Latest Articles in Energy Efficiency
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March 12, 2009As a candidate, President Obama promised "change." Although I don't necessarily think it came from the White House, "change" is now evident in the window and door industry. The change is being applauded by many. With the enactment of the stimulus package, there is now a real tax incentive for homeowners to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes. Manufacturers and... more »
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March 11, 2009Let me tell you about my inbox since the 30/30 provisions were outlined in the stimulus bill. You sure are an opinionated lot. I personally love the emails...Our IT guys, however, are already tallying up how many drinks I owe them for the '09 holiday party. Do you agree with the 30/30 provisions required to qualify for the $1,500 tax credit? Yes No... more »
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February 20, 2009The tax credits included in President Obama's stimulus bill are causing quite a stir in the window and door industry. While most industry representatives are pleased with the $1,500 cap—as opposed to the previous tax credits of $200 for qualifying windows and $500 for qualifying doors—many are expressing concern about the wording of what products will qualify. The wording of the... more »
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February 18, 2009Leaving all the politics aside, President Obama's economic stimulus package has, in my opinion, some pretty decent provisions for the window and door industry. Could it be more? Sure. But it's certainly better than the menial incentives we've had for energy efficiency upgrades in the last few years. I think the economic stimulus bill will impact the window and door industry:... more »
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February 15, 2009Focus group session makes clear that energy performance far outweighs other priorities, but other green considerations can't be ignoredMost architects involved in the green building movement think windows, doors and skylights are “green.” That view was expressed at a recent focus group sponsored by Window & Door and Velux-America, although it was also evident that definitions and priorities are not yet firmly established when it comes to choosing green products. Organized by Market Resource Associates,... more »
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February 15, 2009Companies say hurdles remain, but new prototypes are on the wayVacuum glazing as a concept is nothing new. Glass researchers have been investigating the idea for years. Nippon Sheet Glass of Japan started offering a vacuum glazing product in the 1990s. Most window and door manufacturers, however, don't see the available technologies to be commercially viable yet. Now, at least two companies say the long-discussed concept could... more »
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February 14, 2009Although it's counterintuitive to think about global warming when a hard winter besieges the upper Midwest, we in the fenestration industry ignore the implications of global warming at our peril–at least in the sense that doing so will likely hamstring our businesses. The human role in global warming is heavily debated, but the political role is hardly questionable. As a result, regulations... more »
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February 14, 2009Window and door companies have been living in “energy efficiency land” for decades. I type “energy efficient” so many times in a month I might as well set a quick key function on my keyboard. Energy efficiency to us is like texting to teenagers—it’s in our blood, it’s what we do, it’s how we communicate with our BFFs. Well, snap, snap, people—... more »
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January 10, 2009Few people in the window and door industry are sorry to say goodbye to 2008. We reported more than enough stories this year on plant closings, lay-offs, restructurings, and even complete shutdowns of companies. I just wish I could say I was starting the new year brimming with optimism. Current forecasts for the economy in general, and the new construction and home improvement markets, don’t... more »
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November 20, 2008Boston—While other trade shows may be struggling, the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo held here last week was bursting at the seams. With over 25,000 attendees crowding the aisles of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, the show, organized by the U.S. Green Building Council, provided evidence that demand for green is “real,” as one window manufacturer... more »