EI's Policy Forum Series: 2012 Legislative Preview

Topics ranged from aquatic invasive species to transportation challenges. But the topic creating the most buzz revolved around the representatives’ 2011 visit to Germany regarding the similarities and differences among our long term energy strategies.

Minnesota has greater renewable energy resources with wind and solar, yet Germany is further down the technological journey around energy conservation and implementation. Their ambitious goal of achieving 24 percent less green house gas (GHG) emissions by 2020 (based on 1990 levels) dwarfs the U.S. commitment of 19 percent below 2007 levels. That commitment was made two years ago in Copenhagen, according to Representative Kate Knuth (District 50B, New Brighton). Although many critics argue whether this is realistically attainable, these are impressive goals and could no doubt result in great gains.

Legislative Preview - Networking Break

While the options for solving these issues varied as much as the topics, what’s refreshingly different among this group of EI supporters is the ability and willingness to find common ground and implement creative, win/win solutions. This collaboration is a welcome change from the increasingly common trend these days for parties to hold that line in their opposing views, which leads to gridlock and halts productive action. Perhaps the EI staff and supporters should take their show on the road!

Our last post addressed Product Stewardship. One way to accurately measure a product’s impact on the environment is to conduct an LCA. An LCA is a mass balance of all inputs and outputs of a product; it includes the mining of raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, and energy required to use the product as well as the impacts after its original intended use has ended (the product is either land filled or recycled back into a new product).

Once product category rules are in place and LCAs are conducted, manufacturers can place Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) on their products. These are factual labels and differ from single-attribute green certifications in that they don’t declare superior “greenness” of the product. They simply state data about the product’s environmental impacts. For example, they would indicate “XX” amount of water consumed and/or “XX” amount of energy used. The labels will help reduce confusion and allow customers to make purchases best aligned with their values. Additionally, EPDs foster transparency and will ultimately promote product stewardship.

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.

Passion to transform the built environment for the betterment of society, profitability and the environment itself is what drives those involved with Greenbuild. Keynote Plenary speaker Thomas Friedman spoke of the resilience common to those passionate about the green movement. He made the connection between the distressed state of our environment and our global economy, stating we are practicing faulty accounting with both the Market and Mother Nature.

Thomas Friedman - Greenbuild 2011

 Friedman joked that those in the audience hadn’t gotten the word about these daunting issues facing us today. He said “Don’t get the word. Don’t ever give up!” In the spirit of Steve Jobs, Friedman pleaded, “Keep fighting the cause.” He concluded by stating it’s time the green movement stepped up to a green revolution, a time when the Green Building Council is known simply as the Building Council and its standards require the highest levels of efficiency and sustainability.

Steve Johnson, Code & Regulatory manager - Andersen Corp., Shawn Aherns, Senior Marketing manager - Andersen Corp., Doug Anderson, Energy Star Windows Program manager, Mark Mikkelson, Corporate Regulatory Affairs director - Andersen Corp., Mike Koenig, Corporate Sustainability manager - Andersen Corp.

The ENERGY STAR Windows Program is currently working on the next criteria change, likely to take effect in late 2013.  Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and U-Factor criteria are among key changes being discussed between the industry and the EPA. The EPA expressed their desire to “push the limits of dual pane glazing” in the next phase of the Windows Program. This likely means a more stringent U-Factor and SHGC in all U.S. climate zones.

Andersen highlighted the importance of long term durability and return on investment (ROI) as additional components to be factored into the upcoming changes. Other anticipated program changes may include an air infiltration requirement and a ratings verification component – to ensure product performance matches labeled performance.

 Andersen Corporation supports and manufactures energy efficient, durable windows and doors and was the first window manufacturer to be named an ENERGY STAR National Window Partner of the Year in 1999. Andersen was also named ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year in 2010 and 2011.

Monday’s opening session entitled “Coping with Calamity: The Art of Looking Ahead” discussed the multitude of natural disasters facing the world today. From tsunamis to tornados, the panelists conversed on the degree to which natural disasters are natural versus how the economic and social toll are magnified due to where and how we construct our buildings and homes.  

Discussions addressed the effects of excess carbon in our atmosphere and what the implications may be. Panelist Stewart Brand summed it up quite simply stating, “Managing the planet means managing ourselves.” The choices we make as individual consumers as well as organizationally and politically all play a role in the issues we face regarding energy demand and consumption, and the resulting effects on our environment and ourselves.

Joe Pauley, GM at Andersen's EMCO Enterprises spoke with Congressman Leonard Boswell (IA) at an Iowa business leader's meeting in Washington DC today.

Joe Pauley, GM for Des Moines, IA-based EMCO Enterprises, an Andersen company, is in Washington DC this week along with a delegation of leading businesses from the state. Iowa business leaders are meeting with elected officials to learn more about the work being done by federal leaders on the economy and jobs along with reducing energy demand in the U.S., investing in education and healthcare reform. Pauley also met Senators Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin along with other elected officials from the state as they discussed ways to strengthen Iowa’s economy.

Companies like EMCO are being asked to share perspective on their businesses and the current state of business in Iowa. 

Andersen has partnered with Yellowstone as they implement an aggressive, multi-year action plan focused on reducing their ecological footprint. The YES! (Yellowstone Environmental Stewardship) initiative sets high goals around energy use, waste elimination and water conservation to name a few.

Jim shared a wealth of knowledge around the history, wildlife and visitors of Yellowstone, along with the impressive environmental initiatives of the World’s first national park.  

Home to one of the most unique ecosystems in the world including the infamous Old Faithful geyser, the park also plays host to more than 3,000,000 visitors a year! The infrastructure required to house and feed park guests and staff is no small feat. There are over 1,500 buildings, eight gas stations and a marina within the park boundaries. Together, the people and facilities can take a toll on the very environment the park strives to preserve. Thankfully, actions initiated through YES! guide park leaders in reducing the overall impacts to the park.

Yellowstone educates and leads by example and Andersen is pleased to partner, share and learn from such a stellar steward of the environment.

District Sales Manager Claude DiIanni, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Mary Carter, President and CEO Jay Lund, Andersen customer Bob Johnson and Sales Representative David Solley.

The distinction honors the company’s family of brands: Andersen Windows, Renewal by Andersen, Eagle Window & Door and Silver Line Building Products. Andersen received the award for our outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by manufacturing and educating consumers about energy-efficient products.

This distinction honors Andersen’s ongoing commitment to providing energy-efficient products, as well as the company’s comprehensive use of ENERGY STAR information in media relations, consumer education programs, advertising, websites, social media and training materials. Andersen has been part of the ENERGY STAR program since it started and was the first window manufacturer to be named an ENERGY STAR National Window Partner of the Year in 1999.

Andersen received the award for our outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by manufacturing and educating consumers about energy-efficient products.

Andersen has been part of the ENERGY STAR program since its inception in 1998 and was the first window manufacturer awarded the ENERGY STAR National Window Partner of the Year in 1999. For the second year in a row, we are honored for its leadership in manufacturing products that earn the ENERGY STAR moniker, the government-backed symbol of energy efficiency. This distinction honors our ongoing commitment to providing energy-efficient products, as well as the company’s comprehensive use of ENERGY STAR information in media relations, consumer education programs, advertising, web sites, social media and training materials.

The 2011 Partner of the Year Awards are given to manufacturers and retailers that successfully promote and deliver ENERGY STAR qualified products, helping customers save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Award winners are selected from more than 20,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.