A simple guide to green building.

Everybody’s talking about green building.

No wonder. There’s no “green guideline” to follow. No national criteria that everybody agrees to. Instead, there are all sorts of national, regional and local programs with conflicting standards for what it means to be green. On top of that, the existing green certification programs are either too complicated or too inadequate. That’s why we developed this brochure. At Hurd, we’re committed to green manufacturing and green building. It’s very important to our planet. So we decided to sidestep the debate over the various green standards, and simply try to clarify what green building is all about. Because, as you’ll discover, there are many simple things any consumer, homebuilder or architect can do—starting today—to make his or her next home more environmentally-friendly.

If you do an Internet search on your computer, you’ll uncover more than 5,000,000 links to “green building.” Green building is becoming mainstream. But, even though everybody’s talking about it, most people are either a little confused or a lot confused. 88% of today’s consumers say they want a greener home, but they can’t articulate what that means. Even many builders and architects are still trying to get their arms around this new movement.

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encompasses design, site development, construction, operation, maintenance and even removal—in other words, the home’s entire lifecycle. Every home offers green opportunities. Some are no-brainers—options that don’t cost anything extra or even save money. Other green building practices might increase the cost of the home, but save significant amounts of money over time. Still other green measures might not have a financial payback, but be good for our planet. Probably the easiest decision any builder or homebuyer can make when it comes to green building is to simply choose Hurd windows and doors. They’re designed and built “up North” where the winters last several months and the summer sun is blazing. So, of necessity, Hurd products have always offered superior energy efficiency, durability and performance. In fact, we’ve been green since 1919. Of course, even we will admit that choosing Hurd is just a small start. You’ll find much more detailed information on the following pages.

A simple definition of green building.

Originally, a green home may have incorporated some recycled materials, used some sustainable lumber, or had energy-efficient windows. It even may have had some rather ugly solar panels on the roof. Today’s definition goes far beyond that. Green building brings together a vast array of design and building practices to lower a home’s consumption of natural resources and reduce its negative impact on the environment. Effective green building results in more efficient use of energy, materials and water. It lowers operating costs, improves homeowner comfort and health, and it can even lessen the strain on local infrastructure. Today, green building

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Every green building certification program has a list of practices for builders to follow. Unfortunately, as we’ve said, they’re all different. So we collected the various lists, plus green practices from editorial and research sources. We then combined them all, added some common language and some common sense, and developed the following, all-inclusive list. We should note, of course, that few people will be able to incorporate all these practices into a single home due to time, money or budget constraints. However, you can still make a significant difference by choosing your opportunities. Rather than trying to do everything, start doing something. Select the one or few green building practices that will yield the biggest performance improvements for your next home in your specific climatic region.

1. Energy efficiency. There’s little doubt that energy efficiency is driving the green building trend. Consumers are shocked by skyrocketing energy prices, and want to save energy for the sake of their wallets as well as for environmental reasons. The typical US family spends more than $1300 per year on energy. According to the Department of Energy, 10% to 50% of that is wasted. The largest single environmental impact of most homes is their ongoing consumption of energy. Thus, designing and building an energy-efficient home is the number one green building priority. It embraces energy efficiency in all aspects of the home; including the mechanical systems, appliances, windows, doors, lighting, landscaping and the entire envelope. It begins with the home design and the orientation of the home on the lot, and can go so far as to include the on-site generation of energy from renewable resources. Cost discussion. Energy conservation measures usually increase building costs, but those

increases are offset by significant savings in operating costs—usually repaying the investment within two to seven years. It may also be possible to pay for increased energy conservation measures through savings in heating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. When you increase a home’s energy efficiency, you may be able to downsize needed HVAC equipment. It costs little, if anything, to reposition windows, fine-tune the glazing, or modify the orientation of a home during design, yet it can help reduce heating or cooling loads in a home. (For more on fine-tuning your glazing, see page 12).

2. Sustainable site development. With proper planning and design techniques, you can preserve the natural environment, enhance the building site, and minimize disturbance of the land. This includes the use of such tactics as reducing erosion, minimizing paved surfaces, protecting vegetation—especially trees—and lessening storm water runoff and the heat island effect. Looking at the big picture, green site development can help preserve or even restore local ecosystems and biodiversity. Cost discussion. In some cases, sustainable site development actually costs less than standard building practices. For instance, carefully planned infiltration basins and measures to reduce impermeable surfaces are often less costly than building conventional storm sewers or large detention ponds. Protecting existing trees and other vegetation may increase costs slightly, but it can also boost property value and reduce the amount you spend on plantings following construction. Saving shade trees may even result in reduced cooling loads and allow downsizing of AC equipment.

