Green Building - Energy Efficiency - Tax Credits

The exciting green building/energy efficiency news for us is a truly revolutionary new glass product patented as Zo-e-Shield. Read about what we think of this new glass.

According to the Zo-e-shield™ web site, here in Texas we can save, on average, 27% of our energy cost as compared to clear double pane windows by incorporating Zo e Shield 5 or 6 windows. There are major other benefits in addition to energy savings. Read more about Zo-e-shield™ and at ebuild and/or please stop by our showroom for a demonstration of this amazing new glass. And then work with us to design and install "The World's Best Energy Glass" windows for you.

"The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality."

At the USGBC website you'll find a LEED for Homes Pilot Rating System and a useful checklist, LEED for Homes Project Checklist.

You  can even join USGBC!

The U.S. Department of Energy has a long-standing program called ENERGY STAR. At the ENERGY STAR website you can find out about how to build or renovate or buy products that are qualifed as Energy Stars. The page on Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights explains what to look for in those products -- Energy Star qualification. You can also get information on Tax Credits under the Energy Bill.

As an ENERGY STAR partner, Classic Openings is proud to offer you products with the ENERGY STAR label.

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is a third party, non-profit organization that sponsors certified rating and labeling programs to help consumers compare the energy and performance features of windows, doors, and skylights. The energy performance of all ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights must be independently tested and certified according to test procedures established by the National Fenestration Rating Council.

A very useful service on the NFRC web site is the NFRC Certified Products Directory which has energy performance information on over 1.67 million fenestration product options listed by over 500 manufacturers.