Most Sustainable Windows & Window Companies

Using the most sustainable windows and window companies to minimize energy use for building heating and cooling is a major component of One Community’s open source strategy for building a global collaboration of self-sufficient and self-sustainable teacher/demonstration communities, villages, and cities for The Highest Good of All. Just by using the proper windows, the US is saving an amount of energy per year greater than 10% of annual consumption. With this in mind, we have researched the best energy efficient windows as part of our open source contribution to comprehensive sustainable living. Below you will find an overview of the best windows. It contains the following sections:

• Related Pages
• Why Assess the Most Sustainable Windows
• Ways to Contribute and Consultants
• Understanding Windows
  • Gas Cavity: Air vs. Argon vs. Krypton
  • Double Glazing Argon vs. Triple Glazing Argon
  • Types of Glass Coatings
  • Window Performance Metrics
• Best & Most Sustainable Window Companies
  • #1: Pella
  • #2: Anderson
  • #3: Marvin
  • #4: Jeld Wen
  • #5: Milgard
  • #6: Harvey
• Best and Most Sustainable Windows Overall
  • #1: Anderson 100 Series Awning Windows
  • #2: Milgard Vinyl Trinsic Series Windows
  • #3: Pella Impervia Fiberglass Windows
  • #4: Marvin Elevate Casement Windows
  • #5: Milgard Fiberglass Ultra Series C650 Windows
  • #6: Pella 250 Series Vinyl Windows
  • #7: Pella Architect Series Wood Windows
  • #8: Anderson Fiberglass A-Series Windows
  • #9: Milgard Thermally Improved Aluminum A250 Windows
  • #10: Jeld Wen Brickmould Vinyl Windows
  • #11: Jeld Wen Hybrid Vinyl Awning Windows
  • #12: Anderson Aluminum E-Series Casement Windows
  • #13: Harvey Wood Majesty Awning Windows
  • #14: Harvey Vinyl Classic Double Hung Windows
• Resources
• Summary
• FAQ

 

RELATED PAGES (mouse-over for descriptions and click for complete pages)

 

WHY ASSESS THE MOST SUSTAINABLE WINDOWS

In contemporary building design, windows play a pivotal role, shaping the appearance and functionality of structures. Today’s urban landscapes reflect a transformation of the past few decades: an increasing desire for well-lit spaces has fueled the proliferation of windows. As a result, the selection of most sustainable windows has become more important than ever for the energy savings of a building. The glass type, coatings, and frame materials collectively determine a window’s performance. Choosing the right types of windows can greatly enhance a house or building’s energy efficiency.

Thanks to substantial improvements in window technology, we can now have greater luminosity within buildings and vastly improved insulation capabilities compared to even a decade ago. However, the importance of selecting the right window persists, as windows vary significantly in their attributes.

This article presents the best and most sustainable window company and most sustainable windows product options available in the market. Drawing from 100+ hours of research and a comprehensive exploration of fenestration dynamics, we are able to provide you with an all-encompassing overview of windows to support our own projects as well as yours.

Throughout this page, we share insights gained from our selections for projects such as the Earthbag Village and our Duplicable City Center. As new information becomes available, we will continue to update our research and may update our selections accordingly.

 

WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE TO EVOLVING THIS SUSTAINABILITY COMPONENT WITH US

SUGGESTIONS | CONSULTING | MEMBERSHIP | OTHER OPTIONS

 

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RESEARCHER FOR THIS COMPONENT:

Brianna Olsen: Sustainability Researcher
Elizabeth Kahn: Environmental Consultant
Ian Coletti: Environmental Studies Major, Researcher
Philip Bogaerts: Structural Window Designer
Charles Gooley: Web Designer
 

UNDERSTANDING WINDOWS

When deciding which windows are right for your house, it is primarily important to understand how windows work and what influences their performance. Whether you choose double or triple glazing, as well as what type of coating you use will have a significant impact on a window’s performance and are therefore important factors for the most sustainable windows. Below you can find an overview of these different aspects for guiding your decision.

