Our Policy
As a product manufacturer, we here at Special-Lite® are keenly aware of the negative impact that business can have on the environment. As a result, we actively seek to find ways to reduce this impact. In fact, our major owner and chairman, Henry Upjohn II, has established eight principles that guide our workplace behaviors. The second of these principles simply states: “Don’t hurt the environment.” So, you see, it is in our culture.
Our Practices
A careful selection of raw materials is the first step in sustainable manufacturing practices. For instance, we manufacture the major metal components of our entrance systems from aluminum.
Aluminum offers a high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance. It is a sustainable choice in that it is the most abundant metallic element in the earth’s crust and it can be recycled again and again with degradation. It has a high scrap value and a well established recycling infrastructure.
In addition, our aluminum extrusions are made from prime-equivalent billet which is produced from 100% reprocessed 6063-T6 alloy. Such alloy is recovered from other industrial processes. And the recycling process requires only 5% of the energy needed to produce virgin aluminum!
Like most responsible manufacturers, we also recycle materials from our production and office operations. But we also take other steps. For instance, in our operation which manufactures fiberglass doors and framing, we even recycle the raw material containers.
In fact, we recycle as much waste material as possible and try to conduct as much business electronically to save printing.
We are conscious of our energy usage and have implemented practices to reduce energy usage in everything from our production processes to our office plug loads.
Our Products
Of course, we believe that the basic principles of sustainable building should be applied to our entrance products too.
As a functional part of the building envelope, entrances play a key role. Their appearance throughout their lifetime makes a lasting impression on all building visitors. Their ability to perform in their environment could have a disproportionate impact on facility maintenance activities and costs. Plus, they can contribute to overall occupant health, safety and welfare.
Special-Lite® entrances are specifically designed to contribute to the goals of sustainability. Their performance in use, extended service life, lower lifecycle cost, reduced impact on occupant health, and better thermal efficiency help to conserve material resources and energy, while contributing to occupant well being.
Further,
- All Special-Lite doors and framing have earned the GREENGUARD Gold certification including the stringent standards for Children & Schools. Their testing is centered around ensuring that products have no negative impact on the indoor air quality. That means cleaner air.
- Special-Lite doors also have exceeded ASHRAE standards for their thermal properties. That is, our products exceed the requirements for heat loss or gain to ensure the best possible thermal performance. And that means energy savings.
- The highly engineered approach to our door design also ensures the longest possible service life. They will far outlast the rusting hollow metal doors and frames of competitive products. And that means less waste.
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