International non-profit promotes sustainable tropical forest management to preserve renewable resources and natural habitats

Warroad, Minn., March 4, 2010 – The Tropical Forest Foundation has named Steve Tourek, senior vice president and general counsel for Marvin Windows and Doors, as the new president of the organization’s board of directors.

The foundation is an international non-profit dedicated to sustainable forest management in the tropics, working with conservation groups, government agencies and companies that manufacture wood products to promote training, outreach and research pertaining to sustainable forest management in tropical regions around the world. Tourek is also chairman of the Window & Door Manufacturers Association.

Marvin has long been committed to sustainability in many forms: manufacturing energy-efficient windows and doors, maximizing recycling and reducing waste, and encouraging sustainable forestry practices. Tourek’s leadership in TFF is another example in a long history of environmentally oriented initiatives and accomplishments from Marvin.

“This company is driven to not just build beautiful windows and doors of great value but also to act as responsible stewards of our beautiful environment for future generations.,” Tourek said. “As close partners, we’ve seen the great work the Tropical Forest Foundation is doing on the ground. Its training centers and demonstration models, as well as research and outreach, are positively impacting what is actually taking place in the world. More concessions are better managed, more viable, more conducive to maintaining biodiversity and more supportive of communities whose long-term livelihood is dependent upon the economics of their forests. I look forward to serving and contributing to TFF’s mission with my fellow directors.”

For more information on TFF, visit www.tropicalforestfoundation.org.

At this year’s International Builders Show, Marvin and Integrity Windows and Doors showed off several new and improved products for 2010: the Ultimate Lift and Slide Door, interior doors, a retractable screen for our Ultimate Casement and Awning windows, the Ultimate Push Out French Casement and the Integrity All Ultrex Casement and Awning windows.

Home improvement expert and Today Show contributor Lou Manfredini was on hand to check out these and other products from Marvin, and he shot this video tour of our booth:

You’ll find the rest of Marvin’s IBS 2010 coverage here — it features interviews with show organizers, highlights of innovative products on display at the show, and details on Marvin’s own new products.

In an hour-long interview on Twin Cities Public Television, Marilyn Carlson Nelson and Susan Marvin, president of Marvin Windows and Doors, discuss the marriage of life and business. The conversation covers the early days of Marvin Windows and Doors, the challenges the company has faced and met through innovation, the company’s resiliency through tough times, and its commitment to its home of Warroad, Minn.

The two also discussed how the recession has driven innovation within the window and door industry and how Marvin  is working through this economic downturn. The discussion ends with questions from the business faculty at the Carlson School of Management, co-presenter of this event.

You can watch the full interview — in its entirety or in edited segments — at TPT’s video vault.

Spending on home remodeling up 8.2 percent as new construction drops 23.5 percent

WARROAD, Minn., Feb. 16, 2010 – Home remodeling is a bright spot in the troubled U.S. construction industry, according to Marvin Windows and Doors, the nation’s largest maker of wood and clad wood windows and doors.

Year-end figures from the U.S. Commerce Department show that 2009 spending on private, residential remodeling totaled $125.6 billion — up 8.2 percent from 2008. Meanwhile, new residential construction spending came in at $134.8 billion — a drop of 23.5 percent from the previous year.

“We’ve seen this shift in our own business, as energy-efficient replacement windows and doors have outperformed our products for the new-construction market,” said Marvin spokesman John Kirchner. “Instead of trading up to larger homes or flipping properties for a quick profit, we’re seeing homeowners elect to renovate their existing properties for greater comfort, efficiency and style.”

Reflecting the shift, remodeling grabbed a much bigger share of the overall residential construction dollar. For all of 2009, new construction accounted for 51.8 percent of residential construction spending, with remodeling at 48.2 percent.

By contrast, new construction accounted for 60.3 percent of residential construction spending in 2008 and remodeling for only 39.7 percent.

The federal tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements is also giving a boost to remodeling, Kirchner said. The tax credit of up to $1,500 is available for products purchased through the end of 2010.

Marvin offers a free, downloadable window and door replacement guide to help homeowners learn about the energy-efficient options available to them.

“Like everyone in the homebuilding industry, we’re eager to see an upturn in the new construction business,” Kirchner said. “But we’re also happy to see the continuing strength of the remodeling segment.”

The year-end residential construction report from the U.S. Commerce Department is out, and remodeling finished with a strong year.

