Andersen Windows: Role Model for Combining BIM and Green?

Designing a building using a BIM process or designing a building using specific green-sustainable design features requires an answer to "What's in it for me?" This includes all stakeholders; the building owner, designers, engineers and contractors.

If I google the internet for "window manufacturers"; I get dozens of pages of window manufacturers and resources. I chose to highlight Andersen Corporation (Windows-Doors) for a couple reasons.

• When I first started designing projects with Revit, Andersen was the only window manufacturer that provided predefined Revit families of their window products.
• I've used Andersen window Revit families on my design projects; including the design work I've done for our house in Revit.
• I'm also highlighting Andersen's Energy Star tax credit resources that we're submitting for tax credits for the Low-E glass Andersen windows designed in our new home.

More than five years ago my first impression of Revit was greatly elevated when I saw a Revit Andersen Window library (Series 400) that was accessed directly from the Revit software on an Autodesk Revit server.

The Revit Andersen Window Door Libraries get updated with each new version of Revit. They are located in the Web Libary under Revit Manufacturer 9.0 Library > Andersen Corporation Library > 400 Series (includes casement & tiltwash double-hung)

WOW was my first reaction! I had used Andersen 2D software to create AutoCAD elevation blocks of their windows; but nothing like this. Finding a manufacturer that invested time (AND money) to create Revit families was really encouraging. Over the years; working with Softdesk (AutoArchitect) and ADT we had almost given up on finding manufacturers' product content that was designed specifically for our software.

Several years ago Reviteers visited the zoogdesign website and an upstart website called Revitcity looking for free family downloads. Today we can find additional Andersen and Pella Windows families on Revitcity created by users. If a window manufacturer offers elevations of their products in DWG format; consider using the technique I highlighted in my blog titled "Revit Tips to Tracing DWG Floor Plans".

Visit the EnergyStar website to search and find door-window manufacturers that provide EnergyStar Windows & Doors. Search their sites for energy tax credit information regarding their products. With a little digging on their websites; I found EnergyStar information on both the Pella and Kolbe & Kolbe window websites. Visit your favorite window manufacturer website for EnergyStar certifications and rebates.

Use the The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) database to search individual states for tax credits and rebates that are currently offered by other product manufacturers; windows, furnaces, lighting, solar etc.