and third-party certified construction,
an economical price and energy-saving performance, according to the
company.
Officials say the overall amount of recycled content in the series is
certified by Scientific Certification Systems and ranges from a minimum
of 18 to 24 percent pre-consumer recycled glass and wood fiber content.
www.andersenwindows.com
Door/Door Systems Category
Winner
Craftmaster Interior Doors - Green
Doors
Chicago, Ill.
CraftMaster’s line of green doors is made with sustainable materials,
recycled content and low-VOC primers and adhesives. In addition, the company
says the doors produce low-formaldehyde emissions.
The environmentally friendly doors are available in all of the company’s
raised panel, molded door designs. In addition to standard hollow core
construction, CMI offers CraftMaster Green Doors with a solid GreenLite™
fiberboard door core. The rigid, lightweight core provides the heft, weight
and sound-deadening properties of a solid wood door, according to the
company, and is made using wood obtained from forestlands that are certified
by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
www.cmicompany.com
“The Craftmaster Green
Door series is an environmentally and resource-efficient alternative to
solid core doors (recycled content, no added urea formaldehyde, low VOCs,
sustainable materials).”
—Kerry Haglund
What the Company Says
Commitment: CMI demonstrates leadership in the green movement by
using sustainable materials throughout our production processes, and has
earned third-party certification for no added urea formaldehyde and the
use of recycled content. In addition, CMI works hard to conserve energy
in our manufacturing network and to reflect our respect for natural resources
in the operations of all of our facilities.
Product: To meet or exceed green building industry standards,
builders and remodelers can specify CraftMaster Green Doors, which are
made with sustainable materials, recycled content, and low VOC primers
and adhesives. They are available in all CraftMaster molded door designs.
Accuracy: CMI works closely with third-party testing agencies,
such as Scientific Certification Systems and the Composite Panel Association,
to ensure its products comply with industry green building guidelines.
CMI avoids using generalities; instead, the company works to be specific,
accurate and relevant.
_______________________________________________
Honored Nominees (Door/Door Systems)
Gorell Windows
& Doors -
6300 Series Ultra Master III™ Sliding Patio Doors
Indiana, Pa.
Gorell says its 6300 Series Ultra Master III sliding patio doors are
precision engineered to provide exceptional energy efficiency and comfort.
Thick-walled vinyl frames with multiple structural hollows and sash
corners are sealed robotically at high temperatures to ensure that the
doors are highly energy efficient. Multiple weather seals applied to
the door panels provide enhanced insulation and eliminate drafts, according
to the company.
www.gorell.com
Simpson Doors - Simpson Simulated Divided
Lite Doors
McCleary, Wash.
Simpson says it has expanded options for its exterior French
and sash wood doors, with one of its latest innovations—Simpson Simulated
Divided Lite Doors.The company says the wood doors capture the elegance
of a true-divided lite with a single glass unit, allowing the doors
to achieve higher energy efficiency ratings than similar doors and meet
hurricane design pressure requirements.
www.simpsondoor.com
G-M Wood Products - Pro-Eco™
Newaygo, Mich.
G-M describes Pro-Eco as the green solution for professional-grade door
systems including door frames, brick mould, mull posts, side lites,
transoms, etc. The company says Pro-Eco is a high-quality certified
renewable substrate, double-primed with a premium low-VOC latex acrylic
exterior primer. The product is 100 percent re-manufactured with pine
from sustainable managed forests.
www.gmcompanies.com
Extruder/Profile Category
Winner
Mikron Industries - EnergyCore™ Replacement
Window System
Kirkland, Wash..
The EnergyCore replacement window system is designed to help window manufacturers
deliver superior thermal performance compared to fiberglass, rigid PVC
and wood frame materials, according to the company. The EnergyCore fusion
insulated system utilizes an air-cell insulating core designed to create
a superior-performing thermal barrier. EnergyCore-enabled window frames
improve full window U-factors by almost 15 percent over hollow vinyl window
frames, the company claims. The EnergyCore system is expected to exceed
future 2013 Energy Star standards.
www.mikronvinyl.com
“This product is an
innovative and competitive alternative to fiberglass and wood. Environmental
stewardship and comparative information is defined on [the company’s]
website in its Green Smart program.”
