Each team was evaluated on many different criteria – defining the problem, objectives and constraints, and considering global, economic, environmental and ethical issues. The BBE Department works to develop critical thinking in leaders who then create collaborative solutions to complex issues. This is why Andersen Corporation has supported the BBE for nearly four decades.

After watching some fascinating presentations, it quickly became clear why there is an abundance of energy and enthusiasm among group members. Their ability to address complex issues with vigor and passion is refreshing and helps ensure our future is in good hands!

Committee members tackled defining sustainability. The “ideal” vs. “applied” conflict quickly arose. As described by Chairman Dru Meadows, principal of the GreenTeam, Inc., the ideals of sustainability are necessary touch points that help guide our journey. However, along with “ideals” we need “applied” tactical and proven processes found in the marketplace to help advance us towards the “ideal”. The most widely accepted definition of sustainable development came from a report published by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) in 1987. More commonly known as the Brundtland report, Our Common Future defines sustainable development as “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

Tackling the large, complex issues of sustainability is no small or easy task. Efforts by participating members of ASTM E60 strive to identify needs and opportunities, draft guidelines and provide a roadmap for continuous improvement in the areas of sustainability. The takeaway message suggests not getting bogged down with perfection – defining the possibly unattainable “ideals” – but rather implementing and advancing some of the proven “applied” sustainability efforts that move us along in the right direction.

Andersen Corporation President and CEO Jay Lund and U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson

ENERGY STAR® recognized the top U.S. manufacturers for their work on behalf of energy efficiency in this country and handed out a few awards recently in Washington D.C. We are very pleased to be the sole window manufacturer to receive this important distinction this year. Winning three years in a row means we are now an ENERGY STAR Sustained Partner. Thank you to our friends at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for recognizing us in this way and a special thanks for the opportunity for our CEO Jay Lund to meet personally with EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson and talk about the future of energy efficiency.  It was a great honor!

Executive Director of the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council, Tom Eggert said, “Cardinal IG minimizes the environmental footprint of their products during production, and their products serve to improve the energy efficiency of the buildings that they are installed in. Since the housing sector is the largest single consumer of energy in the United States, Cardinal IG’s focus on sustainability is essential.”

Andersen’s ability to reduce environmental impact hinges on the actions of our suppliers. Taking the necessary steps to earn Green Professional status illustrates the value of our business relationship and a shared commitment to the environment and sustainability.

“At Andersen, we believe finding new ways to use alternative energy is one way to help restore economic growth for everyone, and this project shows how the rubber literally meets the road,” said Lance Whitacre, Vice President, Logistics. “Leveraging this unique partnership today yields far reaching benefits for us that improve the triple bottom line – good for the people, profitable for the companies and beneficial for the environment.”

Natural gas vehicles show an average reduction in ozone-forming emissions of 80 percent compared to diesel-powered vehicles. Additionally, more than 99 percent of the natural gas used in the United States comes from domestic or other North American sources. Compared to liquefied natural gas and diesel fuel, CNG has the lowest price, lowest emissions and an extensive infrastructure in place. Of the 1,000 CNG stations in North America, though, less than half of those are truck-friendly.

Read all about our exciting new sustainability effort here!

Read all about this sustainable, comfortable home here!

LivingHomes C6 (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

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 project, with support from the local utility company, replaced all 400-watt metal halide lighting with energy efficient T8 fluorescent fixtures.

Recycled halide fixtures

Careful steps were taken to keep scrap out of the waste stream as every component from the old fixtures was recycled – earning them a check for $3,500 from the recycler!

Ballasts in the old fixtures were going bad and made a constant buzzing noise. The new fixtures eliminate the noise while providing a much brighter work space. Additionally, they’ll reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 200,000 pounds annually.

Tangible dollar savings on the balance sheet and emissions tracking is what gets projects like this approved. However, as we realize the benefits of greening our operations and supply chain, we’re continually reminded of the elusive benefits – brighter and quieter work area – that are real, even if they aren’t easy to measure and quantify. As we evolve along the sustainability journey, so too must the tools we use to measure return on investment (ROI).

Low-E glass: A common term referring to glass that has low emissivity due to a film or metallic coating on the glass or suspended between two panes of glass to restrict the passage of radiant heat.

Low-E limits solar heat from entering a home while at the same time limiting heat from escaping. While it feels good to have the heat from the sun enter our home on a frigid northern winter day, the winter sun sets early and darkness claims the majority of a 24 hour day. Without the help of Low-E, the heat from our furnaces (and cool air from conditioners in the summer) quickly escapes out non-coated dual pane windows.

A range of Low-E glass options are available from most window manufacturers with varying degrees of solar heat gain, ultraviolet light protection and visible light transmission. For more information on Low-E glass types look here.

Prior to the development of Low-E, windows were uncoated single or double pane glass. Dual pane glass with Low-E coatings significantly improves energy efficiency and has saved consumers billions of dollars in energy costs according to the National Academy of Sciences.