 

GAS CAVITY: AIR VS. ARGON VS. KRYPTON

A gas cavity on windows refers to the space between two or more glass panes that is filled with either air, argon, or krypton gas. These gas-filled cavities serve to improve insulation by reducing heat transfer through the window, with argon and krypton providing higher thermal efficiency compared to regular air due to their lower conductivity properties. In the list below, we explore the differences between air, argon, and krypton when used as window glazings and determining the most sustainable windows.

• Argon is the most common gas to use in terms of price quality. It is six times denser than air and therefore more efficiently blocks thermal energy traveling through windows.
• In terms of insulations, krypton is the best gas filling as it is 12 times denser than air. It also reduces the width of the cavity by 0.2 inches. Therefore, with a double glazing the width will be approximately 0.2 inches thinner and with triple glazing it will be 0.4 inches thinner.
• Although krypton is even more efficient than argon, and could arguable be considered worth it if you are only interested in the most sustainable windows, the gains are outweighed by the significant increase in cost.
• Krypton is +/- 40% more expensive than argon and the performance gains are minimal. Therefore it is mostly used when there is limited space.
• Air is the cheapest of these options, but it is rarely used as its performance is much worse than argon. Additionally, the oxygen in air-filled windows can cause rust and erosion, making their lifespan much shorter.

 

DOUBLE GLAZING ARGON VS. TRIPLE GLAZING ARGON

As we established in the previous section, argon is the most cost-efficient and effective gas used for window glazing. Argon glazing involves the infusion of argon gas between the glass panes to enhance insulation and energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer and improving thermal performance. This inert gas acts as a barrier, minimizing heat loss and condensation while contributing to a more comfortable indoor environment and a more sustainable home overall. In the list below, we explore a comparative overview of argon glazing options, encompassing light transmission, thermal efficiency, acoustic insulation, cost factors, and spatial considerations. In the realm of window glazing, the interplay between these factors yields a diverse array of options to consider when selecting your most sustainable windows.

• A double argon glazing with no coating will let through +/- 77% of the visible light, a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.66, and a U-value of 0.437.
• A triple glazing with no coating will let through +/- 70% of the visible light, a SHGC of 0.66, and a U-value of 0.277.
  • From this point of view, triple glazing is +/- 10% more efficient than double glazing.
• When using coatings, the visible light transmission is a little bit lower with triple glazing, but there is a big upside from the thermal point of view. The U-value can be reduced by 60-70% and the thermal insulation is thus much better.
• Triple glazing acoustically insulates much better than double glazing and reduces the noise from the street significantly. Using an acoustic Poly Vinyl Butyral (PVB) can reduce the noise by as much as 25%.
• Double glazing can be up to 30% cheaper than triple glazing. Triple glazing usually has 2 coatings applied, while double glazing only has 1 coating.
• Triple glazing requires a little more space than double glazing since it has an extra pane and cavity.

Taking the above information into account, double glazing emerges as the optimal choice in terms of price and most sustainable windows’ performance. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to acknowledge that certain benchmarks might necessitate triple glazing as they cannot be attained using double glazing alone.

Terms used above:

• SHGC – Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.
  • This is the fraction of solar radiation admitted through a window, transmitted either directly and/or absorbed and released as heat inside.
• Visible light – The percentage of light that passes through the window as compared to outside.
• PVB – Poly Vinyl Butyral.
  • A PVB is used on a laminated pane, which is required for safety reasons, to avoid people falling through and get injured.

 

TYPES OF GLASS COATINGS

Coated glass involves the application of multiple thin layers of metal oxides onto a glass pane. These coatings serve various purposes, with two prominent types: Low-e coatings, prevalent in residential settings, and solar control coatings, primarily employed to minimize heat influx into structures. When thinking about most sustainable windows and contrasting their effectiveness, solar control coatings outshine low-e coatings by achieving a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) up to 40% lower.

