Building a More Sustainable Future
Discover some of Renewal by Andersen's earth-conscious manufacturing and energy-saving solutions
As we celebrate Earth Month, it is crucial for businesses across industries to reflect on their environmental impact and take steps towards a more sustainable future.
At Renewal by Andersen, we are proud to lead the way in the window and door manufacturing industry by embracing renewable energy in our manufacturing facilities as well as bringing energy-efficient products to homeowners. Join us in celebrating Earth Month by exploring our commitment to sustainability and how our products are transforming homes and communities for the better.
Sustainable manufacturing
Harnessing renewable electricity
Renewal by Andersen is excited to announce our relationship with Xcel Energy's Renewable*Connect program. Through this innovative subscription-based program, Renewal by Andersen’s Minnesota manufacturing facility is powered by 100 percent renewable electricity*.
This commitment allows us to reduce our carbon footprint significantly and contribute to the growth of renewable energy in our region. By enrolling in this program, we are taking a proactive step towards building a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Reducing carbon emissions
By utilizing renewable electricity through Xcel Energy's Renewable*Connect program, Andersen will be able to avoid approximately 9,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually.†
To put it into perspective, that’s equivalent to the carbon sequestered by more than 10,000 acres of U.S. forest in a year.‡
Not only do we prioritize reducing carbon emissions for the betterment of the environment, but we also strive to inspire others in our industry to do the same.
Says Brett Sitter, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Andersen, “By participating [in this program], we not only support the growth of renewable electricity in Minnesota but also hope to inspire others within our industry to join the movement toward a more eco-responsible future.”
Energy efficiency initiatives
Beyond the utilization of renewable electricity, Andersen Corporation has held a long-standing commitment to energy efficiency in its facilities. Part of that commitment includes relighting initiatives at many of the manufacturing and logistics facilities—replacing older, less-efficient lighting with energy-saving LEDs.
As an example, Andersen completed a relighting initiative in its Bayport facility, the company’s largest manufacturing plant, has completed a successful transition to LEDs—a conversion that will avoid about 1,479 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to the carbon sequestered by more than 24,500 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.
Through these initiatives and more, says Sitter, we hope to demonstrate our dedication to reducing energy consumption and minimizing our environmental impact—and inspire others to do the same.
"Sustainable manufacturing is expected out of businesses these days and that is why we are taking big steps in reducing our carbon footprint,” says Sitter.
Energy-efficiency for homeowners
In today’s world, where energy costs continue to rise and environmental concerns weigh heavily on homeowners, the importance of energy efficiency cannot be overstated. Energy-efficient windows can contribute to sustainable living, offering benefits that extend beyond mere financial savings in heating and cooling costs. They provide better insulation, help combat drafts, and minimize heat transfer, assisting with a comfortable indoor environment year-round while easing the burden on homeowners’ HVAC systems.
And, of course, it’s not just about any one individual home, says Sitter. "When homeowners choose energy-efficient windows, they’re not only investing in their own home’s comfort but also in the health of our planet. By choosing products that can help reduce energy consumption, they can play a part in contributing to a brighter, future for generations to come.”
Our planet; our products
The Fibrex® material which is used in our frames and sashes contain 40-percent reclaimed wood fiber by weight—much of which comes from Andersen Corporation’s wood-window manufacturing process.
What’s more, Renewal by Andersen® products have a long product lifecycle and are designed to stand the test of time. They are backed by one of the strongest, fully transferable limited warranties§ in the business, meaning less landfill waste for our planet.
Impact of low-E glass
Low-E glass, or low-emissivity glass, is a type of energy-efficient glass that effectively reduces heat loss from a building. It’s made by coating the surface of the glass with a thin layer of metal or metal oxide, which reflects infrared radiation back into the room. This helps maintain a warmer room in the winter and a cooler room in the summer, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
Renewal by Andersen offers a number of different high-performance glass options so that we can offer homeowners across the country an energy efficient product that fits their climate.
One of those options is our triple pane glass, which Andersen Corporation is now including in many of its product lines.
“As we continue to work toward a more sustainable future, we acknowledge the pivotal role windows and doors play in energy efficiency. With our recent product expansions to support triple pane glass, we're making it easier for homeowners to choose even more efficient products for their homes, and contribute to a healthier world,” says Brandon Berg, Senior Vice President of Research, Development and Innovation at Andersen.
Triple pane glass significantly contributes to meeting the newest ENERGY STAR version 7.0 performance standards by enhancing energy efficiency in buildings. With Renewal by Andersen® Acclaim™ windows, as well as Andersen 400 Series and 200 Series patio doors, there are many window and door products that will meet ENERGY STAR requirements for all climate zones.
Together, we can make a difference
Company-wide, our organization’s commitment to sustainability runs deep, and we’re proud to have been at this for awhile now. In fact, Andersen Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Renewal by Andersen, were recognized yet again by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy with the 2024 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year—Sustained Excellence Award.
Andersen has been an ENERGY STAR partner since the Windows program began in 1998 and was the first window manufacturer awarded the ENERGY STAR National Window Partner of the Year in 1999. This is Andersen’s 10th Sustained Excellence Award (eighth in a row) and the 15th time the company has been recognized by the ENERGY STAR program.
The Sustained Excellence award is the highest honor bestowed by the ENERGY STAR program. Winners are part of a distinguished group that has made a long-term commitment to fighting climate change and protecting public health through energy efficiency. Andersen is among the nation’s leading companies in driving value for the environment, the economy, and American homeowners.
Andersen is also proud to hold certifications from esteemed organizations such as the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) SCS Global Services Indoor Advantage Gold™ and Recycled Content, underscoring our dedication to energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
This Earth Month, we invite you to join us in our mission to create homes that are not just beautiful and comfortable but also energy efficient and earth-friendlier. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for our planet.
Visit our website to learn more about our commitment to sustainability and schedule an in-home consultation to discover how you could save energy, reduce your carbon footprint, and transform your home with Renewal by Andersen.
Together, let’s build a more sustainable future—one window at a time.
