Green Product of the Month: Crystal Windows Series 200 vinyl window line receives green approved product certification

According to Crystal Window & Door Systems, one of its leading product lines has received major industry recognition for its environmental benefits. The Crystal Series 200 vinyl window line has been certified as a Green Approved Product by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center. Crystal Windows is one of only half-dozen or so manufacturers to have products achieve this certification. The NAHB Green Approved Product designation signifies that the approved products have received independent third-party verification that they meet specific scoring criteria in the ICC-700 2008 National Green Building Standard. As such, the certified products are pre-approved for use by builders and contractors to earn points toward National Green Building Certification for their projects. The Crystal Series 200 Green Approved Products can contribute up to 15 points towards a new or renovated home's certification. The National Green Building Certification Program is one of the nation's leading initiatives driving green construction and the use of environmentally beneficial building materials and products. NAHB Research Center certified Green Approved Products are intended to provide builders with a simple, seamless product selection option. The NAHB Research Center has issued Crystal Windows a certificate for the Series 200 windows and listed the manufacturer and the certified product line on its website www.GreenApprovedProducts.com. Crystal is also now permitted to use the NAHB's "Green Approved" logo to promote the Series 200 vinyl window line. "I am extremely proud that our most popular vinyl window product line has achieved this prestigious national certification," said Steve Chen, executive vice president for Crystal. "Attaining NAHB Green Approved Product Certification, along with our other notable accomplishments, such as selection for the Department of Energy's R-5 Program, prove that Crystal's commitment to Energy Star and the ongoing pursuit of ever greater energy efficient, high caliber products was a very wise decision. Besides being the right thing to do for the environment, these efforts have helped drive our sales growth through the current prolonged economic downturn and will propel our sales in the future." The Green Approved Product Certification applies to Crystal Series 200 vinyl windows when ordered with the company's advanced Performa TC low-E glass coating and argon gas filling. The 3-¼" jamb windows feature 7/8" dual-glazed insulating glass units, beautiful styling and superior thermal performance which exceeds Energy Star® criteria. U-values for the Crystal Green Approved Products range from 0.27 to 0.29 and SHGC ratings are as low as 0.25. Crystal also offers an even more advanced version of the Series 200 line, the Ultra R-5, with U-values of 0.20 and 0.22. The Green Approved Series 200 is available in several styles including double-hung, picture, casement and slider. Windows can be ordered with between-the-glass grids, and they are available in two extruded colors and 10 exterior painted finishes. While the Series 200 is normally a replacement window, optional nailing fins and J-channels easily facilitate its use in new construction applications. The NAHB Research Center is an independent subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Originally founded in 1964 as a product testing laboratory, it is now a full-service consulting organization with a focus on improving quality, durability and environmental performance of housing. Besides being an accredited testing laboratory and inspection agency, the NAHB Research Center is the certifying body for the National Green Building Certification Program. Crystal Window & Door Systems is one of the top 50 manufacturers in North America of replacement and new construction vinyl and aluminum window and door products and high-end fenestration systems. Crystal offers a full product line, rapid order-to-delivery times, quality workmanship, innovative product features and outstanding value. Crystal operates branches, subsidiaries and affiliates in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, Connecticut, New Jersey, Illinois, and Massachusetts. Crystal is dedicated to practicing 'green' environmental initiatives in all aspects of corporate activities. For further information about Crystal and its products, call 718-961-7300, or visit the website at www.crystalwindows.com.