What’s the origin of this difference? As previously discussed, a coating comprises metal oxides structured into multiple sub-layers. In particular, solar control coatings are composed of one, two, or three layers of silver. The quantity of silver layers directly correlates with enhanced insulation capabilities. However, the augmented silver layer count also corresponds to a heightened cost for the glass.

Referring to the illustration below, it’s notable that solar control coatings are administered at position 2 (on the interior side of the outer glass pane), whereas low-e coatings are commonly positioned at 3 (on the interior side of the inner glass pane). Typically, refraining from coating application on positions 1 (exterior side of the outer pane) or 4 (exterior side of the inner pane) is advised, as they are susceptible to damage.

The placement of coatings holds significance, as using coatings intended for position 3 on position 2 can lead to a substantial alteration in aesthetics. Despite potential improvements in values, such a mismatch could result in a shift in the glass color, potentially compromising the overall visual appeal of the window.

Different coatings are formulated for specific positions, catering to diverse building types and environmental conditions. Opting for solar control coatings is advisable when your facades feature extensive glass surfaces and generously sized windows, allowing for precise indoor temperature regulation and yielding substantial cooling savings throughout hot summer periods.

The aesthetic aspect of windows is part of qualifying them as the most sustainable windows and almost equally important to the performance of the glass. It is a common desire to retain natural light while minimizing heat as much as possible. When using low-e coatings, the light transmission is typically much higher and the light coming through the glass is more natural and neutral. In the case that you use solar coatings (Low e2 and Low e3), expect a slightly darker glass tint, influencing the internal light neutrality yet maintaining an overall natural feel.

Numerous coatings share a resemblance but exhibit distinct efficiencies. Thus, it becomes vital to consider both the aesthetics and performance when selecting the ideal glass for the most sustainable windows for your building.

 

WINDOW PERFORMANCE METRICS

A U-value, also known as thermal transmittance, is a measure that quantifies the effectiveness of a material in preventing heat transfer. As applied to windows, this value is important for understanding the rate of heat transfer through the glass. Essentially, a lower U-value indicates better insulation performance and a higher level of sustainability for a window. The most sustainable windows have low U-values and this significantly enhances the energy efficiency of your building. The U-value is what is most often referred to in determining the performance of a window, in combination with the visible light transmission and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC).

The inclination of the glass of a window negatively impacts the U-value, leading to reduced insulation efficacy at certain angles, irrespective of the coating utilized. As is shown in the image below, a window with a 90 degree inclination (vertical) has the best insulation performance, and a window with a 45 degree inclination will perform over 30% worse in comparison. Further, a window with a zero degree inclination (horizontal) will perform over 50% worse as compared to a vertical window. Naturally, the correlation between silver layers and U-value improvement holds true, emphasizing that an increased number of layers yields enhanced insulation performance.

 

BEST & MOST SUSTAINABLE WINDOW COMPANIES

In this section, we list and describe the best and most sustainable window companies we could find. While several companies have great products, some of them have engaged in more substantial efforts towards sustainability in their manufacturing and operations. Keep in mind that this research was completed in August 2023; companies are constantly evolving. We will continue to add to this page as we undergo the construction of our Earthbag Village, Duplicable City Center, and other 6 sustainable village models.

NOTE: New technology is always being invented, check the company websites for their newest and most sustainable window models. Even as this page becomes dated, the featured products below can be used as a good base-level starting point for your selection process. We wouldn’t recommend any product that doesn’t meet or surpass the quality and performance of the most sustainable windows listed here. This is how we intend to use this page as we build the Duplicable City Center and 7 sustainable village models. If better products are found when we start making our purchases, we’ll open source share here what they are and our personal experience using them.