Spending on private, residential remodeling totaled $125.6 billion — up 8.2 percent on the year. Meanwhile, new construction spending came in at $134.8 billion — a drop of 23.5 percent. Reflecting this shift, remodeling grabbed a much bigger share of the overall residential construction dollar.

For all of 2009, new construction accounted for 51.8 percent of residential construction spending, with remodeling at 48.2 percent. Contrast that to 2008, when new construction accounted for 60.3 percent of spending and remodeling for only 39.7 percent.

That’s a gain of nearly 10 percentage points, meaning that remodeling boosted its market share by about 21.4 percent.

No doubt the remodeling business was helped by the $1,500 federal tax credit for energy-efficient improvements, including Marvin windows and doors. The tax credit is available for products purchased through the end of 2010. So if you’re thinking of making your home more comfortable and efficient, download our free online replacement guide and learn about windows and doors that can help you achieve those goals.

All wood species are now FSC-certified; majority are SFI-certified

WARROAD, Minn. – Marvin Windows and Doors’ continues its commitment to green principles with the addition of FSC-certified (QMI-COC-001058) and SFI-certified woods.  These third-party chain of custody certifications from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and the Forest Stewardship Council will be available on Marvin windows and patio doors.  All Marvin wood species will be available as FSC-certified and pine, Douglas fir, oak, cherry, maple, walnut and vertical grain Douglas fir will be available as SFI-certified.

SFI Inc. is a fully independent, charitable organization dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management. Their forest certification standard is based on principles that promote sustainable forest management, including measures to protect water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, species at risk, and forests with exceptional conservation value.

FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests.

The FSC label provides a credible link between responsible production and consumption of forest products, enabling consumers and businesses to make purchasing decisions that benefit people and the environment as well as providing ongoing business value.

Not only do these certifications matter to builders, architects, remodelers and homeowners who care about environmental sustainability, but they can be an important part of obtaining designations such as LEED.  The wood used in Marvin’s wood and clad-wood windows and patio doors is not only an important design element, but also a valuable way to help protect our world’s forests.

The energy-efficiency tax credit our federal government is offering homeowners will continue to be a driving force for much of the building and remodeling industry, and that’s evident from the focus on efficiency at the 2010 International Builders Show.

The tax credit gives homeowners back 30 percent — up to $1,500 — when they install qualifying products, such as windows and doors, furnaces, roofing or insulation.

Lou talks with Tom Sinning of Marvin Windows and Doors and Kevin Carlile of Trane about some of their highly energy-efficient products on display at the show and available now for homeowners.

After spending the week with architects, builders and suppliers at the International Builders Show, Lou Manfredini files this report on the industry’s outlook for 2010.

Kevin Morrow, senior program manager for NAHB, foresees growth in “green building” — perhaps no surprise, driven by consumers’ desire for green products.

Susan Marvin, president of Marvin Windows, is excited about the positive response to the company’s new products. She says 2010 is going to be another challenging year, but the way to fight through a challenging year is to continue to listen to what consumers want and to deliver high quality and good value.

Jeff Seidel, a builder from New York, says he’s optimistic but realistic about 2010. His company is well-positioned, he says, with a dual purpose: building and remodeling. The firm’s remodeling business was strong in 2009 and will continue to be strong in 2010 — a reflection of consumers’ increasing desire to update what they have rather than try to buy new.

Continuing his reporting from the International Builders Show, Lou Manfredini uncovers some of the more innovative products on the show floor.

He meets with a representative from Bosch Appliances to learn about their new dishwasher, which operates with a focus on efficient use of energy and water. Lou also gets an introduction to a home automation system by Leviton.

Kevin Morrow, senior program manager for NAHB, talks with Lou about the National Green Building Standard.

As part of the myMarvin campaign, Marvin Windows asked author and architect Sarah Susanka to design her dream window — then we built it. Now, at the International Builders Show in Las Vegas, she sees the completed window on display.

For more information go to mymarvin.com.

Still fresh as daisies after 200 dozen cookies a day

The Sears cookie ladies have been one of the sensations of IBS, and they didn’t even know it. They’ve been so busy baking 4,800 cookies a day in their Kenmore oven that they didn’t realize showgoers have been tweeting about them practically nonstop.

So here’s a little well-deserved recognition for (from left) Dawn, Anna and Gayle.

