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Published by Tecnoglass, 2021-04-19 12:01:47

Window Wall and Storefront Window EPD

Window Wall and Storefront Window EPD

ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION

WINDOW WALL AND STOREFRONT WINDOW

ES WINDOWS

Window Walls are an aluminum framed system used primarily on mid- and ES Windows, a Tecnoglass Inc. company, is
high-rise commercial and residential buildings. Window Walls are forging ahead with innovative sustainable
prefabricated and can accommodate multiple conditions while saving solutions for both commercial and
installation time at the job site. residential buildings. Each year, ES
Windows evaluates progress in these
ES Window's Storefront systems are designed to meet the performance and crucial areas, setting new goals while
aesthetic requirements for a wide range of applications and are compatible considering the economic, social and
with their curtain wall, window wall, window, and door products. environmental impact of their products.

ES Windows specializes in the production
and commercialization of aluminum and
glass windows and facades. Through
Tecnoglass Inc., ES Windows is able to
vertically source aluminum profiles, crystals
and windows to provide lower production
times and ensure high quality products.

The purpose of this EPD is to access the
environmental impacts of our products
while providing design teams with the
documentation they need towards green
building rating systems.

This EPD was not written to support comparative assertions. Even for similar products,
differences in declared unit, use and end-of-life stage assumptions and data quality may
produce incomparable results. It is not recommended to compare EPDs with another
organization, as there may be differences in methodology, assumptions, allocation
methods, data quality such as variability in data sets and results of variability in
assessment software tools used.

Window Wall and Storefront Window According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804
Windows and Doors

This declaration is an environmental product declaration (EPD) in accordance with ISO 14025. EPDs rely
on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to provide information on a number of environmental impacts of products
over their life cycle. Exclusions: EPDs do not indicate that any environmental or social performance
benchmarks are met, and there may be impacts that they do not encompass. LCAs do not typically address
the site-specific environmental impacts of raw material extraction, nor are they meant to assess human health
toxicity. EPDs can complement but cannot replace tools and certifications that are designed to address these impacts
and/or set performance thresholds – e.g. Type 1 certifications, health assessments and declarations, environmental
impact assessments, etc. Accuracy of Results: EPDs regularly rely on estimations of impacts, and the level of accuracy
in estimation of effect differs for any particular product line and reported impact. Comparability: EPDs are not
comparative assertions and are either not comparable or have limited comparability when they cover different life cycle
stages, are based on different product category rules or are missing relevant environmental impacts. EPDs from different
programs may not be comparable.

PROGRAM OPERATOR UL Provided
DECLARATION HOLDER ES Windows
DECLARATION NUMBER UL Provided

DECLARED PRODUCT 1.5m x 1.3m

REFERENCE PCR IBU; Part B: Requirements on the EPD for Windows and Doors (UL Addendum)

DATE OF ISSUE UL Provided

PERIOD OF VALIDITY 5 Years

Product definition and information about building physics

Information about basic material and the material’s origin

CONTENTS OF THE Description of the product’s manufacture
DECLARATION Indication of product processing
Information about the in-use conditions

Life cycle assessment results

Testing results and verifications

The PCR review was conducted by: UL Provided
UL Provided

UL Provided

This declaration was independently verified in accordance with ISO

14025 by Underwriters Laboratories

☐ INTERNAL ☒ EXTERNAL UL Provided

This life cycle assessment was independently verified in
accordance with ISO 14044 and the reference PCR by:

UL Provided

Window Wall and Storefront Window According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804
Windows and Doors

Product Description

Description of Company

ES Windows, a Tecnoglass Inc. company, is a leading manufacturer in the industry of high-specification architectural
windows and doors for the residential and commercial construction market. Headquartered in Barranquilla, Colombia,
Tecnoglass Inc. operates out of a 2.7 million square foot vertically‐integrated, state‐of‐the‐art manufacturing complex
that provides easy access to the Americas, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Tecnoglass Inc. supplies products to over
1,000 customers in North, Central and South America, with the United States accounting for more than 80% of
revenue.