 

#1: PELLA

Pella is a company that shows a definite commitment to sustainability outreach and education. The company has made notable improvements such as an over 10% reduction in energy use in two of their company buildings. Pella also uses 95% recycled aluminum in their clad aluminum window sashes (the part that holds the glass in place) as part of their sustainable window strategy. Unfortunately, the same kind of information is not available for the outer frames. As far as could be found, Pella has very little in the way of a sustainability report, and information on their initiatives to improve company efficiency and sustainability is sporadic. However, the company participates in a variety of partnerships taking direct action towards sustainability. For example, they adhere to the Smartway plan to reduce the carbon footprint of its transportation routes. As an AIA/CES Registered Provider Charter Member, the Pella Corporation has been committed to developing learning tools and activities which include courses on green building. Their promotion of sustainability has even been recognized by Energy Star. As part of our consideration for the most sustainable windows, Pella ranks as the #1 most sustainable window company.

Pella’s most sustainable windows:

1. Pella Impervia Fiberglass Windows
2. Pella 250 Series Vinyl Windows

 

#2: ANDERSEN

Andersen shows tangible and concerted effort toward maintaining and improving sustainability. They are committed to responsible materials sourcing from companies who value”and practice”environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Andersen has been able to obtain FSC certification for all of its wood. Further, they make continuous investments in creating a better and more sustainable future by optimizing production, becoming more efficient, and making the effort to use as little energy as necessary. They have a wide range of products and with their Andersen 100 Series, they have the number one choice on the list of most sustainable windows overall – mainly thanks to its very sustainable composition, using wood fibers and thermoplastic polymers. On the other hand, details about their efforts towards waste reduction and repurposing are limited. While Andersen has signed the Ceres Climate Declaration, they remain responsible for their regulation.

Andersen’s most sustainable windows products:

1. Anderson 100 Series Awning Windows
2. Anderson Fiberglass A-Series Windows

 

#3: MARVIN

While Marvin calls attention to the need for sustainability, this generally has not translated into much tangible action in the same way companies higher on this list have engaged with sustainability efforts. However, they do claim to use their excess wood scraps, trimmings, and other waste materials for generating fuel. This recovery of materials for use as fuel is a sustainable practice that some manufacturing companies adopt as part of their waste management and energy efficiency efforts. Marvin also attempts to reduce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emissions and to use FSC responsibly sourced wood as part of their most sustainable windows strategy. It should be noted that information on the extent to which they carry out these practices is limited. Marvin does not have a fully accredited environmental management system and seems to have taken relatively few measures for sustainability overall.

Marvin’s most sustainable windows products:

1. Marvin Elevate Casement Windows

 

#4: JELD WEN

Jeld Wen shows some signs of environmental responsibility. It is a member of the Smartway plan and has an accredited environmental management system. It also makes sure that its manufacturing processes and products are designed to minimize the emission of toxins. Many Jeld Wen products have been awarded the Indoor Advantage Gold Certification for the levels of safety they meet and some of the wood used in their doors is FSC certified. Aside from this the company does match the sustainability practices of companies higher on the list, despite its official yet short sustainability report. Although the company claims to recycle materials and use recycled materials in their manufacturing processes, they do not provide any real numbers on the extent of this. Jeld Wen production sites are found all over North America, Europe and Australia. As part of our consideration for the most sustainable windows, Jeld Wen ranks as the #4 most sustainable window company.

Jeld Wen’s most sustainable windows products:

1. Jeld Wen Brickmould Vinyl Windows
2. Jeld Wen Hybrid Vinyl Awning Windows

 

#5: MILGARD

While Milgard offers some great window products, the company does not disclose much information on their efforts towards sustainability. They have six private facilities in the U.S., but they are all located in the West which limits their reach significantly. With their limited available information about their production sites or operations, their lack of transparency lands them in fifth place in our most sustainable windows company rankings. However, Milgard does offer some great products and with more open publishing of their contributions to a sustainable future, they may move up the list.