Lou Manfredini reports from the show floor at IBS on Wednesday, “Green Day.” Sponsored by Marvin Windows, the day is focused on a number of sustainability and efficiency-related topics.

Lou shows us a residential wind turbine from Windtronics as well as GAF’s reflective shingles and ventilation systems for cooling your roof — thereby reducing cooling costs and energy use on warm days.

Lou spoke with Kevin Morrow, senior program manager for NAHB, about products builders can use to improve a home’s energy efficiency and Michael Still of Marvin Windows and Doors about SFI and FSC certification. These “green” certification programs ensure that products add value to your home and are healthy for the environment.

Marvin’s sliding patio and sliding French doors now have an innovative option with the addition of the Low Profile Sill.   Just ¾” off the base flooring, the Low Profile Sill provides an easy transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.  Those looking for a clean look will appreciate the Low Profile Sill’s flush profile.

The Low Profile Sill offers exceptional performance and beauty. Certified as DP40 on most sliding doors, the Low Profile Sill is strong and durable with the performance of a higher sill.

Its low profile is also ADA-compliant, adding ease to home living for those disabled or aging in place.

This sill is made from Ultrex®, a durable pultruded fiberglass and has an interior oak liner. It can be ordered with all current product and design options on Marvin sliding French and sliding patio doors.

The Low Profile Sill is a design exclusive to Marvin Windows and Doors. Now homeowners don’t have to choose between performance and looks—the Low Profile Sill shows only the beauty of the door, while remaining strong and secure.  And with today’s aging population, the Low Profile Sill is an important safety consideration, offering a flush threshold.  For those using wheelchairs or walkers, the Low Profile Sill is an ADA-compliant door, making home living a little easier.

John Simpson of Marvin Windows and Doors says, “The Low Profile Sill’s clean, flush look is perfect for today’s indoor-outdoor living trend.  In the past, taller thresholds were necessary for top performance, but Marvin’s inventive engineering has made the Low Profile Sill look good and perform just as well as a traditional sill.”

For further information about the Low Profile Sill, please call (888) 537-8266 or visit www.marvin.com.

More than 80 million U.S. residents belong to the Baby Boom generation, born between 1946 and 1964 – and more than 8,000 of them turn 60 every day. This aging demographic has dramatic implications for the homebuilding industry.

Consider these findings from a recent study of older Americans (age 55 and up) by the Mature Market Institute:

• Nearly two-thirds (63%) plan to stay in their current home as long as they can. That number rises to 78 percent for those aged 75 and older
• Eight in 10 prefer a single-story home to a two-story or split-level, with 75 percent preferring to have the master bedroom on the main floor
• Windows that open easily rank among the top features that consumers said would help them remain in their homes longer, with 81 percent of consumers citing them as important. Other key desired features include a washer/dryer (90%), ample storage space (84%), and an easily operated thermostat (73%)
• Energy efficiency also ranked high on the list of desired features, with 73 percent of consumers saying that features such as windows with low-emissivity glass and EnergyStar-rated appliances are important to them

Those findings highlight why more than 80 percent of the builders surveyed in the same study indicated that they included Universal Design features in their 55+ community homes.

These features include:

• Wider doors and hallways
• Lever door handles
• Lower kitchen cabinets
• Larger medicine cabinets
• Attached garages with garage door openers
• Non-slip floors
• Larger medicine cabinets
• Easy opening windows

Recent census data shows that more than 29% of Americans aged 64 and over suffer some form of physical disability that makes it difficult for them to climb stairs, open doors and windows, or use a historically designed bathroom. That number reinforces the need for Universal Design when it comes to home building and remodeling for an aging – yet still independent – population.

Marvin Windows and Doors is responding to the growing need for Universal Design with products like:

• The Ultimate Casement line of windows, which swivel 140 degrees in “wash mode” to allow owners to wash the outside of the window from inside the house
• The Ultimate Push Out Casement, with wash mode plus the added ease of a simple push to open – no crank to turn
• The Low Profile, High Performance Sill – fits flush to the floor for easy access to patios and decks
• A full line of lever handles for Marvin’s high-quality entry and interior doors
• Unsurpassed hardware that makes opening even the largest windows a breeze

For more information on Universal Design, visit the Center for Universal Design

Now here’s a great reason to bring your bathing suit to the Builders’ Show — I sure wish I could have jumped in and tried the Fountainhead VibrAcoustic Bath from Kohler.

