By inournature on October 14, 2011
In an industry-first licensing agreement, Andersen’s Fibrex® material will be used within the photovoltaic (PV) market. SOLON Corporation is one of the largest providers of PV products in the U.S. Andersen’s General Manager of Fibrex Strategic Operations Group, Scott Koenig said, “We’ve used Fibrex material with great success in our window products for nearly 20 years and we’re proud to be incorporating Fibrex material into proven renewable solutions by SOLON.” Read the full news release here.
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By inournature on October 7, 2011
There is some irony that the passing of Apple Founder Steve Jobs occurred during this year’s Greenbuild convention in Toronto, Canada. Remembered as a “visionary and creative genius” Jobs’ passion, resilience and ability to innovate outside the box fueled his great achievements. Common themes resonated throughout Greenbuild. Jobs didn’t just advance technology he transformed the way people think and act – similar to the task facing the building industry.
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.
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By inournature on September 29, 2011
We look forward to experiencing the energy and inspiration next week at Greenbuild in Toronto! Follow us on Twitter @AW_InOurNature to catch all the buzz, and visit us at booth #1013N to see what’s next and sustainable at Andersen.
Join conference attendees at the Opening Keynote and Celebration. Thomas Friedman, a Pulitzer Prize-winner and internationally renowned author, reporter, and columnist, will provide the keynote, then lend his expertise to USGBC’s Resiliency Agenda panel, taking place at the opening celebration on Oct. 5. The panel includes ABC commentator Cokie Roberts; The Right Honorable Kim Campbell, Canada’s 19th Prime Minister; and Dr. Paul Farmer, Chair, Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Following the panel discussion, Grammy award-winners, Maroon 5 will take the stage! The band has been a staple in the music scene since 2002, and is devoted to fighting climate change and living greener for just as long.
Many educational sessions are offered throughout the conference, fostering the opportunity for expansion and exchange of ideas. Stay tuned!
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By inournature on September 20, 2011
Andersen Corporation’s Regulatory Affairs Department hosted a visit from Doug Anderson, manager of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR® Windows Program, on August 22. Anderson’s role on the Home Improvement Team is to research and promote cost effective ways to improve energy efficiency and comfort within homes, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
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.
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By inournature on September 7, 2011
Andersen Corporation has supported the University of Minnesota’s Department of Forest Products’ scholarships for nearly four decades. This year’s donation will fund an endowed chair designated to teach and conduct research in the area of green building materials.
The Forest Products department has successfully educated and trained thousands of people including manufacturers and other professionals in the wood products industry. Their work positively influences home building and addresses strategies for improving environmental sustainability of the forest products industry.
The sponsored position continues this work with an eye towards the environmental life cycle of wood products and other sustainable building initiatives. The position seeks to capture product and market opportunities while educating future generations of industry professionals.
As defined by the University of Minnesota, “…a sustainable building is a structure that is designed, built, renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and resource-efficient manner.” Nearly half of all green house gas (GHG) emissions are attributed to buildings. Therefore, improving the environmental footprint of building materials through research and education has the potential to improve overall building performance and substantially reduce their environmental impact. In this way, improved use of forest products in building materials can ultimately affect the economy, society and the environment.
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By inournature on August 23, 2011
Renewal by Andersen hosted Greening the Supply Chain: Drivers, Challenges and Strategies, August 18, 2011 at their headquarters in Cottage Grove, Minn. The event was put on by the Environmental Initiative, and Andersen has been a sponsor of their Business & Environment Series for over a decade.
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.
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By inournature on August 11, 2011
GradCo Structures & Homes, LLC recently completed one of the first LEED Platinum homes in the Houston, Texas area. The design and materials of this home helped reduce the HVAC demand by as much as 50 percent.
LEED Platinum Home - Cypress, TX. Photo courtesy of Kathleen Ryan, Ryan Photography
GradCo chose Andersen 100 Series windows with Low-E glass and made of Fibrex® composite material; a proprietary wood/polymer composite containing 40 percent reclaimed wood fiber from Andersen’s manufacturing operations. Fibrex® material never needs painting and won’t fade, flake, blister, chalk or peel. It’s twice as strong as vinyl and blocks thermal transfer better than aluminum, which contributes to reducing heating and cooling costs.
Within the LEED rating system buildings can achieve one of four levels of certification, Platinum being the highest ranking. According to builder Sergio Grado, they strive to implement a sustainable design approach in their construction. Installing Andersen windows helps Grado achieve this goal.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification system strives to transform the way buildings are designed, built and operated. The building sector consumes nearly half of all energy produced in the U.S. annually. Replacing existing windows and installing new, energy efficient windows, helps improve energy efficiency which reduces environmental impacts.
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By inournature on August 2, 2011
As Andersen Corporation gains a more comprehensive understanding of life-cycle thinking we are compelled to look both upstream and downstream in the supply chain. We continually find that fostering collaborative partnerships yields innovative improvements and benefits all parties.
Andersen Corporation values strong supply change relationships as they help ensure quality and spur innovation. Several suppliers have been with Andersen Corporation for many decades. In recognition of their efforts, we held our first Innovation and Sustainability Supply Chain Awards this year. Six winners were named for improvements in areas such as energy and waste reductions, cost savings and customer focus.
Steve Kirby, vice president of Supply Chain Services - Andersen Corporation and Steve Groves, senior vice president of Sales, Marketing & Product Development - Truth Hardware
Andersen’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Jerry Redmond and Vice President of Supply Chain Services, Steve Kirby recently visited Truth Hardware, based in Owatonna, Minn. to present them with the award for Innovation – focus on customer. Truth Hardware worked closely with Andersen engineers to successfully combine multiple hardware systems into one single device, all while maintaining aesthetics and function. Additionally, Truth implemented a returnable tote program, eliminating cardboard use in packaging.
Increasing collaborative efforts helps eliminate waste, increase profitability and adds customer value – all while reducing our impact on the environment. Decisions made today with tomorrow in mind, sustains success for all.
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By inournature on July 27, 2011
Capitalizing on the 3 R’s this 192 square-foot home boasts a reduced footprint and reused building materials. Sunset’s Solar Powered Idea House 2011 installed Andersen patio doors for optimum energy efficiency, comfort and esthetics. Read more about the Cargotecture project designed by Seattle firm Hybrid Architecture here…
Sunset's Solar Powered Idea House 2011
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By inournature on July 22, 2011
Energy, the environment and the economy are all critically important. How they affect each other and relate to one another becomes complex very quickly. As increased levels of CO2 continue to affect our environment and its occupants, attention to alternative energy is increasing.
Communities for Responsible Energy Environmental Demonstration (CREED), is a Minnesota-based non-profit organization committed to “changing beliefs and behaviors through energy education.” Andersen Corporation is pleased to renew its sponsorship of CREED and support these efforts.
CREED programs examine the relationship of energy, the environment and economy in Minnesota, looking for ways to improve energy efficiency in a manner that harmonizes with the environment and produces a positive effect on the economy. Sponsorship dollars allow Minnesota teachers pursuing continuing education to achieve graduate credit toward an energy education certificate through Hamline University.
Laurentian Environmental Center - Britt, MN
David Rafferty, a teacher in Woodbury, MN is currently attending “Discovering Science on the Range in the Field of Energy Part 1” at the Laurentian Environmental Center in Britt, MN. Along with “Energy Basics” and “Mathematics for Energy Problem Solving,” this course studies “Solar Direct,” which specifically addresses solar thermal, photovoltaics and green buildings. These efforts focusing in technical education are specifically aimed to help reverse the decline in graduation rates in the areas of science, technical education and mathematics.
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