Milgard’s most sustainable windows products:

1. Milgard Vinyl Trinsic➢ Series | V300
2. Milgard Fiberglass Ultra➢ Series | C650

 

#6: HARVEY

Harvey Windows + Doors is ranked last in our most sustainable windows company rankings due to their lack of sustainability initiatives and their additional lack of sustainable window products. Although their website offers plenty of explanations for the importance of proper and efficient windows, there is no information on how they improve their operations for increased sustainability. Further, the products they offer are limited to only vinyl and wood windows. Increased transparency, improved products, and making practical efforts for sustainable manufacturing in the future could move this company up the list.

Harvey’s most sustainable windows products:

1. Harvey Wood Majesty Awning Windows
2. Harvey Vinyl Classic Double Hung Windows

 

BEST AND MOST SUSTAINABLE WINDOWS OVERALL

In this section, we present the most sustainable windows overall. It’s important to note that several features may not be included by default and certain attributes might be mutually exclusive. It’s also worth keeping in mind that these selections were made in August 2023; while new designs are consistently emerging, this list remains a valuable point of reference even as it ages. Any new product we may recommend must adhere to, at the very least, the performance benchmarks set by the products featured on this page. As we advance with the construction of the Earthbag Village, Duplicable City Center, and our other six sustainable village models, we will update this page with our latest top-rated choices, ensuring it remains current and informative over the years.

NOTE: New technology is always being invented, check the company websites for their newest and most sustainable window models. Even as this page becomes dated, the featured sustainable window products below can be used as a good base-level starting point for your selection process. We wouldn’t recommend any product that doesn’t meet or surpass the quality and performance of the products listed here. This is how we intend to use this page as we build the Duplicable City Center and 7 sustainable village models. If better products are found when we start making our purchases, we’ll open source share here what they are and our personal experience using them.

 

#1: ANDERSEN 100 SERIES AWNING WINDOWS

Andersen’s 100 series awning windows are made of Fibrex, which makes them twice as strong as vinyl and allows them increased performance when exposed to extreme temperatures. Their relatively low price in combination with their great performance makes this product ideal for many houses. They have a lifespan of 25-30 years and are water and moisture resistant. The product is Energy Star rated and does not contain any toxic components, making them a great option for a sustainable future. The window’s frames consist of 40 percent wood fiber (of which the majority is reclaimed from Andersen manufacturing processes) and 60 percent thermoplastic polymer.

The main disadvantage of these windows is that there is no triple-glazing option available at the moment. However, this may become available over time. Additionally, their fire resistance is a little bit lower than other materials. However, the advantages significantly outweigh these disadvantages and therefore, we consider these the most sustainable windows overall.

KEY FEATURES:

• Fibrex® material
• Endlessly recyclable
• Excellent thermal and insulating performances
• 10-year warranty

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PRODUCT PAGE | SPEC SHEET

 

#2: MILGARD VINYL TRINSIC➢ SERIES WINDOWS

These Milgard windows are made of Vinyl and have an incredibly narrow frame – you will barely notice it’s there. Their low price in combination with great performance values for double as well as triple windows make this product a great option in any environment or situation. They have a lifespan of 20 years and are water and moisture resistant. The product is also Energy Star rated and their 100% recyclability means they can be recycled up to 7 times without losing their quality. On top of this, they have a full lifetime warranty. This has us ranking these as the 2nd most sustainable windows overall.

The main disadvantage of these windows is that when exposed to extreme temperatures, their material may slightly expand or shrink, which can affect the overall performance. Further, their fire resistance is lower than other materials.

KEY FEATURES:

• Vinyl material
• Easily recyclable
• Excellent thermal and insulating performances
• Full lifetime warranty

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PRODUCT PAGE | SPEC SHEET

 

#3: PELLA IMPERVIA FIBERGLASS WINDOWS

These Pella windows are made of fiberglass with an incredibly narrow frame, in combination with great performance values for a double window option. The product is extremely fire resistant and is also resistant to extreme weather conditions. Their 50-year lifespan is the best you can find and there is a 10-year limited warranty on this product. The product is also Energy Star rated and while these types of windows can not be recycled, they are fully biodegradable and ranked by us as the 3rd most sustainable windows overall..