The tub combines water, vibrations and sound to create a unique bathing experience. The vibrations sweep through the water in concert with the music. You can choose from preprogrammed tracks or plug in your own music from an iPod or home network.

If you choose a relaxing, New-Agey kind of music, like the sort that was playing during this demo, your heartbeat will actually be lowered.

My wife loves to bathe and she’s frustrated by the small tub in our 1950s ranch house. She would *love* this! Hmm, our anniversary is coming up soon….

FInd out more at http://bit.ly/3XskY4.

Maze "Eco-Nails" are made in the USA of 91% recycled steel

One of the great things about trade shows is discovering interesting products you’ve never heard of before. So say hello to Eco-Nails by Maze Nails.

Eco-Nails are made in the USA of 91% recycled steel. They’re the only nail with the stamp of approval from Scientific Certification Systems, an independent third-party verifier (at least, that’s what the Maze people tell us). By contrast, many nails imported from places like China contain up to 85% percent content from raw ore.

Eco-Nails can help builders earn LEED credits, and Maze is a family-owned company in Peru, Ill. As a family-owned company ourselves, we like that.

Compact fluorescent lightbulbs save energy, but they take a long time to warm up and they’re not easily controlled by a dimmer. Leviton is showing a new CFL dimmer that not only controls the bulbs — it gives them a kick-start so they warm up faster. Most standard dimmers are made to work with incandescent bulbs, but this one is designed specifically for dimmable CFL bulbs.

CFL bulbs are a great product, but this dimmer makes them even greater. Learn more here.

Brett Boyum, director of marketing

 Green Day at IBS got off to a great start with some fascinating insights from a news conference featuring Brett Boyum, director of marketing for Marvin Windows and Doors, along with Ed Linder of Whirlpool Corp. and Shane Judd from Kohler Co.

These three companies, longtime leaders in green manufacturing, sponsored this year’s Green Day.

Boyum stressed a holistic approach to sustainability, pointing out that “green” is more than just putting a product in a box. Companies that are truly concerned with sustainability will live out their commitment in all aspects of their operations, from recycling, to efficient manufacturing and transportation, to designing durability and quality into their products for longer life. (Learn more about Marvin’s green commitment here.)

Truly sustainable products are built to perform for the long term, according to Boyum. “It’s not just whether you can be energy efficient out of the box,” he said. “Will it still be energy efficient in 10 years?”

Learn  more about Kohler and Whirlpool green initiatives.

Check out these facts on U.S. energy use:

• Heating and cooling account for about half of home energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy
• 40 percent of residential energy use is from homes built before 1970, according to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies
• Energy-efficient windows can save up to 25% on home heating and cooling costs, according to the Department of Energy

Energy-efficient windows are one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make. Not only will they save up to 25% on heating and cooling costs, but they’re one of the top five most cost-effective improvements, according to Remodeling magazine’s annual survey.

High-quality wood replacement windows typically return about 77 percent of their cost on resale, according to the survey.

And here’s another fascinating fact, from the DOE’s Home Energy Saver: When the temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the inner glass surface of a single-pane window is about 15 degrees!

Replacing that old single-pane window with a typical double pane will raise the inner glass temperature to 45 degrees, while a high-efficiency window will yield an inner glass surface temperature of 60 degrees.

The federal government is offering a tax credit of up to $1,500 in 2010 for replacing old windows with new, energy-efficient windows from Marvin Windows and Doors. With ongoing savings on heating and cooling bills – as well as increased comfort and value for your home – it adds up to a compelling case for looking into replacement.

Marvin is offering a free, downloadable 20-page guide to replacement that will walk you through the process, from assessing your current windows to working with a contractor. This could be your window of opportunity for more economical, efficient, comfortable living.

Image courtesy of glenngold via flickr.

Marvin Windows and Doors brought home improvement expert and Today Show contributor Lou Manfredini to the International Builders Show in Las Vegas this week to roam the show floor and find the most interesting and most innovative new products on display.

In today’s first video report, Lou shows us:

• DuPont’s new roof liner, a replacement for tar paper
• Corian countertops, available in several new styles
• Leviton’s new dimmer that actually works for dimming compact fluorescent light bulbs
• Marvin’s gorgeous wall of glass, the new Ultimate Lift and Slide Door

Stay tuned this week for more video reports from Lou and other updates from Marvin’s team at the show.