Setting the Sustainability Standard

The formal push for sustainability really began to take shape in the 1990s with early milestones that included the Committee on the Environment (1989), the Environmental Resource Guide (1992), the ENERGY STAR program (1992), and the founding of the USGBC (1993). Sustainability has received widespread adoption in the building materials industry resulting in healthier structures with increased energy efficiency and lower operating costs, contributing to a greener built environment. Dialing in on sustainability looks different from company to company, but for manufacturers, it is often looked at as how your products are made, used, and disposed of and how that can reduce an organization’s overall impact on the environment. Ellison Bronze continues to exceed sustainability standards by focusing on three core components of commercial door manufacturing. Life cycle. Materials. Manufacturing.

Lengthening the Lifecycle

Commercial entryways need to be designed to withstand decades of wear and tear. When looking for the right materials, architects and owners should look for products that stand the test of time. Investing in a high-quality product from trusted suppliers is a good starting point. With custom balanced doors by Ellison Bronze, customers can meet this requirement. When it comes to specifying a commercial entry door, life span is a crucial consideration. On average, the life span for a traditional high-traffic entry door is only 5 to 10 years, leaving owners to worry about replacing parts or even complete entry systems. However, many of the earliest Ellison balanced doors remain in operation to this day. Plus, if a door needs maintenance, full records and warranties are kept for each one that is manufactured, making any necessary maintenance a simple fix. What does this translate to? With proper service and maintenance, doors that can last a lifetime.

Materials Matter

When choosing materials for a project, those that are reusable and recyclable are becoming increasingly popular options. Think materials such as glass, aluminum, bronze, and stainless steel. Sustainable materials provide benefits for the environment in the long term by generating less landfill waste, energy consumption, and pollution as well as reducing carbon footprints and moderating the need to source raw materials. The more sustainable materials that can be incorporated into a commercial building, the lower its environmental impact. Not only are Ellison balanced doors made from the highest-quality materials, but they happen to be comprised of primarily all glass and metal, which are two of the world’s most readily recyclable materials.

Pivoting the Process

The advancement of sustainable manufacturing practices has been a priority (and in many cases, a mandate) in the manufacturing industry. Ellison has mastered its manufacturing process by eliminating waste and reducing its overall environmental impact. All bronze, stainless steel, and aluminum Ellison balanced doors are manufactured in house at the organization’s facility in Falconer, NY. By manufacturing the vast majority of doors and all final machining in house, Ellison Bronze can ensure the utmost quality control and prioritize reducing material waste.

LEEDing by Example

Architects and designers are prioritizing selecting green building materials for their projects for a variety of reasons. Not only do these materials reduce negative impacts on the environment, but they can help architects meet LEED certification for the buildings they are designing. Many architectural firms are mandated to specify green building materials, so manufacturers who can provide viable solutions will rise to preferred status by architects. When it comes to sustainability, the process begins with manufacturers. Those who make the products hold the responsibility for reducing detriments to the planet from cradle to grave. Manufacturers that strive for these goals impart immeasurable value to architects, owners, and occupants. By creating doors that possess a prolonged life cycle, using readily recyclable materials, and employing a fine-tuned manufacturing process, Ellison Bronze custom balanced doors are being specified for buildings worldwide, many of which must adhere to the most stringent energy standards. In fact, Ellison balanced doors are on LEED-certified buildings across the United States, such as the CME Center in Chicago and Bank of America Tower in Houston, TX. With Ellison Bronze, you can deliver high-performance, long-lasting, sustainable commercial entrance systems that can function flawlessly for a lifetime.