Vinyl windows provide a unique blend of energy efficiency, long service life, ease of maintenance, and low cost. Nearly 100 percent of the pre-consumer waste created in the production and installation of vinyl windows and doors in North America is recycled. The recovery of production trimmings and scrap is returned to the vinyl extrusion supplier or local recycling center for reprocessing into fenestration or other products.

Working with affiliated associations including the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA), the Glass Association of North America (GANA) and the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA), the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has developed the Windows Product Category Rule (PCR) This PCR was published in September of 2015, and applies to windows, skylights, curtain walls and storefronts. Based on these rules, manufacturers will be able to conduct a lifecycle assessment and Environmental Product Declarations for their products.

In AAMA, the Vinyl Materials Council (VMC) maintains a leadership role representing the sustainability interests of vinyl window producers and their component suppliers.

Vinyl Window Sustainability Resources include Vinyl Window Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Avoiding the Landfill: The Recycling of Vinyl Windows and Doors (white paper), and Sustainable Vinyl: One material, Virtually Endless Possibilities (white paper). Visit the American Architectural Manufacturers Association website for more information about their members’ sustainability efforts.