Greater Vision: Alternate Window Materials in Commercial Buildings
Environmental Impact of Materials
The choice of windows can add value to a structure and the environment. The most commonly used evaluator of a structure's environmental impact is the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System. This guide for designing, constructing, operating, and certifying buildings is based on accepted energy and environmental principles.
LEED's measurement standard follows a point system. The four levels of LEED certification and required points for each are:
| Certified | 26 - 32 points |
| Silver | 33 - 38 points |
| Gold | 39 - 51 points |
| Platinum | 52+ points (69 possible) |
The points are earned within six categories. The five environmental categories (not including Innovation and Design Process) are divided into credits. One or more points are available within each credit, and points are achieved by meeting specified requirements.
- Sustainable Sites: 8 credits, 14 points
- Water Efficiency: 3 credits, 5 points
- Energy and Atmosphere: 6 credits, 17 points
- Materials and Resources: 7 credits, 13 points
- Indoor Environmental Quality: 8 credits, 15 points
- Innovation: 4 points
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About Pella
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Pella Corporation is a world leader in the manufacturing of premium windows and doors. Long-recognized in the window industry for its technology and innovation, the company holds more than 100 U.S. product and design patents. Registered with the American Institute of Architects as a Continuing Education System provider since 1995, Pella is committed to developing quality learning activities in accordance with AIA/CES and Health/Safety/Welfare (HSW) criteria. Pella offers several continuing education programs through www.pellacommercial.com in addition to this partnership withArchitectural Record. Pella also awards scholarships to top students at leading universities and schools of architecture. Please contact your local Pella architectural consultant for more information about these programs.
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