Energía Solar ES Windows was established in 1984 as an artisanal solar heater business and since 1988 has become
involved in the production and commercialization of aluminum and glass windows and facades for residential and
commercial projects. Tecnoglass SAS was established in 1994 as a manufacturer of tempered, laminated, insulating
and other processed glass products. Alutions by Tecnoglass was established in 2007, reinforcing the group´s vertical
integration strategy and strengthening its production cycle with the manufacturing of aluminum profiles, crystals and
windows providing lower production times and even more competitive prices. ES Windows was acquired by
Tecnoglass Inc. in 2016, further enhancing its vertical integration operations and allowing the company to efficiently
serve its rapidly expanding U.S. customer base.

Today, Tecnoglass Inc. includes Energía Solar ES Windows, Tecnoglass, Alutions and ES Windows, which are all
conveniently headquartered on the Barranquilla campus to streamline production and provide the highest quality
products to their customers. Over the years, Tecnoglass Inc. has gained industry recognition and prowess through its
ability to respond to market demand for high quality products, competitive prices, and timely delivery.

Tecnoglass Inc. hopes to sustain their competitive advantage through consistent investment in R&D, innovative new
products, and increased geographic diversification. They are focused on continuous improvement across all aspects of
their business and are constantly updating business strategies and streamlining initiatives to achieve their vision – to
be a worldwide leader of high-quality architectural products and innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
Supported by a team of highly trained and motivated employees, Tecnoglass Inc. is well on its way to achieving this
ambition. In a demonstration of their commitment to this cause, Tecnoglass Inc. has joined the UN’s Global Compact
program, which consolidates the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiatives.

Product Description

The products under study are 1.5m x 1.3m Window Walls and Storefront Windows (including frame). These windows
are produced in many sizes, and the composition of the ingredients is based on customer needs and specifications.
While multiple products have slightly different composition, the composition in this EPD is considered representative of
the Window Wall and the Storefront Window product lines. For further description and percent mass compositions,
please refer to the Baseline and Ancillary Materials section below.

Window Wall and Storefront Window products manufactured at ES Windows are pre-assembled and pre-glazed
window products that are compatible with other ES Windows products. These products are available in different
architectural shapes with options for painted aluminum, anodized aluminum or wood grain finishes.

The following window products are covered by this EPD:

Window Wall and Storefront Window According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804
Windows and Doors

Window Wall

ES-7000/7100

ES-7000 and ES-7100 are pre-assembled and pre-glazed window wall systems,
ready to be installed. The ES-7000 is compatible with the ES-9000 impact door
and are fabricated with screw spline construction.

ES-7500/7600

ES-7500 and ES-7600 are pre-assembled and pre-glazed window wall systems
ready to be installed. These products are compatible with the ES-9000 impact door
and are fabricated with screw spline construction.

ES-W425

ES-W425 is a 4” unitized thermally-broken window wall, ideal for low to medium rise
applications. This system is designed with polyamide struts for a superior
performance and dual finish capability.

ES-W525

ES-W525, with its 5” deep mullions, completes the 2 1/2” sightline thermally-broken
window wall family, which covers a wide range of structural requirements, and
maintains the excellent performance of the polyamide system and its dual finish
capability.

Window Wall and Storefront Window According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804
Windows and Doors

ES-W625

ES-W625 is a 6” unitized thermally-broken window wall, designed to meet the
performance and aesthetic requirements for a wide range of applications. The polyamide
struts, besides its excellent thermal performance, allows dual finish design flexibility.

ES-W725
ES-W725 is a 7” unitized thermally-broken window wall, designed to meet the
performance and aesthetic requirements for a wide range of applications. This special
design integrates a glass slab cover to give a fully structurally glazed curtain wall
appearance.