It’s easy being green.

3. Use of environmentally- friendly materials. Building materials are considered environmentally-friendly if they are renewable, reusable, recyclable and/or non-toxic. This includes materials like certified sustainable lumber or products such as windows or flooring that contain some recycled or reused material. This practice also calls for avoiding products that contain ozone-depleting HCFCs and VOCs, toxic contents like benzene and arsenic, and materials made from limited natural resources, like old-growth timber. There’s another aspect to consider when specifying or selecting green building materials. In order for materials to truly have a low environmental impact, they also need to be resource-efficient. In other words, how much energy is used to create—and transport—that material? Cost discussion. As with all green building practices, we need to consider labor as a part of the cost discussion. In this instance, some green materials have a lower cost, but may require more labor than standard practices. And vice versa. In general, however, as green materials have become more mainstream, their availability has increased dramatically and their prices have dropped.

4. Conservation of materials. Obviously, whatever materials you’re using, you can reduce environmental impact and cut your costs by simply using less. This calls for a conscious effort to optimize material usage within the home’s design. Further, it means maximizing the efficiency of usage during construction, and reducing waste. It also entails reuse and recycling of job site waste. It’s even as simple as recycling those rechargeable batteries. You can conserve materials by designing a smaller home, using standardized dimensions, or simplifying the geometry of the home to utilize materials more efficiently and reduce cut-off waste. Every room that’s not built on a 2-foot increment results in unnecessary waste of lumber and trim. Every time you bury extra concrete in a foundation, you’re wasting resources. Every carpeted room that measures a few inches over 12 feet is an inefficient use of a 12-foot roll of carpet. Cost discussion. This measure should save you money, although it may require extra design time. Since you pay to buy materials, and then you pay again to throw them away, anytime you can reduce the amount of material going to the landfill, you’ve saved money and resources and helped the environment. In large projects, the savings can be very significant. A comprehensive job-site waste recycling program uses additional labor for separating materials. However, some construction waste can be sold, enabling you to recover the added costs. And you already know that using standardizing dimensions reduces on-site labor for measuring and cutting.

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5. Water conservation. Nationally, we don’t have a water shortage. But in many areas of the Southwest, the Southern plains and Florida, water demand already exceeds supply. In those regions, future development and long-term economic survival are dependent upon water conservation. However, even where water is plentiful, water conservation can still reduce the impact on wells and water treatment plants (lessening the strain on local infrastructure) and yield significant benefits. Water conservation is as simple as installing water-efficient plumbing products and appliances. Outdoors, it means landscaping that’s designed to use less water and manage storm water responsibly. Conventional practice is to carry storm water off-site in storm sewers. A better approach is to allow for the replenishment of ground water and reduce downstream flooding. In the most extreme example, harvested rainwater is collected and stored for later use. Cost discussion. There are usually few if any additional costs associated with substituting water-efficient equipment. Other aspects of water conservation can result in lower water and sewage bills, but most of these practices will add to the cost of the project.

6. Improved indoor air quality. Shockingly, the air pollution levels inside a typical home—even a brand new one—can be five times higher than the levels found outside. No wonder the EPA lists indoor air pollution as one of its top five public health concerns.

Plastic housewrap has reduced the infiltration of outside air into the average home by as much as 50%. This dramatically reduces the amount of energy required to heat or cool the home. However, as home envelopes get tighter, things like dust, allergens, VOCs, mold and emissions from various indoor sources can become concentrated in the indoor air. In this case, green building practices produce a healthier, more comfortable indoor environment. This means using high-performance mechanical equipment and air distribution systems, certainly. Proper humidity, duct sealing and air filtration will all help to make a home healthier. And it also means avoiding materials with high rates of VOC offgassing (such as standard particleboard and certain carpets, adhesives, stains and paints). Balancing venting, controlling moisture, and bringing in more daylight will all help to minimize mold and mildew. Cost discussion. While most of these measures will increase construction costs, they can be justified based on the increased health and well-being of occupants. Additionally, there are long-term savings to consider. Air leakage from a poorly sealed building envelope and leaking ductwork can waste tremendous amounts of a home’s heating and cooling energy. The typical home loses 15% to 20% of its heat or air-conditioning from duct leakage alone. This is an expensive waste of energy, and also requires the HVAC to work harder. Eliminating this problem could enable you to use smaller HVAC equipment.