The main disadvantage of these windows is that they can not be recycled and that currently, there is no triple-glazing window option available. If this changes over time, this will be a great product to consider for all buildings.

KEY FEATURES:

• Fiberglass material
• Fully biodegradable
• Excellent thermal and insulating performances
• 10-year limited warranty

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PRODUCT PAGE | SPEC SHEET

 

#4: MARVIN ELEVATE CASEMENT WINDOWS

These Marvin windows are made of fiberglass and wood. The wooden exterior gives a modern look to the design protecting it from mold and weather conditions, and the wooden interior creates a warm and classic feel. These windows have a narrow frame in combination with great performance values for double windows. The product has a good fire resistance and is also resistant to extreme weather conditions thanks to the fiberglass on the outside. This product has a 50-year lifespan and a 20-year limited warranty. Additionally, it is Energy Star rated and although the windows are not entirely recyclable, they are fully biodegradable. Combined, these have us ranking these as the 4th most sustainable windows overall.

The main disadvantage of these windows is that they can not be fully recycled and that there is currently no triple-glazing window option available for this product. If this ever changes, this will be a great option for all buildings.

KEY FEATURES:

• Fiberglass material on the outside and wood on the inside
• Fully biodegradable
• Excellent thermal and insulating performances
• 20-year limited warranty

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PRODUCT PAGE | SPEC SHEET

 

#5: MILGARD FIBERGLASS ULTRA SERIES C650 WINDOWS

These Milgard windows are made of fiberglass and have an incredibly narrow frame in combination with great performance values for double windows. The product is extremely fire resistant and is resistant to extreme weather conditions. It has a 50-year lifespan and offers a 10-year limited warranty. The product is also Energy Star rated. While these types of windows can not be recycled, they are fully biodegradable.

The main disadvantage of these windows is that they can not be recycled and that there is currently no triple-glazing window option available for this product. If this changes over time, this will be a great option for all buildings. We rank these as the 5th most sustainable windows overall.

KEY FEATURES:

• Fiberglass material
• Fully biodegradable
• Excellent thermal and insulating performances
• 10-year limited warranty

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PRODUCT PAGE | SPEC SHEET

 

#6: PELLA 250 SERIES VINYL WINDOWS

These Pella windows are made of vinyl and have relatively good values for vinyl windows. As well as this, they are sold in both double and triple configurations. The product has good fire resistance and is also resistant to mold and rot. They possess an average lifespan of 20-years and a 10-year limited warranty is offered with this product. Further, these windows are Energy Star rated and are fully biodegradable.

These window’s main disadvantage is that they can not be recycled. We rank these as the 6th most sustainable windows overall.

KEY FEATURES:

• Vinyl material
• Fully biodegradable
• Double and triple configurations
• 10-year limited warranty

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PRODUCT PAGE | SPEC SHEET

 

#7: PELLA ARCHITECT SERIES WOOD WINDOWS

These Pella windows are made of wood and have great performance values for double windows. The product is fully recyclable and has a great aesthetic appearance. When taking good care of these windows, a 50-year lifespan can be achieved and there is a 10-year limited warranty on this product. These windows are Energy Star rated and are recyclable and fully biodegradable. We rank these as the 7th most sustainable windows overall.

The main disadvantage of these windows is that they are not as resistant to fire and that they are quite costly.

KEY FEATURES:

• Wood material
• Fully recyclable and biodegradable
• Great thermal and insulating performances
• 10-year limited warranty

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PRODUCT PAGE | SPEC SHEET

 

#8: ANDERSEN FIBERGLASS A-SERIES WINDOWS

These windows have the advantage of good sustainability features combined with a responsible manufacturer. The fiberglass construction is highly effective at insulation and some variants of the window qualify for Energy Star certification in all regions of the US and Canada. The windows have good performance values as well as great fire resistance. On top of that, these windows can last for over 40 years and have a 10-year limited warranty. They are also fully biodegradable. We rank these as the 8th most sustainable windows overall.