ES-WW1025T
ES-WW1025T is a 10” unitized thermally-broken window wall that can accommodate
multiple conditions and saves installation time at the job site. This system is designed
with polyamide struts for a superior performance and dual finish capability.

ES-WW1032

ES-WW1032 is a 10 1/2” impact resistant window wall system. This product is compatible
with the ES-9000 impact door. It features four side captured glazing and deeper verticals
for larger spans.

Window Wall and Storefront Window According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804
Windows and Doors

ES-WW38

ES-WW38 is a thermally-broken window wall system designed in 4”, 5”, 6”, 7” and 8”
frame depth. This special design integrates a glass slab cover to give a fully structurally
glazed curtain wall appearance. The ES-WW38 also offers superior air and water
performance.

ES-WW8832

ES-WW8832 is an 8 7/8” impact-rated window wall system. Compatible with the ES-9000
impact door, it features structural silicone glazing at intermediate verticals and horizontals
and has heavy duty extrusions for additional resistance.

ES-8860

ES-8860 is a 7” window wall designed to meet the performance and aesthetic
requirements for a wide range of applications.

GW-5250

GW-5250 is a thermally improved impact-rated window wall. This product meets the most
stringent Miami Dade County specifications and its design is attractive for a wide range of
applications.

Window Wall and Storefront Window According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804
Windows and Doors

Storefront Window

ES-8000

ES-8000 is an impact-resistant storefront system. This product is pre-assembled with
screw spline construction and pre-glazed ready to install. The ES-8000 is compatible with
the ES-9000 impact door.

ES-8000T
ES-8000T is an impact-resistant, thermal storefront system. This product is isolated with
pour and debridge for a superior thermal performance. The ES-8000T storefront system is
compatible with the ES-9000 impact door.

ES-9500
ES-9500 is an impact-resistant storefront system. This product is pre-assembled and pre-
glazed, making it a practical design. It has been tested and developed to meet the most
stringent impact requirements. The ES-9500 is compatible with the ES-9000 impact door.

Product Use and Application
ES Windows’ products are constructed per customer specification and are applicable to a wide range of commercial
and residential building projects. Their use and application are outside the scope of this EPD.
Technical Data

Window Wall and Storefront Window According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804
Windows and Doors

Table 1 - Window Wall and Storefront Window Technical Data

Name Value Unit

Thermal Transmittance (U-Factor) 0.33 Btu/hr*ft2*°F

Solar Heat-Gain Coefficient (SHGC) 0.17 -

Condensation Resistance Factor (CRFf) 62 -

Water Infiltration 19.5 PSf

Design Load 130/-130 PSf

Impact Resistance Complies -

Window Performance Class N/A -

Performance Grade N/A -

Delivery Status

Window product dimensions and quantities will vary based on customer specifications.
Baseline and Ancillary Materials

The following table describes the material composition of Window Wall and Storefront Window products manufactured
at ES Windows.

Table 2 – Window Wall and Storefront Window Composition

Constituent % Composition
Processed Glass 75.20 – 76.43
Anodized Aluminum Trim 21.00 – 21.78
Gasket 0.43 – 0.75
Sealant 791 Silicone Waterproofing 0 - 0.31
Sealant 983 Structural Glazing Sealant 1.04 - 2.82

Manufacture

Processed glass and aluminum extrusions are manufactured within the same manufacturing facility in Barranquilla,
Colombia and are internally transported to the ES Windows facility for final fabrication into window products. This
reduces emissions in transit to the final manufacturing location. Once all products have undergone quality inspection,
the aluminum extrusion is cut to customer specifications and the frame is assembled including the addition of a gasket
and silicone sealer. The finished window product is then packaged and distributed to the customer.

