Construction Liaison, Jamison Lenz of AmeriCorps states, “This house follows a standard tried and true building procedure that… is a good comprise of efficiency and affordability.” He continued saying most homeowners see a 40 percent reduction in monthly utilities compared to standard homes. These savings are thanks in part to a tightly sealed building envelop.

Local Standard Lumber and Andersen employees donate time to build

Such a tight building envelop requires the use of an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) bringing fresh air inside while minimizing energy loss. The use of low VOC caulks, sealants and paint, Green Label Plus carpet and SCS Indoor Advantage Gold certified windows donated by Andersen, also helps ensure healthy indoor air quality.

These energy efficient homes remind us of the importance to factor in all the operating costs such as heating, cooling and lighting, when calculating the true cost of a home.

The five core ECO3 Warriors meet twice a month for an hour. They work on and around the production floor and continually look for ways to reduce waste and/or improve efficiency. They also receive suggestions from co-workers. A recent project redesigned a material sequencing process that resulted in a 24.5-ton annual reduction of cardboard waste. Another project partnered with the neighboring 3M facility 1.5 miles away. Over a 1½-year period, Renewal sent more than 127 tons of sawdust for use as fuel by 3M.

ECO3 Warriors: Denise Filler, Toni Harvey, Justin Kunkel-Smith, Sara Anderson, Amanda Guerin.

“Every project that is completed is another step closer to helping the community and saving the environment,” said Amanda Guerin, site safety coordinator and an ECO3 Warrior. Of course, what companies are learning is that sustainability efforts, like those of Renewal’s ECO3 Warriors, save money as well.

Each day during the build in Luray, coffee was donated by Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company (CBRC) – not your run of the mill coffee shop. Like Habitat, CBRC is committed to making the world around us a better place to live for everyone. Modern roasting technologies lower their carbon footprint by nearly 80 percent and 2 percent of sales support their H2O Initiative – dedicated to restoring the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and ecosystem.

Habitat site in Luray, VA.

Kudos to Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company for their efforts! Habitat for Humanity job sites host collaborative efforts among companies who share common values and goals. While the rewards of building a Habitat home are reason enough to volunteer, rich experiences and relationships are gained even when sharing a simple cuppa joe.

Our own Corporate Training group developed an educational module called “Learning on the Go”. It’s a fun, interactive way to engage and educate employees about ENERGY STAR. Participants learn how responsible shipping, renewable energy, efficient manufacturing and energy efficient products play a part in the overall ENERGY STAR program.

ENERGY STAR Week at Andersen Corporation

Along with the “Learning on the Go” booth, we hosted representatives from Xcel Energy and The Home Depot, each offered helpful hints on energy saving products and practices.

Current economic times are challenging for many; so this year it’s about “what we can do”. Employees across the enterprise pledged $236,000 in just the first week of the campaign! Combining that with the company’s match of fifty cents on the dollar makes for a good start to the year.

Efforts by employees to raise awareness for this year’s campaign resulted in fun and creative ways to celebrate giving. From penny wars to an airplane toss, bingo

Andersen Corporation's IT Group - Jungle themed mini golf putt putt hole

to putt-putt golf, and of course food! Pizza, popcorn, flapjacks, caramel apples and more all raised money and awareness for those in need, which could, and has been, any one of us.

Social responsibility is a part of how we’re measuring success. Profitability and environmental stewardship take into consideration societal impacts to maintain a healthy and sustainable business. Employees at Andersen Corporation understand the value of all three and it shows in what we can do.

Last week’s Greening the Supply Chain was the second of a three part Business and Environment Series for the year. When measuring energy use and environmental impacts, manufacturers find that the majority of a product’s total footprint lies within the supply chain. Therefore, while efforts to increase efficiency in the manufacturing plant are beneficial, the majority of opportunity is missed if supply chain activity is not addressed.

Mike Koenig, manager Corporate Sustainability - Andersen Corporation

Approximately 55 attendees represented a diverse cross section of industries including municipalities, governmental agencies and private and public companies.  Such an expansive range of participants is one of EI’s greatest strengths, making for rich discussions that lead to environmentally friendly and profitable solutions.

The first Business and Environment Series studied best practices for leading sustainability initiatives and the last event, slotted for this fall, will address product stewardship. Find out more about EI and upcoming events here.

In addition to engaging employees, the goal is to utilize scrap material where possible, avoiding the purchase of new items. Thanks to the hard work of some key employees within Facilities Management, a half dozen or so raised vegetable beds, tomato cages and bean trellises were built from spare Fibrex® boards and other reclaimed materials found on site. Employees even offered up extra herbs, flowers and seeds from their personal gardens.

Employee Horticulture Club Garden - Andersen Corporate Administrative Office, MN

While supported by top management, the design and planning of the garden is in the hands of the employees. Ideas ranging from self pick-and-eat, to local food shelf donations, to supplying our own cafeteria have all been discussed. For now however, we’re content digging in the dirt and watching what grows!

Over 108 years of rich history and commitment to employees instills a sense of stewardship in those working at Andersen Corporation, making it more than just a job. This was evident as retirees and employees eagerly perused the list of beautifully hand scrolled names on the pages of a large, worn payroll book from the1920’s in search of familiar names, some whose family members still work at Andersen Corporation.

Entries were judged by a three person panel consisting of fourth generation Andersen family member Sarah Andersen, retiree Ron Kuehn and current employee Tim Langness.

Judges Tim Langness, Sarah Andersen and Ron Kuehn holding winning entry

The winning entry was a metal dealer sign from the 1920’s advertising Andersen White Pine Frames. Photos and employee handbooks were among other favorite entries. There’s a special connection between past and present employees when sharing treasured Andersen memorabilia together; it’s also one way we preserve and share our strong history.

Andersen volunteers, New Richmond American Legion and the future homeowner with her two daughters

Andersen volunteers have built hundreds of Habitat homes, but this one was different. Located in a quiet neighborhood nestled among the trees and wildlife, this New Richmond, WI, three bedroom, one bath home is constructed of insulated concrete forms (ICFs). The 10” ICF walls offer solid, secure construction that makes for a highly energy efficient building envelop. The home’s utility, heating and cooling bills will average around $15 a month. In addition to the ICF wall construction, Andersen donated and installed energy efficient windows in the home.  

Energy efficient homes contribute to the affordability and overall strategic plan of Habitat for Humanity. The longstanding partnership between Habitat for Humanity and Andersen Corporation is one way we support the communities where we live and work.