Andersen Corporation released its first Environmental Product Declaration for a Renewal by Andersen Double-Hung window. This accompanies the publication of the industry’s release of their Product Category Rule, a joint effort with other members of the window industry.
A collaborative group of industry leaders have worked alongside Andersen over the past four years to develop the window PCR. Product Category Rules define the scope in which life cycle assessments and EPDs are conducted, and increase transparency about manufacturers’ efforts to reduce product environmental impacts in a manner that is consistent across companies. Green building certification systems, such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system, recognize and reward the use of products that have a published EPD.
The company’s first Environmental Product Declaration addresses the cradle-to-gate lifecycle impacts of its Renewal by Andersen Double-Hung window. The EPD can be viewed here and is on UL Environment’s website. This window is made with Fibrex, a pre-consumer recycled material made of up to 40 percent reclaimed wood fiber by weight.
“Publishing our first EPD is an important step in Andersen’s sustainability journey,” says Jim Weglewski, vice president of sustainability. “Increasing product transparency supports our ongoing efforts to produce durable, energy-efficient products that help customers reduce energy consumption, lower utility costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Increasing product transparency also supports Andersen’s commitment to the Ceres Climate Declaration and public sustainability goals to reduce operational water and energy use and waste by 20 percent, per unit of product, by 2020.