Environment and Health During Manufacturing

ES Windows is committed to reducing its environmental impact and to the health and safety of its employees. Through
their core values, ES Windows places a responsibility to be accountable for their actions and interactions with the
environment and stakeholders. This is emphasized in the code of conduct which includes respecting human rights and
the rights of employees in addition to protecting the environment and surroundings through sustainable production
processes. To reduce energy consumption, ES Windows has installed a solar panel system to offset energy needed
from the local grid. For the efficient use of water, saving devices are used, water consumption is monitored, leaks are
analyzed and repaired, and awareness campaigns are utilized to make employees aware of sustainable objectives.

Window Wall and Storefront Window According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804
Windows and Doors

Product Processing/ Installation

ES Windows products should be installed by qualified contractors, adhering to best industry standards and according
to all applicable building codes in the local jurisdiction. The installation and use stages are outside the scope of this
EPD.

Packaging

Shipments of window products are delivered to customers at the project site in cardboard packaging. ES Windows
requests that customers dispose of the packaging materials in the appropriate disposal/recycling streams in
accordance with their local guidelines.

Conditions of Use

ES Windows’ products are intended primarily for construction applications for commercial and residential building
projects.

Environment of Health During Use

There is no harmful emissive potential for Window Walls or Storefront Windows. No damage to health or impairment is
expected under normal use corresponding to the intended use of the product.

Reference Service Life

This EPD does not cover the product use phase and therefore makes no specific claim as to the typical reference for
service life.

Extraordinary Effects

Fire: No negative environmental impact will result from exposure to fire.
Water: Product contains no substances that would have an impact on water quality during a flooding event.
Mechanical Destruction: No danger to the environment can be anticipated during mechanical destruction.
Re-use Phase

Reuse or recycling of Window Wall and Storefront Window products should be considered where feasible.
Disposal

ES Window products are not considered a hazardous material, so it may be disposed via typical, non-hazardous waste
stream classifications and disposable routes. Nevertheless, ES Windows encourages the repurposing of products due
to their ease and versatility of reuse. When not suitable for reuse, recycling options are typically available and should
be investigated rather than introducing the product to the waste stream. Aluminum is highly recyclable and should be
recycled where outlets are available. Glass has a potential for reuse and hence should be reused wherever possible
before introducing it to the landfill waste stream. Glass is considered a non-combustible material and is not suitable for
waste to energy.

Further Information

Window Wall and Storefront Window According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804
Windows and Doors

For further information, please visit https://eswindows.com/ or contact at [email protected].

Life Cycle Assessment

Declared Unit

The declared unit is one 1.5m x 1.3m unit of Window Wall and/or Storefront Window.

Table 3 - Window Wall and Storefront Window Declared Unit

Name Value Unit

Declared Unit 1 unit

Mass per Declared Unit 111.87 – 115.77 kg

Conversion Factor to 1 kg 0.0086 – 0.0089 -

System Boundary

The system boundary includes cradle-to-gate with options. The product stages A1-A3 were included and transport to
the customer construction site (A4) was also considered. The use phase and end of life stages (C1-C3) were excluded
from this analysis with the exception of end of life disposal (C4), which includes recycling and landfilling. Since this
LCA uses cut-off allocation, recycling from module D is not considered and its benefits beyond the system boundary
are not included.

Table 4 - Description of the System Boundary

Product Construction Use End-of-Life Benefits of loads
Installation beyond the system

boundary

Raw Material
Extraction and

Processing
Transport
Manufacturing
Transport
Construction/
Installation

Use
Maintenance

Repair
Replacement
Refurbishment
Operational
Energy Use
Operational Water

Use
De-Construction/

Demolition
Transport
Waste Processing
Disposal

Reuse
Recovery
Recycling

A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 C1 C2 C3 C4 D D D

X X X X MND MND MND MND MND MND MND MND MND MND MND X MND MND MND

Estimates and Assumptions

The major assumptions for the development of this EPD are listed below:

• Ecoinvent v3.5 database with cut-off allocation processes is used as the primary database source for
conducting the LCA in SimaPro.

