green doors

By Mark Piquette, A.I.A., CSI, CDT Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co.

green building standards take into account the product manufacturer's healthy, safe, and sustainable business practices. In other words, does the company practice what it preaches? Or is it just "green-wash"?

The Energy Star program was created by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy to help consumers and builders quickly and easily identify energy-saving products. Using energy values contributed by window and door manufacturers through the National Fenestration Rating Council, the program recommends energy-performance guidelines for windows and doors in four climate zones.

Both the U-factor (the measure of heat transfer through the window or door unit) and solar heat gain coefficient (the measure of how much solar energy is passing through the unit's glass) are taken into account. The lower the total U-factor, the lower the heating bills because of better heat transfer rates. The lower the solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat is transmitted into a room. thus allowins for lower cooling bills and reducei energy consumption in hot climates.

Along with performance criteria and reliable durability, more and more

For example: Does the company recycle and offer recycled material in its products? Is recycled extruded aluminum billet used for exterior cladding on windows and doors? Does the company have a clear record of its supplier sources and practices throughout the chain of custody? Are wood products sourced from suppliers certified by the Sustainable Forest Initiative or the Forest Stewardshio Council? Are they treated and stained with finishes low in volatile organic compounds?

By the year 2035, approximately three-quarters of the built environment will be either new or renovated. Recognizing this as historic opportunity for the building community, dozens of professional, governmental, and nonprofit groups have banded together to issue The 2030 Challenge. This global initiative states that all new buildings and major renovations reduce their fossil-fuel greenhouse-gas emitting consumption by 50Vo by 2010, and all new buildings should be carbon neutral by 2030.

While the rating systems governing green building may be voluntary and diverse, the movement is unified in bringing heightened awareness to decisions regarding residential design, construction practices, and building products.