What Is A "Green" Window

As we've become more and more aware of "building green" I wondered what that really meant for the window and glass industries. I needed to know what is universally set as the criteria for "green". We're actually asking how different windows score on tough environmental measures through all life-cycle stages, including raw material acquisition, manufacture, transportation, installation, use, and waste management using those criteria.

To me, all wood windows are immediately disqualified from any conversation about "Green". They use up precious natural resources, create waste, don't last long enough, and aren't energy efficient enough.

Is a man made material like vinyl considered "green"? Surprisingly, the answer is yes. I'll use Preservation Windows as an example. They don't use up natural resources, create zero waste, last lifetimes, and are way more energy efficient than most windows.

Before I really looked into it I thought Renewal by Andersen was the greenest window because of their use of sawdust and recycled materials. They were the first to receive the "Green Seal" award. What is their lifecycle? Who knows, but they only warranty their frames for ten years where many other vinyl window manufacturer's provide lifetime warranties. I wonder if that is a reflection of their confidence in mixing sawdust, recycled pop bottles, and vinyl together as a frame material?

Then I looked at their NFRC ratings on their website. Preservation Windows standard units are significantly more energy efficient than Renewal and it isn't even close.

My new impression of what "green" means certainly changes everything.