• Certain raw materials are not entirely modelled but selected from the Ecoinvent v3.5 database.
• Certain materials, for which the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) was not provided, or which had missing components,

were modelled as proxy chemical compounds in approximation with similar products and/or best available
practices.
• The LCA results in this EPD are for the Window Wall GW as this product has the highest environmental impact

Window Wall and Storefront Window According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804
Windows and Doors

amongst all window wall and storefront window products. Hence, Window Wall GW is considered to be
representative of other Window Wall and Storefront Window products.

Cut-off Criteria

Processes whose total contribution was less than 1% of the product mass or contribute less than 1% to all considered
impact categories were excluded.

All material flows that exit the system and whose total contribution was more than 1% of the total impact in that impact
category were included.

For the processes within the system boundary, all available energy and material flow data have been included in the
model.

Background Data

Primary data was collected from the manufacturer from the 2018 calendar year, representing the latest data available.
Each dataset used was taken from SimaPro databases, either ecoinvent v3.5, US-EI 2.2 or US LCI. These databases
are widely distributed and referenced within the LCA community and are either partially or fully critically reviewed.

Data Quality

Throughout the creation of the LCA models, a variety of tests and checks were done to ensure the highest of quality of
the completed analysis. Checks include an extensive review of the model and the background data.

To ensure precision, completeness, consistency and representativeness of the data, first-hand industry data and
reliable LCI data from ecoinvent v3.5, US-EI 2.2 and US LCI databases were used. Processes and data used are
representative of the global geographical range and the standard or best available practices.

Period Under Review

First-hand industrial data collected from ES Windows is representative of ES Windows’ production for the 2018
calendar year. However, data used from the LCI databases in SimaPro has a wide temporal range from 1979 to 2020.

Allocation

Unit allocation was used to determine the manufacturing inventory for window and door products. This methodology
was selected because the manufacturing process is primarily an assembly process and does not vary significantly
across products of different type, dimensions, and mass.

Comparability

A comparison can only be possible if all data sets to be compared were created according EN 15804 and the building
context, respectively the product-specific characteristics of performance, are considered.

Window Wall and Storefront Window According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804
Windows and Doors

LCA: Scenarios and Additional Technical Information

Table 5 - Transport to the Building Site (A4)

Name Value Unit
l/100 km
Truck Fuel Economy 3.62 E+01 l/100 km

Ship Fuel Economy 1.57 E+02 l
km
Total Fuel Consumed 3.57 E+03 km
%
Truck Transport Distance 1.09 E+02 kg/m3
-
Ship Transport Distance 2.25 E+03

Capacity Utilization (including empty runs) 6.99 E+01

Gross Density of Products Transported 1.80 E+03

Capacity Utilization Volume Factor 1.50 E-01

Table 6 - Disposal at End-of-Life (C4)

Mode of Disposal Value Unit
kg
Recycling 2.46 E+01 kg
Landfilling
9.12 E+01

Results

Results are reported based on characterization factors from the US EPA Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of
Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts (TRACI 2.1 impact categories). Additionally, impact categories taken from
the University of Leiden (CML) methodology are reported to facilitate the use of this EPD outside of North America.

LCA results are presented per the declared unit (1 unit of Window Wall). Note that, at this point, the reported impact
categories represent impact potentials, i.e., they are approximations of environmental impacts that could occur if the
emissions would (a) follow the underlying impact pathway and (b) meet certain conditions in the receiving environment
while doing so. Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) results are therefore relative expressions only and do not predict
actual impacts, the exceeding of thresholds, safety margins, or risks.