The main disadvantage of these windows is the extremely high price. They also don’t have a triple window option.

KEY FEATURES:

• Fiberglass material
• Fully biodegradable
• Excellent thermal and insulating performances
• 10-year limited warranty

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PRODUCT PAGE | SPEC SHEET

 

#9: MILGARD THERMALLY IMPROVED ALUMINUM A250 WINDOWS

These Milgard windows are made of Aluminum and have an incredibly narrow frame in combination with decent performance values for double windows. The product is extremely fire resistant and is also resistant to extreme weather conditions. The windows have a 50-year lifespan and there is a 20-year limited warranty on this product. They are Energy Star rated and can be fully recycled. On top of that, this is a relatively cheap window option.

The main disadvantage of these windows is that aluminum mining is extremely polluting and unsustainable. Additionally, there is currently no triple-glazing window option available. We rank these as the 9th most sustainable windows overall.

KEY FEATURES:

• Aluminum material
• Fully recyclable
• Good insulating performances
• 20-year limited warranty

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PRODUCT PAGE | SPEC SHEET

 

#10: JELD WEN BRICKMOULD VINYL WINDOWS

These Jeld Wen windows are made of vinyl and have decent performance values for double windows. The product is extremely fire resistant and is also resistant to extreme weather conditions. This is a cheap option with great acoustic values and its 20-year lifespan is decent. There is a 20-year limited warranty on this product which is Energy Star rated and fully biodegradable. We rank these as the 10th most sustainable windows overall.

The main disadvantages of these windows are that there is currently no triple-glazing window option available and that they are not as fire resistant as others.

KEY FEATURES:

• Vinyl material
• Fully biodegradable
• Excellent acoustic performances
• 20-year limited warranty

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PRODUCT PAGE | SPEC SHEET

 

#11: JELD WEN HYBRID VINYL AWNING WINDOWS

These Jeld Wen windows are made of vinyl and aluminum. They have decent performance values for double windows and great performance values in triple windows. They have amazing acoustic values and their 20-year lifespan is decent. There is a 20-year limited warranty on this product which is also Energy Star rated. This type of window can not be recycled but is fully biodegradable.

The main disadvantage of these windows is that the life cycles of aluminum and vinyl are not great. Further, mining aluminum is very polluting and the windows fire resistance is not great. We rank these as the 11th most sustainable windows overall.

KEY FEATURES:

• Vinyl and aluminum material
• Fully biodegradable
• Excellent thermal and acoustic performances
• 20-year limited warranty

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PRODUCT PAGE | SPEC SHEET

 

#12: ANDERSEN ALUMINUM E-SERIES CASEMENT WINDOWS

These aluminum windows have the advantage of good sustainability features combined with a responsible manufacturer. The product is extremely fire resistant and is also resistant to extreme weather conditions. These windows have a 20-year lifespan but only a 5-year limited warranty. The product is Energy Star rated and can be fully recycled.

The main disadvantages of these windows are the extremely high price and the pollution produced in aluminum mining. There also isn’t a triple window option and their insulating values are not very good. We rank these as the 12th most sustainable windows overall.

KEY FEATURES:

• Aluminum material
• Fully recyclable
• 5-year limited warranty

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PRODUCT PAGE | SPEC SHEET

 

#13: HARVEY WOOD MAJESTY AWNING WINDOWS

These Harvey windows are made of wood and are fully recyclable. For wood windows, they are affordable and not as expensive as other options. Their 50-year lifespan is beneficial but will call for regular maintenance and care. This product has a 10-year limited warranty and the windows are aesthetically pleasing.

The main disadvantage of these windows are that the performance values are not very good and on top of that, there is not much available information about the product on their website. We rank these as the 13th most sustainable windows overall.

