Climate change remains an abstract concept because many naturally downplay seemingly distant challenges that have not affected their daily lives. The ongoing Canadian wildfires, however, caused about 70 million people in the northern tier of the U.S. to experience climate change firsthand when they suddenly found themselves under poor air quality alerts that forced them […]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a settlement with Heritage-Crystal Clean LLC over alleged violations of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act at the company’s Indianapolis facility. EPA officials say the company has paid a penalty of $38,221 and conducted a supplemental environmental project to replace lead-contaminated windows at residential homes. “We […]

Earlier this week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued final recognition criteria for specific products to qualify as ENERGY STAR Most Efficient in 2023. Residential Windows and Sliding Glass Doors is one of 13 product categories that has recognition criteria, which includes: U-factor ≤ 0.20 in all Zones; SHGC in Northern Zone ≥ 0.20; […]

Defining Vinyl Sustainability Sustainability is commonly defined as the avoidance of depleting natural resources to maintain an ecological balance. Being sustainable is about people doing more with less. Vinyl products play a significant role in fulfilling these needs. At the same time, meeting the needs of a growing population requires more of the Earth’s natural […]

Home contractor Builders Service Company, which has served Western Washington residents for more than 48 years, has added ProVia Windows to its product offerings. In a press release, Builders Service Company says that, as a family-owned business founded in 1977, ProVia shares similar company values and is “ideally suited” for the partnership. ProVia manufactures vinyl […]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has delayed the release of the PVC Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards establishing emission limits and work practices at PVC production facilities. While the release has been delayed multiple times, the most recent one is for a much longer period of time as the final rule won’t be […]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shared an update on its Energy Star Most Efficient program for 2022 and proposed recognition criteria for 2023. As of June 2022, 3,308 models from 258 Energy Star partners meet the Most Efficient 2022 recognition criteria. There are 532 models of windows and sliding glass doors that meet the […]

Vytex Corporation of Twinsburg, Ohio, will pay a $112,346 civil penalty in relation to a settlement reached regarding alleged violations of the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced this week. The violation surrounded the timely distribution of the ‘Renovate Right’ pamphlet before beginning renovation activities at various […]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released details for Draft 2 of Energy Star 7.0 today, including several updates for doors and windows. Officials tell [DWM] updates to the proposed criteria result partly from industry comment, but also from fresh data gleaned from a new version of Energy Plus, the modeling software used to make […]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the launch of the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade, a series of high-impact, efficient electric improvements that the agency says can save the average family about $500 a year on utility bills. According to the agency, this expansion of its trademark ENERGY STAR program takes a market-based approach […]