What Makes a Window Covering Eco-Friendly?
“Going green” is more than just a buzz-word. The more aware people are about dangers to the environment, they more they seek out products that are eco-friendly. This is true when it comes to window treatments, too. We have many clients throughout the Charleston area who ask us about green window coverings. We carry a wide variety of window coverings that meet the strict standards set by environmental agencies, including the Greenguard Certification.
There are three “green” characteristics that contribute to a window treatment being considered eco-friendly.
- Energy Efficiency – Reduces heat loss and is good for the environment and good for your wallet.
- R-Value – Lets you know how effective the window treatment material is at preventing heat loss.
- Eco-Friendly – Window treatments manufactured without the release of greenhouse gases, generating waste, or using non-renewable toxic materials.
Greenguard Certified Window Coverings
The Greenguard certification is all-encompassing. Greenguard is an industry-independent organization that’s main goal is to improve our quality of life by enhancing indoor air quality and reducing our exposure to chemicals and other pollutants. Greenguard Certification means the manufacturer has met or exceeded standards to define products and processes with low chemical and particle emissions for use indoors. These standards are primarily for building materials, finishes, interior furnishings, furniture, cleaning products and electronic equipment. The standards establish certification procedures including test methods, allowable emission levels, product sample collection and handling, testing type and frequency as well as program application processes, toxicity limits and acceptance.
Think of windows as energy holes. Even with today’s sealed double-pane windows, closed windows still allow 10-15 times more heat energy to flow through them. So, if windows make up about 10% of a home’s insulated shell, that could mean up to half of your heating and cooling utility bill is flowing through your windows. Most quality window coverings offer some insulation. Top industry manufacturers have dedicated product lines that are built for energy efficiency. Hunter Douglas, for example, has the most energy efficient honeycomb shade available and all their products are Greenguard Certified.
Eco-Friendly Window Treatments in Charleston SC
Serving the greater Charleston area, the window treatment professionals at the Shutter Guy are trained to assist you in the selection of the right treatment for YOUR windows! Our knowledgeable and experienced staff knows how to ask the right questions to ensure your new window treatments exceed your expectations. Contact us to schedule a consultation, and be sure to check out our Calling Out Cancer program to see how a percentage of your purchase with us goes toward cancer support and research.