Table 7 - Life Cycle Impact Results using CML-IA Baseline, per Declared Unit (1 unit)

Raw Material Raw Material Manufacturing Finished Product End-Of-
Life
Parameter Unit Extraction Transport Shipping (C4)

(A1) (A2) (A3) (A4)

GWP kg CO2 eq. 4.29E+02 6.96E-01 1.26E+01 4.58E+00 4.82E-01

ODP kg CFC11-eq. 2.40E-05 1.27E-07 8.17E-07 7.77E-07 1.74E-07

AP kg SO2 eq. 2.42E+00 4.28E-03 4.82E-02 6.59E-02 3.63E-03
2.51E-02 7.43E-03 7.74E-04
EP kg (PO4)3 eq. 6.06E-01 6.18E-04

POCP kg ethene eq. 1.25E-01 1.80E-04 2.64E-03 2.25E-03 1.79E-04

ADPE kg Sb eq. 9.99E-04 1.69E-06 1.45E-05 5.52E-06 5.43E-07

ADPF MJ 5.05E+03 1.06E+01 1.36E+02 6.60E+01 1.46E+01

GWP = Global warming potential; ODP = Depletion potential of the stratospheric ozone layer; AP = Acidification potential of land and water; EP = Eutrophication potential;
POCP = Formation potential of tropospheric ozone photochemical oxidants; ADPE = Abiotic depletion potential for non-fossil resources; ADPF = Abiotic depletion
potential for fossil resources

Window Wall and Storefront Window According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804
Windows and Doors

Table 8 - Life Cycle Impact Results using TRACI 2.1, per Declared Unit (1 unit)

Raw Material Raw Material Manufacturing Finished Product End-Of-
Life
Parameter Unit Extraction Transport Shipping (C4)

(A1) (A2) (A3) (A4)

GWP kg CO2 eq. 4.24E+02 6.94E-01 1.23E+01 4.56E+00 4.78E-01

ODP kg CFC11-eq. 3.14E-05 1.69E-07 1.02E-06 1.03E-06 2.31E-07

AP kg SO2 eq. 2.46E+00 4.33E-03 4.97E-02 6.68E-02 4.19E-03

EP kg N eq. 1.12E+00 8.45E-04 6.06E-02 7.23E-03 8.94E-04

SFP kg O3 eq. 3.01E+01 6.44E-02 6.62E-01 9.99E-01 9.96E-02

FF MJ 4.77E+02 1.43E+00 1.12E+01 8.69E+00 2.02E+00

GWP = Global warming potential; ODP = Depletion potential of the stratospheric ozone layer; AP = Acidification potential; EP = Eutrophication potential; SFP = Smog
formation potential; FF = Fossil fuel consumption

Table 9 - Use of Resources, per Declared Unit (1 unit)

Raw Material Raw Material Manufacturing Finished Product End-Of-Life

Parameter Unit Extraction Transport Shipping

(A1) (A2) (A3) (A4) (C4)

PERE MJ 3.09E+02 1.03E-01 4.45E+01 1.01E+00 8.59E-02

PERM MJ 1.31E+02 3.41E-02 1.06E+01 2.40E-01 3.53E-02

PERT MJ 4.40E+02 1.38E-01 5.51E+01 1.25E+00 1.21E-01

PENRE MJ 5.70E+03 1.15E+01 1.68E+02 7.24E+01 1.57E+01

PENRM MJ 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

PENRT MJ 5.70E+03 1.15E+01 1.68E+02 7.24E+01 1.57E+01

SM kg 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

RSF MJ 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

NRSF MJ 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

FW m3 2.31E+00 2.07E-03 6.70E-02 1.36E-02 1.54E-02

PERE = Use of renewable primary energy excluding renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials; PERM = Use of renewable primary energy resources
used as raw materials; PERT = Total use of renewable primary energy resources; PENRE = Use of non-renewable primary energy excluding non-renewable primary
energy resources used as raw materials; PENRM = Use of non-renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials; PENRT = Total use of non-renewable
primary energy resources; SM = Use of secondary material; RSF = Use of renewable secondary fuels; NRSF = Use of non-renewable secondary fuels; FW = Use of net
fresh water

Window Wall and Storefront Window According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804
Windows and Doors

Table 10 - Output Flows and Wastes, per Declared Unit (1 unit)