7. Green on a grand scale. Perhaps the epitome of green building is to develop entire communities in such a way as to reduce dependence on the automobile. This measure requires mixed-use development so residents can walk to work or the store. It incorporates easy access to public transit and paths for pedestrians and bicycles. It includes home offices and, rather than daily commuting, it offers telecommuting. Cost discussion. If you’re grand enough to develop an entire community, you know far more about costs than we do.

According to industry estimates, if you were to build a home as green as possible, it could cost you 20% to 30% more than traditional construction. However, at least one builder states that his green homes normally cost only 2% to 4% more than normal. As we all know, long-term savings repay most of those additional costs. But even short-term, there are ways to get paid back. There are significant federal tax credits available to builders of energy-efficient homes—as much as $2000 per home. States also offer a variety of energy conservation incentives—from cash rebates to low-interest loans. There are also incentive programs available from many electric utilities. Most consumers have never heard of the energy-efficient mortgage even though it’s been

around since 1979. Now referred to as a green mortgage, it’s suddenly getting more attention. It’s a Fannie Mae product that essentially enables a consumer to qualify for a higher priced energy-efficient home because the expected energy savings (usually $150 to $200 per month) can be added to the borrower’s income. Another way to prove that green building doesn’t have to cost more is to look at resale considerations. These days, a green home doesn’t look any different than the other homes on the block. But given its earth-friendly attributes and its potential for long-term savings, it will likely sell more quickly than an equivalent traditional construction, and possibly at the upper end of the price range.

Will it really pay off?

8. Don’t just build green; be green. Today, it’s more than what you build. It’s how you live. Whether you’re a builder, a buyer or an architect, we’re all consumers. Our companies and our private lives need to become more environmentally-friendly. Recycling, conserving energy, using fuel-efficient vehicles, and selecting non-toxic, earth-friendly, resource-efficient products are all ways to reduce our impact on the planet we call home. Cost discussion. The fact of the matter is that most Americans and most corporations have taken on some green habits. Everywhere you look, things that used to be routinely thrown away are now being recycled into something useful. We may have a long way to go, but overall we’ve discovered that protecting the environment is a great investment.

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Hurd products feature solid, wood construction. Nothing flimsy. We believe in being earth-friendly, so we partner with responsible wood suppliers and growers. Our sealants and adhesives are very low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). All wood that will be exposed to the elements is protected by our CoreGuard™ treatment. This proprietary process protects the wood from moisture—right down to the core—and extends the life and durability of the product. The CoreGuard ingredients are non-volatile, and are among the most environmentally-friendly preservatives available. Additionally, we take extra care in the selection and installation of all our materials, including weather-stripping and the use of special weather checks as further barriers to air and moisture infiltration.

Of course, we offer the most advanced insulated glass and glazing technologies. We offer eight different options: from low-E, to sun or sound control, to laminated shatter-resistant protection. Most of our glazing options carry the Energy Star qualification. And nearly every window we make bears an NFRC certification label giving full disclosure of its energy efficiency, solar heat gain coefficient, air leakage and light transmittance. Windows with low-E coatings typically cost about 10% to 15% more than regular windows, but they reduce energy loss by as much as 30% to 50%. At Hurd, we use only soft coat low-E coatings because their energy performance is superior to the alternative hard coat films.

Saves on energy costs when compared to single-pane glass. The lowest-cost energy-efficient glazing option. Insulated glass with single-surface Low-E coating.Improved energy efficiency that lets the sunshine in while reducing solar heat gain. Blocks harmful UV rays. Excellent clarity.

Insulated glass with dual-surface Low-E coatings. Optimum thermal performance to reduce heat transfer in or out, making your home more comfortable in both winter and summer.

Insulated glass with a single-pane Low-E coating and tinting. Reduces sun glare, minimizes solar heat gain and blocks harmful UV rays.

Single-pane laminated glass. Reduces perceived noise by up to 50%. Reduces risk of injury resulting from broken glass. Blocks 99.9% of UV rays.

Special impact window construction with laminated glass. Three layers of high strength and shatter resistance. Built to withstand even hurricane conditions. Blocks 99.9% of UV rays.

Special impact window construction with laminated insulated glass. Four layers of superior strength and shatter resistance, plus optimal energy efficiency and sound control. Blocks 99.9% of UV rays.

Blocks 99.9% of UV rays. Superior protection from fading of furnishings, flooring, drapery, pictures. Minimizes heating and cooling costs while maximizing natural daylight.

Glass & glazing types Benefits Best use

Mild climates where heating and cooling costs are not a concern. Moderate climates where heating and cooling costs are a seasonal concern.

