Why is sustainable window design important?

• It connects the building occupants to the sun and the natural world.
• It supports a net zero energy design with passive strategies for lighting, heating, cooling and ventilation.
• It allows the occupants to control their environment which promotes health and productivity.

Our strategy for developing a sustainable window design considers the relative impact while maintaining the architectural look and feel of the project.

Important elements for the rating system factor requirements for sustainable design development:

• Percentage of window area to total exterior wall area
• Vertical Fenestration Area (% of Wall Area)
• U – Factor – Measures the rate of heat transfer through a building element over a given area, under standardized conditions
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient – refers to the increase in temperature in a space, object or structure that results from solar radiation
• Visible Light Transmittance – the percentage of visible light that passes through a window or material
• Air Leakage – amount of air that leaks through the building envelope
• Condensation Resistance – the resistance of the formation of condensation on a scale from 1 to 100

During the project consulting process Green SEED offers :

• Specification Review and Analysis
• Evaluation of the energy requirement to meet specified design standards (LEED/ TN State Sustainable Design Guidelines/ Earth Craft…etc.. )
• Conceptual energy modeling
• Sun map diagram
• Qualification of products and manufacturers based on specific design criteria
• Samples, submittals and budgets for vertical fenestration systems
• Coordination meetings with all parties (Architects, Design Consultants, Contractors, Owners Representatives)
• Final installation audit

These services allow all parties involved to see the details of the projects window and door efficiency and effectiveness as it results to green building design and functionality.  Green SEED is a resource for the architectural community.  From conceptual design to project development or product placement based on the owner’s green building requirements, Green SEED is the right choice for your next Green Building project.