—Kerry Haglund
What the Company Says
Commitment: Since the 1970s, Mikron has been committed to protecting
the environment through improved vinyl material performance lengthening
product lifespan, delivering superior energy efficiency, encouraging material
recycling from in-house and customer production scrap returns, and through
eco-friendly packaging.
Product: First, EnergyCore-enabled window frames can significantly
improve full window R-values. EnergyCore’s K-Value, a measure of thermal
conductivity, is an extremely low .23 K. Second, when combined with high-performance
glazing, such as insulating glass using Truseal Duralite spacers, the
EnergyCore system can achieve an R-6.7 window.
Accuracy: To ensure our claims are accurate, Mikron conducts independent
lab tests to meet National Fenestration Rating Council standards for thermal
conductivity of the frame material and overall window energy performance
as measured by U-factor and R-value.
_______________________________________________
Honored Nominees (Extruder/Profile)
Royal Window and Door Profiles,
Thermoplast Division - The Eco-Window
Woodbridge, Ontario
Royal describes its Eco-Window as “the only complete R5 Window System
that combines sustainability, high energy performance, high condensation
resistance, high structural and water resistance, recyclability (post
industrial, post consumption).”
The Eco-Window product line offers R values from R3 to R5. The company’s
website offers an Energy Savings Calculator to assist with finding the
right product for the right climate zone.
www.thermoplast.com
Chelsea Building Products -
Therma-Core Composite Reinforcement System
Oakmont, Pa.
Therma-Core is a proprietary, scientifically engineered PVC
composite, compounded and extruded as an alternative to metal reinforcements.
Offering the same advantages as metal reinforcements, but without the
constraints of steel and aluminum, the reinforcement is manufactured
from a highly mineral filled formulation to provide superior thermal
properties, according to the company. The extruded profile virtually
fills the cavity, significantly reducing occurrence of convection within
the cavity air space. The reinforcement delivers a structural rating
of R35 on a 40- by 63-inch double-hung window, according to the company.
The material also can be recycled.
www.chelseabuildingproducts.com
Spacer Category
Winner
Edgetech IG - Super Spacer® Premium
Cambridge, Ohio
Super Spacer is
a dual-seal warm-edge spacer system that uses a high-performance acrylic
adhesive for its structural seal, backed by a moisture vapor seal. The
all-foam construction of Super Spacer is non-conductive, blocking heat
flow through the window. Based on third-party testing Edgetech says Super
Spacer provides the warmest edge of glass temperature; lowest effective
thermal conductivity (0.166) and total IGU U-value in the industry (0.278);
and highest condensation resistance out of dual-seal spacer systems according
to third-party testing.
www.edgetechig.com
“Product has enhanced
thermal performance, gas retention and durability, verified and tested
by a third party.”
—Kerry Haglund
What the Company Says
Commitment: Edgetech I.G. is committed to embarking on proactive
continuous improvement initiatives that improve product performance and
production efficiencies, while minimizing environmental impact.
Product: The all-foam, dual-seal construction of Super Spacer
is the lowest conductivity spacer system available. Through its continuous
improvement initiatives, Edgetech I.G. recently improved its time-tested
Super Spacer® Premium product line to achieve lowered thermal conductivity
and the highest condensation resistance available in the marketplace—helping
customers meet and exceed increasingly stringent global energy-efficiency
requirements.
Super Spacer® Premium has been proven worldwide for more than 20 years
to provide a longer-lasting seal that keeps units performing longer in
the field. The flexible foam construction of Super Spacer allows for the
natural expansion and contraction of insulating glass caused by temperature
changes, barometric pressure changes, wind loads and snow loads. Where
a rigid metal might cause breaks in the seal from long-term stress, Super
Spacer is able to bounce back—providing optimal long-term durability and
sustainability.
