YKK AP America and Serious Materials Bring Energy Efficient Commercial Building Facades to Market

AUSTELL, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today YKK AP America and Serious Materials announced a strategic program that seamlessly integrates Serious’ advanced energy-saving glazing technology with YKK AP’s line of energy-efficient aluminum fenestration systems, enerGfacade®. Architects, building owners and designers will now have access to readily deployable facade solutions that achieve overall system U-factors as low as 0.17 and COG U-factors of 0.06. The first phase of this program includes system solutions for YKK AP’s Megatherm® XT entrances and new YCW 750XT curtain wall, designed for various options of SeriousGlass that enhance overall thermal performance while balancing solar control and high visible light transmission.

“Essentially, we are combining our expertise with that of the glass manufacturers to meet an increasing demand within the industry. Needless to say, we are excited to introduce this new program and look forward to its long-term success.”

“This is a great example of industry leaders working together and leveraging respective strengths to bring strong value and performance to the market. YKK AP’s enerGfacade fenestration systems combined with SeriousGlass deliver some of the most energy efficient commercial building facades available,” said Ian Sullivan, GM & VP of Serious Materials’ Windows Division. “We took an integrated systems approach here and delivered a win-win for the market and for everyone involved.”

“YKK AP’s trusted, sustainable architectural solutions are a solid platform for this program, and with the integration of SeriousGlass, architects and owners can meet a key demand in the market for higher performance building envelopes. We see this program as an opportunity to bring enhanced value to our customers with a high quality, ready-to install architectural solution,” said Oliver Stepe, senior vice president of YKK AP America. “Essentially, we are combining our expertise with that of the glass manufacturers to meet an increasing demand within the industry. Needless to say, we are excited to introduce this new program and look forward to its long-term success.”

The combined package of YKK AP and SeriousGlass will be displayed at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Chicago during November 17 - 19, 2010 in YKK AP booth #2045 and Serious Materials booth #1667.

YKK AP’s enerGfacade®

YKK AP’s enerGfacade product line currently features several energy-efficient fenestration systems, including Luminance® light shelf system, ThermaShade® sun shade system, YOW 350 T and YOW 350 XT aluminum window systems, MegaTherm® XT entrances, the YCU 750 TU unitized curtain wall and the newest additions to the line; the YES 45 XT dual thermal barrier storefront and the YCW 750 XT dual thermal barrier curtain wall.

Super-Insulating SeriousGlass™

SeriousGlass reduces energy use and increases daylight for enhanced energy savings. Whereas other commercial windows use three panes of glass to achieve higher insulation performance, SeriousGlass units incorporate a lightweight suspended film system that creates multiple chambers for high thermal performance, directionally-tuned solar heat control, and 99+% UV blockage. Proven in thousands of commercial and residential projects over nearly 30 years, SeriousGlass has been consistently certified at the Insulating Glass Certification Council’s “A” level over more than two decades.

About YKK AP America

YKK AP America Inc. manufactures a complete line of aluminum entrances, storefronts, curtain walls, sunshades, and windows for use in commercial and institutional construction. YKK AP aluminum products are manufactured in ISO 14001 certified facilities in Dublin, Georgia – a standard for businesses that operate in a sustainable manner by reducing pollution and waste. The company has also been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy for Exceptional Leadership in Industrial Energy Efficiency. The company is also a leading producer of window products for use in new construction and replacement in homes and light commercial structures. Its residential products are manufactured in a highly automated manufacturing facility located in Macon, Georgia. YKK AP America is based in Austell, Ga. It is a subsidiary of YKK Corporation of America, whose parent company is global manufacturer YKK Corporation of Japan. For more information, visit www.ykkap.com.

About Serious Materials, Inc.

Serious Materials develops products that reduce energy usage and costs in the built environment, the largest contributor of CO2 worldwide. SeriousEnergy Manager™ provides low cost real-time monitoring and analytics for commercial buildings. SeriousWindows™ and SeriousGlass™ commercial glass offer high thermal performance and can reduce heating and cooling energy costs for earlier payback compared to dual pane windows. QuietRock® soundproofing drywall reduces material use and provides high reliability low cost code compliant walls for hospitals, government, schools, and multifamily projects. The company also manufactures advanced fiberglass pultrusion for highly insulated windows and curtain wall systems. With six manufacturing plants in North America, Serious Materials products have been installed in over 70,000 projects (including the Empire State Building) and are available nationwide through thousands of local dealers for residential and commercial projects. For more information, visit