RESEARCH

Life Cycle Assessment of North American Residential and Commercial Windows

This project is a full cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) study of residential and commercial window systems. The results of the LCA study may be incorporated into rating systems like the ENERGY STAR program, and included in LCA software and calculation tools to support the needs of manufacturers, product-specifiers, and purchasers.

While the proposed study scope is case study based – looking at over 150 window variations – it will also result in a modular database whereby additional window permutations and combinations may be assessed. This database may be made publicly available via the US LCI Database. This deliverable makes possible the modeling of a specific window type for inclusion in other LCA studies, as well as the development of calculation tools that allow customization of results to a wider audience.

Life Cycle Assessment of North American Residential and Commercial Windows: Life Cycle Goal & Scope Specification

Life Cycle Assessment of North American Residential and Commercial Windows: Work Plan and Preliminary Budget