Accuracy: Edgetech I.G. backs its claims by conducting thorough
in-house and third-party testing, as well as audits of past projects.
_______________________________________________
Honored Nominees (Spacer)
GED Integrated Solutions - Intercept and Intercept
Ultra
Twinsburg, Ohio
GED utilizes National Fenestration Rating Council THERM modeling data
on the latest simulation software. According to the company, Intercept
meets and exceeds the .30/.30 U-value/solar heat gain coefficient requirements
for the 2009 and 2010 tax credit. The Intercept ULTRA stainless steel
material carries a conductivity rating of 13.63 W/mK, as verified by
the NFRC.
www.gedusa.com
Truseal Technologies - Duralite
Solon, Ohio
Truseal Technologies says Duralite®, a third-generation
warm-edge spacer system, offers a low U-value rating, a warm edge of
glass temperature and condensation resistance. The no-metal, high-performance
spacer enables window manufacturers to meet and exceed current and future
Energy Star criteria as well as the .30/.30 tax credit requirements.
www.truseal.com
Wood Products Category
Winner
Accsys Technologies - Accoya® Wood
Dallas, Texas
Accoya wood is made from sustainably grown sources and undergoes
a non-toxic patented process to increase its dimensional stability and
durability, according to the company. High-performance Accoya wood is
guaranteed for 50 years in exterior above-ground use and is suitable for
a variety of applications where exposure to the elements is a concern,
including doors and windows.
www.accoya.com
“Good, holistic commitment
to sustainability. The carbon calculator (on their website) to show the
environmental impacts due to transportation is educational. Innovative,
natural processes of increasing strength and durability of wood.”
—Kerry Haglund
“I was excited to see
this product was a candidate. They caught my eye at the AIA show. I thought
it was slick and innovative. In fact, it has impressed me more than any
other product in the past year.”
—Arlene Stewart
What the Company Says
Commitment: Accsys Technolo-gies, the makers of Accoya wood, use
environmental sustainability as the cornerstone for all product development,
from sustainably-sourced Forest Stewardship Council wood, to renewable
energy use, to recycling of materials used in the Accoya production.
Product: As a solid wood product, Accoya wood is a naturally renewable
resource but has performance characteristics that surpass even the most
precious tropical hardwoods. Accoya wood’s 50-year above-ground minimum
life is due to its outstanding durability and dimensional stability.
Accuracy: Accoya wood sustainability has been awarded the prestigious
Cradle to Cradle Certified (C2C) Gold level designation, which was established
by environmental consultants McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry.
_______________________________________________
Honored Nominees (Wood Products)
Lamboo Inc. - LAMBOO® VUE™
Springfield, Ill
LAMBOO VUE engineered bamboo window and door components offer a material
that, in comparison to engineered wood, is 20 percent more stable in
climate and temperature changes and has a higher modulus of elasticity,
the company says.
www.lamboo.us
Honored Nominees (Wood Products)
Timber Products Co. - GreenT™ Door Cores
Springfield, Ore.
Timber Products offer doors cores that the company says are formaldehyde-free
and made with recycled wood fibers. The product is engineered with an
innovative, environmentally friendly adhesive, GreenT™ Hardwood Plywood
is sourced from sustainable forests certified by the Sustainable Forestry
Initiative® and Forest Stewardship Council.
www.timberproducts.com
Glass Category
Winner
Cardinal Corp. - LoE¯E-i81™ Glass
Eden Prairie, Minn.
Cardinal says its new glass takes center of glass U-factors
to 0.20 when coupled with its LoE¯²® or LoE¯³®
glass and argon fill in a double-pane unit. Without argon and with or
without capillary tubes, the unit still delivers a U-factor of just 0.23—perfect
for high altitudes.
“You get triple-pane performance in a double-pane window,” says a company
representative.
LoE¯-i81 is sputtered onto the indoor lite, the #4 surface, thus
reflecting escaping heat back into the room and lowering U-factors. Coupled
with our LoE¯² or LoE¯³ glass and argon fill, this
double-pane unit delivers performance much better than clear triple-pane—a
center of glass U-factor of just 0.20 compared to 0.35 with clear triple-pane.