Parameter Unit Raw Material Raw Material Manufacturing Finished Product End-Of-Life
Extraction Transport (A3) Shipping (C4)
(A1) (A2) (A4)

HWD kg 1.12E-02 6.85E-06 2.07E-04 4.17E-05 9.90E-06

NHWD kg 5.86E+01 5.40E-01 2.42E+00 1.64E+00 9.12E+01

RWD kg 1.02E-02 7.20E-05 4.82E-04 4.50E-04 9.79E-05

CRU kg 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

MFR kg 2.31E+01 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

MER kg 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

EEE MJ 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

EET MJ 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

HWD = Hazardous waste disposed; NHWD = Non-hazardous waste disposed; RWD = Radioactive waste disposed; CRU = Components for re-use; MFR = Materials for
recycling; MER = Materials for energy recovery; EEE = Exported electrical energy, EET = Exported thermal energy

LCA Interpretation

It is evident from the results that raw material extraction (A1) is the most impactful stages across most of the impact
categories in the life cycle of window wall products.

Though not the primary driver of impacts, manufacturing (A3) also has a considerable impact across few impact
categories.

Amongst raw materials, the anodized aluminum trim and the processed glass use drive the raw material impacts
across all impact categories.

For the manufacturing process, electricity usage has the highest contribution to the manufacturing impacts across
most of the impact categories. Use of support materials also has a significant contribution to the manufacturing
impacts.

Since the cut-off methodology was used for this LCA, the end-of-life impacts (C4) are positive for this product and
recycling offsets were not considered for recyclable materials.

Window Wall and Storefront Window According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804
Windows and Doors

Window Wall Environmental Impacts

100%
98%
96%
94%
92%
90%
88%

GWP ODP AP EP SFP FF
Raw Material Transport (A2)
Raw Material Extraction (A1) Finished Product Shipping (A4)
Manufacturing (A3)
End Of Life (C4)

Figure 1 - Environmental Impact of Life Cycle of 1 Unit of Window Wall (TRACI 2.1)

References

EN 15804:2011-04: Sustainability of construction works — Environmental Product Declarations — Core rules for the
product category of construction products.

ISO 14025. DIN EN ISO 14025:2009-11: Environmental labels and declarations — Type III environmental declarations
— Principles and procedures.

ISO 14040: 2006 - Environmental management – Life cycle assessment – Principles and framework

ISO 14044:2006 - Environmental management – Life cycle assessment – Requirements and guidelines

UL Environment General Program Instructions Version 2.0, April 2015

UL Environment (2018) Product Category Rules for Building-Related Products and Services Part A: Life Cycle
Assessment Calculation Rules and Report requirements 2018 https://www.ul.com/businesses/environment

IBU (2012). PCR 2011 Part B. Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V., Königswinter (pub.): Product Category Rules for
Construction Products from the range of Environmental Product Declarations of Institut Bauen und Umwelt (IBU), Part
B: Requirements on the EPD for Windows and doors. www.bau-umwelt.de.

Wernet, G., Bauer, C., Steubing, B., Reinhard, J., Moreno-Ruiz, E., and Weidema, B., 2016. The ecoinvent database
version 3 (part I): overview and methodology. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, [online] 21(9),
pp.1218–1230. Available at: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11367-016-1087-8

"U.S. Life Cycle Inventory Database." (2012). National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2012. Accessed November 19,
2012: https://www.lcacommons.gov/nrel/search

Window Wall and Storefront Window According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804
Windows and Doors

Contact Information

Study Commissioner

ES Windows
Avenida Circunvalar a 100 mts de la
Via 40, Barrio Las Flores
Barranquilla-Colombia
(+575) 366 4600
[email protected]
www.tecnoglass.com

LCA Practitioner

Sustainable Solutions Corporation
155 Railroad Plaza, Suite 203
Royersford, PA 19468 USA
(+1) 610 569-1047
[email protected]
www.sustainablesolutionscorporation.com


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