KEY FEATURES:

• Wood material
• Fully recyclable
• Great aesthetic appearance
• 10-year limited warranty

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PRODUCT PAGE | SPEC SHEET

 

#14: HARVEY VINYL CLASSIC DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS

These Harvey windows are made of vinyl and are fully biodegradable. They are affordable and have a 20-year lifespan with a 10-year limited warranty

The main disadvantages of these windows are that the performance values are not very good and that there is not much available information about the product on their website. We rank these as the 14th most sustainable windows overall.

KEY FEATURES:

• Vinyl material
• Fully biodegradable
• 10-year limited warranty

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PRODUCT PAGE | SPEC SHEET

 

RESOURCES

Here are any other resources we’ve found that we think may be helpful when considering the most sustainable windows:

• Window + Door: Top 100 Manufacturers 2019 Report
• National Fenestration Rating Council Certified Products Directory Search
• Vinyl vs Fiberglass Windows
• Article: “Replacement windows: how many years can they last?”
• Energy Saver: Energy Efficient Window Coverings
• Embodied Energy Coefficient
• Article: “Life Cycle of Window Materials – A Comparative Assessment”
• Green Building Solutions: What is Sustainable Building?
• How Low-e Glass Works
• Saint Gobain Glass: Position of the coating
• U.S. Forest Stewardship Council: Certification
• Ceres Climate Declaration
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: “What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?”
• Article: “What Does “FSC Certified” Mean?”
• Turkel Design
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: SmartWay
• SCS Global: Indoor Air Quality Certification – For Furniture and Building Materials
• Andersen: What Is Fibrex® Material?
• Andersen 100 Series windows and doors | Specs
• Milgard V300 Trinsic➢ Series Windows | Specs
• Pella® Impervia® Windows | Specs
• Marvin Elevate Casement Windows | Specs
• Milgard C650 Ultra➢ Series Windows | Specs
• Pella® 250 Series Windows | Specs
• Pella® Architect Series® Windows | Specs
• Andersen A-SERIES Casement Windows | Specs
• Milgard A250 Thermally Improved Aluminum Windows | Specs
• Jeld Wen Brickmould Vinyl Windows | Specs
• Jeld Wen DF➢ Hybrid Vinyl Awning Windows | Specs
• Andersen Aluminum E-SERIES Casement Windows | Specs
• Harvey Wood Majesty Awning Windows | Specs
• Harvey Vinyl Classic Double Hung Windows | Specs
• Comparison of Different Glass Configurations

 

SUMMARY

One Community has invested over 100 hours of research to develop a comprehensive understanding of the most sustainable windows and window companies and have used this knowledge to rank the best and most sustainable window companies and products. As we build our Earthbag Village and Duplicable City Center, we will continue to open source share our experiences with all the selected windows we use. This page will evolve with those details and any necessary additional research, making it a perfect guide for your use when selecting windows for your own projects.

 

FREQUENTLY ANSWERED QUESTIONS

Q: What does FSC mean?

FSC stands for the Forestry Stewardship Council, an organization which certifies that the wood supplied to various companies is sustainably sourced. Independent certification is important for companies claiming they offer the most sustainable windows.

Q: What does Low-E mean?

Low-E is an abbreviation of “low emissivity” and refers to glazes put on glass for blocking solar heat or reflecting radiant heat. The most sustainable windows use this to reduce air conditioning costs.

Q: What are VOC’s?

VOC stands for “volatile organic compound” and and are something the most sustainable windows avoid. These are a diverse set of chemicals most likely to be found indoors. VOC’s cause various adverse health effects and may be emitted as gasses from materials like paints, wood preservatives, air fresheners and even vinyl products.

Q: What are the most important factors to take into consideration when choosing the most sustainable windows?

The most important factors for determining the most sustainable windows are the insulation value (U-value), light transparency, and solar factor.