Today's Trends

Shedding Light on Sustainable Construction

BAYPORT, Minn. (June 25, 2008) — Amid rising concern for our environment, sustainable housing is moving to the forefront of everyone’s mind. But turning good intentions into achievable goals can be difficult for homeowners who don’t a have clear understanding of the principles behind the practice.  As builders, homeowners, designers and manufacturers seek to ”green” their homes, it’s becoming more important to understand the role building products play and how they work as a system to make homes more sustainable.

A recent “Green House” exhibit at the National Building Museum in Washington D.C. outlined five green principles that underlie sustainable homes.  According to Mike Koenig from Andersen Corporation, the principles provide a useful framework for homeowners in building or remodeling projects because they help shape each phase of the homebuilding process, from floor plan design to material purchase.

“Demand for products offering long-term sustainability continues to increase, yet, many consumers have a vague understanding of what sustainable homebuilding involves,” Koenig said.  “As we look for tools to help engage homeowners in the construction process, these principles provide a good starting point.  They offer more achievable ways to transform sustainability from a buzz word into a practice.” 

To illustrate that point, Koenig offers the following tips to show how these principles, when applied to selecting materials like windows and doors can make sustainability more obtainable for the average homeowner.

Principle 1:  Optimize the use of the Sun

Unlike other energy sources such as coal, oil and natural gas, the sun provides a clean, renewable, source of heating and lighting that windows help harness and accentuate.

Orient your home to manage the sun’s rays.  When designing the layout, remember that the south and west windows receive more sunlight than those on the north and east.  Understanding this can help you control the amount of energy to heat and cool the home.

Invest in windows with low-e glass.  The state-of-the-art transparent metallic films in low-e glass regulate and optimize the amount of heat and sunlight allowed inside, reducing energy usage up to 25 percent.  Newer low-e glass technology, such as Andersen SmartSun™ glass, provides higher UV protection and energy efficiency than standard low-e glass.

Principle 2:  Improve Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality can be affected by off-gassing of building materials as well as from building materials that have been affected by moisture resulting in mold growth.  Windows and doors can increase natural air flow and help eliminate pollutants.

Select windows and doors with SCS Indoor Advantage™ Gold Certification – this certification tests products to meet North America’s strictest indoor air quality criteria, the California Section 01350 Specification.  SCS is the leader in third-party, environmental performance certification for building products.  All Andersen windows and doors have received SCS Indoor Advantage Gold certification.

Increase natural ventilation by placing windows and doors in areas that will promote airflow through the home.

Principle 3:  Use the Land Responsibly

Homeowners are building smaller, living closer, and using less in order to minimize the impact of their home on the land that surrounds it.  As they look for ways to maximize reduced living space, natural light provides an effective way to illuminate and enhance these areas.

Utilize clerestory, transom windows and skylights to flood the home with luminous, room-enhancing light.  Maximize window placement and “through views” from room-to-room.

Take advantage of more transparent insect screen technology and spot resistant glass to maintain the views and bring the outside in. 

Principle 4:  Create High Performance and Moisture-Resistant Homes

Well-designed, high-performing windows provide superior insulation and energy efficiency, creating a comfortable, temperate home with lower energy bills.

Opt for durable, long-lasting frame materials, such as clad-wood and composite material to prevent air leakage and drafts.

Look for the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label to ensure a window’s energy performance has been certified and rated by an independent party.

Principle 5:  Wisely Use the Earth’s Resources

Natural resources are in limited supply and for that reason, it is important to select products that are manufactured responsibly, incorporate recycled content, and are built to stand the test of time.

Seek durable, long-lasting windows and consider ones that use sustainable or recycled materials.  One such example, Fibrex® material, is made by Andersen Windows and contains 43 percent pre-consumer recycled content.  The company also is committed to using only wood from sources certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council, Sustainable Forestry Initiative or similar organizations.

Invest now to save later by purchasing from trusted manufacturers who offer superior quality, warranties and service plans.

For more information on the Green House exhibit, visit http://www.nationalbuildingmuseum.net/pdf/GH_Travel_PanelShowBrochure.pdf.  To learn more about products from Andersen Windows that can enhance your sustainability efforts, visit PCBC Booth 5817.