Cold climates where heat loss and heating costs are a primary concern.

Warm climates where sun control is a primary concern. For rooms with large expanses of glass or long sun exposure.

For any high-noise area and all applications requiring safety glazing.

Mild-climate coastal locations with high winds and frequent storms.

Extreme coastal locations with high winds and frequent storms where energy efficiency is a concern.

Wherever you need to protect your furnishings while keeping the heat where you want it—regardless of the season.

Insulated glass

Low-E glass

Climate Control™

Super Sun Blocker™

Sound Control

Hurd FeelSafe™

laminated glass

Hurd FeelSafe™

laminated insulated glass

ClimaGuard SPF™

As an Energy Star® partner, Hurd is dedicated to designing and building energy-efficient windows and patio doors. Products with the Energy Star label are twice as efficient as those produced just ten years ago.

ClimaGuard SPF is one of the only glazing solutions available today that is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective UV protectant.

Hurd ComfortGlazeTMOptions

A smart fade protection option available with Hurd ComfortGlaze Low-E, Climate Control and Super Sun Blocker glass.

Hurd. Our green story in black & white.

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Even today’s high performance windows represent the single, least-insulated portion of a home. (After all, they are“openings.”) However, with the right fine-tuning, they can provide not only daylighting, but also such energy-efficient benefits as reducing solar heat gain in the summer and capturing it in the winter. To help you get the most out of Hurd’s advanced glazing technologies, we’ve developed an entire system of glass and glazing options. The Hurd ComfortGlaze™ system enables you to select the specific glazing option that’s best for any window in the home—any orientation, any exposure, any angle of the sun, any climate. Regardless of which climatic region you’re in, smart design and thoughtful building decisions on your part can dramatically improve the performance of your windows. You can accomplish this by how the home is oriented on the site, the size and location of the windows, and the performance characteristics of the glazings used. Specifying different glazings for different window orientations can improve energy performance and homeowner comfort at little or no additional cost.

Afternoon sun and heat

Cold winter winds

Street noise Midday sun and heat

How to fine-tune your windows.

99.9% UV perfection. At least one of our glazing options deserves special mention. Our ClimaGuard SPF™ blocks 99.9% of UV-A and UV-B rays while also blocking solar heat gain. It’s the first clear glass treatment that dramatically reduces fading, and extends the useful life of your furniture, floor and wall coverings, photographs and even window treatments. While standard low-E glass has a fade protection factor of only 7, ClimaGuard SPF is rated at an amazing 50+. And, since it’s clear, it minimizes heating and cooling costs while maximizing natural daylight. ClimaGuard SPF can be used in combination with any Low E glazing to provide tuned solar control, and is available on nearly all Hurd windows and patio doors.

In colder northern climates, the focus is on reducing heat loss while maximizing the potential for solar heat gain in the winter. This calls for siting a home to locate more or larger windows on the south-facing orientation, and using a glazing with a high solar heat gain coefficient on those windows. Similarly, it calls for fewer or smaller north-facing windows. Normally, north-facing windows are less demanding of solar control.

In the warmer regions of the country, the obvious goal is to keep the heat outside. When feasible, site the home to minimize solar orientation and maximize prevailing breezes. Particularly effective strategies include preferential use of north-facing windows and generously shaded (either by overhangs or shade trees) south-facing windows. A glazing with low solar heat gain coefficient will reduce cooling loads. East- and west-facing windows also need solar control.

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Hurd windows and doors are custom made with close attention to every detail of fit and finish. Even today, we still build them carefully and proudly by hand. So they not only look better, they also perform better. Take a close look at Hurd. You’ll appreciate our distinctive designs, our limitless options and our uncompromising quality. We share your commitment to perfection.

Indulge the perfectionist within you.

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Hurd Windows & Doors, Inc., 575 South Whelen Avenue, Medford, WI 54451 Phone: 1-800-223-4873 Fax: 715-748-6043 Email: Perfection@Hurd.com www.Hurd.com ©2008 Hurd Windows & Doors, Inc. We reserve the right to change product specifications without notice. Photography used may not represent current Hurd product features and options. ClimaGuard SPF is a trademark of Guardian Industries Corp. # 940108-1/08

We think of perfection as a journey. It’s something we strive for every day in every product we make. And even though we may never achieve absolute perfection, the quest for it has given our Hurd family a tremendous amount of pride and satisfaction. We think you’ll sense it in the beauty and performance of Hurd windows and doors.

What is perfection?