PERFORMANCE

It is most important to select windows, or doors that are suited to the type of climate you live in. Click the link to view the climate map.
      The Passive House concept represents today's highest energy standard with the promise of s lashing the heating energy consumption of buildings by an amazing 90%. Widespread application of the Passive House design would have a dramatic impact on energy conservation. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that buildings are responsible for 48% of greenhouse gas emissions annually and 76% of all electricity generated by U.S. power plants goes to supply the Building Sector.
      It has been abundantly clear for some time that the Building Sector is a primary contributor of climate-changing pollutants, and the question is asked: How do we best square our building energy needs with those of our environment and of our pocketbook? In the realm of super energy efficiency, the Passive House presents an intriguing option for new and retrofit construction; in residential, commercial, and institutional projects. 

     A Passive House is a very well-insulated, virtually air-tight building that is primarily heated by passive solar gain and by internal gains from people, electrical equipment, etc. Energy losses are minimized. Any remaining heat demand is provided by an extremely small source. Avoidance of heat gain through shading and window orientation also helps to limit any cooling load, which is similarly minimized. An energy recovery ventilator provides a constant, balanced fresh air supply. The result is an impressive system that not only saves up to 90% of space heating costs, but also provides a uniquely terrific indoor air quality.
      A Passive House is a comprehensive system. "Passive" describes well this system's underlying receptivity and retention capacity. Working with natural resources, free solar energy is captured and applied efficiently, instead of relying predominantly on ‘active’ systems to bring a building to ‘zero’ energy. High performance triple-glazed windows, super-insulation, an airtight building shell, limitation of thermal bridging and balanced energy recovery ventilation make possible extraordinary reductions in energy use and carbon emission. 

   U.S Passive House Institution:
 http://www.passivehouse.us/passiveHouse/PHIUSHome.html
 
 International Passive House Institution:
 http://www.passivehouse-international.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">http://www.passivehouse-international.org/
 
 German Passivhaus Institution:
 http://passiv.de/en/
 
 R-value indicates the resistance to heat flow through a window. U-value indicates a window’s tendency to transfer heat. Both R-value & U-value are measurements of heat flow through a window. R-value is the measure of thermal resistance or how much resistance there is to energy that is leaving or entering a building or home. The higher a window or door’s R-value, the more energy that is saved.    

• Reduced energy consumption to heat your home in the winter

• Potential for reduced solar heat gain – the energy from the sun that comes through windows in the summer to heat your home

• Reduced potential energy costs

• Improved temperature uniformity and enhanced room comfort

       FSC Forest Management Certification is for companies that manage or own forest resources and would like to establish and communicate their responsible practices to consumers. Forest Managers that would like to become FSC certified must also achieve FSC Chain of Custody Certification to sell their products.
 FSC Chain of Custody Certification is for any company handling or using FSC certified forest products (furniture manufacturers, publishers, pulp industries, and all other wood products) to attest to     the wood's traceability and legal origin and can use the FSC trademark. Becoming FSC Chain of Custody certified means your clients also dispose the right to use the FSC certified trademark on their products, provided they hold their own certificate.    

What are the key benefits of FSC Certification?

•   Grants your organization access to key markets around the globe while protecting forest resources
•   Improves consumer confidence in your products
•   Becomes a strong lever to differentiate your forest products and improve your brand’s image