Spotlight on 5 Window Brands

It’s fantastic the way the United States is rallying together to try to combat the decline of our planet. Everybody wants to do their part, save energy, go green, reduce their carbon footprint, reduce waste, recycle products, etc.

What’s a shame, however, is that many companies who want to sell us “green” products are the worst offenders to our environment. It truly defeats the purpose of getting homeowners to be more energy efficient when the companies providing them with the means to do so are destroying the planet so much more abundantly than the collective homeowner can save it.

Luckily, many companies are spotting this irony and realizing that environmental responsibility needs to start with them. These exemplary companies employ green practices in their business by using energy efficient building materials in their plants and offices, implementing recycling programs, supporting environmental groups and agencies, reducing their emissions and waste, finding new uses for byproducts, and working to educate their employees and local communities on saving the planet.

Right now window companies are a hot commodity. With President Obama’s new tax credits, homeowners are flocking to window companies and replacing old windows by looking to install energy efficient units in their home which will reduce their utility bills and save them money on their Federal tax returns.

While it’s fantastic that so many window companies are making tax credit-worthy energy efficient windows, what are they doing to prove that they practice what they preach? Here are five top window brands that have a strong commitment to saving the planet and a look at some of the great things they’ve done and continue to do:

Andersen

• A majority of the wood used in their products come from forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
• Reduced waste of raw materials down to 2%.
• Supports educational programs on sustainability and environmental issues.
• Member of Alliance to Save Energy, Energy Star, Forest Stewardship Council.
• Supports environmental initiatives like Metafore, National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), USGBC.
• First Green Seal certified window, door and skylight manufacturer.

Certainteed

• Partnered with Philadelphia University for the inaugural CertainTeed Multi-Comfort House Competition with energy efficient design.
• Donated building materials to the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway.

Simonton

• Supporter of Homes for Our Troops and other charities that make a difference in local communities.

Wausau

• Use recycled materials in their products like aluminum extrusions that contain 60% post-industrial recycled content.
• New production facility will earn Silver LEED certification.
• Use of low-flow plumbing fixtures in production plant, high efficiency glass, energy control system, cool roofing.
• Use of their own manufactured curtainwall products to retain heat and prevent heat loss during cold Wisconsin winters.
• Used fly ash concrete in construction and other recycled materials as well as buying locally and regionally-made products for the new plant.
• Member USGBC.

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