Class Reflection October 23

The Jeld-Wen field trip gave me significant insight into the technical properties of windows, of which I had little knowledge. It is important that Jeld-Wen is a company who consider environmental issues when designing their products. The company's incorporation of recycled materials into both their molded interior doors and their PVC windows is positive, and their involvement in LEED projects is encouraging. However, I too am critical of Jeld-Wen's use of PVC, which comprises eighty-five percent of their window sales. Furthermore, the fact that only their premium line is SFI certified (uses sustainable forestry practices), leads me to question whether Jeld-Wen is a company that has actually become green, or whether their green initiatives are smoke and mirrors, in an effort to make the company appear green. Equally discouraging was the fact that Jeld-Wen's windows are designed by Engineers! I was disheartened by the fact that these windows are dominating the market, and their esthetics scream prefab suburban. Perhaps they will wise up and hire some U of M grads in future years!