With a center of glass U-factor of only 0.20 (0.23 without argon) and
SHGC of just 0.25, an insulating glass unit with LoE¯³-366 and
LoE¯-i81 meets the most stringent energy standards—without going
to a triple-pane unit, the company says.
www.cardinalcorp.com
“Company has a commitment
to energy efficiency. Innovative use of sputtering system (surface #4)
to get the same, or close to the same, performance of a tri-pane system
by using only two panes.”
—Kerry Haglund
What the Company Says
Commitment: Cardinal’s entire carbon footprint is neutralized within
the first 12 months after its products have been installed in North American
homes.
Product 1: When sputtered onto the indoor lite, LoE¯-i81™
reflects escaping heat back into the room and lowers center of glass U-factors.
Product 2: LoE¯-i81 allows more window designs to meet current
Energy Star guidelines in a double-pane configuration, everywhere in the
country, including high altitudes.
Accuracy: Cardinal makes every effort to present product benefits,
avoiding current environmental “buzz words.” All Cardinal performance
data is arrived at according to independent, industry recognized methods
such as the Windows 5.2 program.
_______________________________________________
Honored Nominees
AGC - Comfort E-PS™
Kingsport, Tenn.
AGC Glass Co. North America says its new Comfort E-PS low-E glass offers
both comfort and energy-efficiency while meeting Energy Star requirements
for the northern U.S. region of the and all zones in Canada.
www.na.agc-flatglass.com
Pilkington North America - Energy Advantage™
Low-E
Toledo, Ohio
Combining high solar heat gain and thermal performance, Pilkington
says its Energy Advantage low-E is the ideal choice for northern climates.
Pilkington’s Solar-E™ also lowers solar heat gain and reduces cooling
loads.
www.pilkington.com/na
Moulding Category
Winner
Moulding and Millwork Inc. - Platinum
Prime Mouldings
Aurora, Colo.
Platinum Prime MDF mouldings are Scientific Certification System-certified
to contain 100 percent pre-consumer recycled content. This means all fiber
used in its manufacturing is a by-product of another forest manufacturing
process and requires no additional wood harvesting, according to the company.
The product substrate is manufactured in facilities that carry the Sustainable
Forest Management or Forest Stewardship Council certification.
The mouldings use a proprietary water-based finish manufactured exclusively
for Moulding and Millwork. Water-based finishes have limited emissions
and don’t require solvents for handling, improves air quality for both
manufacturers and customers.
www.mouldingandmillwork.com
“The company has a commitment
to energy efficiency and sustainability. It focuses on manufacturing waste
being used by local industries and regional development and distribution
to reduce transportation impacts.”
—Kerry Haglund
What the Company Says
Commitment: Moulding and Millwork Inc. is committed to sustainable
practices in all of our operations.
Product: Our Platinum Prime MDF mouldings are certified to be
manufactured using a minimum 80 percent pre-consumer recycled material,
reducing dependence on additional wood harvesting. Our proprietary water-based
finish has minimal emissions and does not require solvents for handling,
thus improving air quality for both employees and end-users. Platinum
Prime MDF mouldings also are manufactured domestically in our three North
American facilities, eliminating the environmental impact of long-distance
freight.
Accuracy: Moulding & Millwork Inc. and our affiliated businesses
are committed to sustainable business practices. We are proudly promoting
the use of certified, low-emitting and recycled wood products.
_______________________________________________
Honored Nominees
Vi-Lux Mouldings
- Cellular PVC Mouldings and Trim
Napanee, Ontario
Vi-Lux says it manufactures and markets maintenance-free cellular PVC
products for use in housing and light industrial construction applications
across North America. All products are made with virgin materials and
the company says its methods of product distribution and customer service
are designed to exceed accepted industry standards.
www.vi-lux.com
DWM
© Copyright 2010 Key Communications Inc. All rights reserved.
No reproduction of any type without expressed written permission.
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