Major Industries skylights: product map and EPD gap
Major Industries, the team behind majorskylights.com, sits in a sweet spot of daylighting: quick‑ship translucent skylights for fast projects and custom panel systems for signature roofs and walls. Here is a crisp read on what they sell, how broad the catalog runs, and where their Environmental Product Declaration coverage stands today.
Who they are
Major Industries manufactures daylighting systems from Wausau, Wisconsin. The brand centers on translucent fiberglass‑faced panel technology and aluminum or fiberglass framing for roof, wall, and canopy daylighting. Their shop storefront highlights pre‑engineered LightBasic skylights that ship assembled for quick installs (Major Industries online shop, 2024–2025 coverage).
Product families at a glance
Expect two primary lines. First, LightBasic Quick Ship skylights and wall inserts in set sizes and finishes, ideal for warehouses, light industrial and education. Second, custom translucent panel systems marketed historically as Guardian 275 and Clima‑Tite for larger spans, skyroofs, facades and canopies. Between stocked sizes, glazing colorways and insulation options, the quick‑ship line alone runs in the dozens of SKUs, while custom systems expand that choice significantly.
Are they a pure play or diversified
They are a focused daylighting manufacturer, not a multi‑category building materials conglomerate. The catalog concentrates on translucent panel skylights, wall systems, and related accessories. You will not find unrelated cladding, insulation, or roofing membranes here.
What we can verify on EPD coverage
As of December 18, 2025, we did not find any publicly available, product‑specific EPDs published under the Major Industries or majorskylights.com name across leading operator portals. That means core offerings like LightBasic single‑slope skylights and pre‑assembled wall systems appear to have low to no EPD coverage right now. If an EPD exists behind a customer portal, it is not visible in common spec workflows.
Why that matters in specs
LEED v5 is live in the market and continues to recognize verified product‑specific EPDs in its materials focus, which keeps owner teams asking for them on submittals (USGBC, 2025). Many projects still documenting under LEED v4.1 use a materials pathway that counts at least 20 qualifying products, with product‑specific Type III EPDs weighted at 1.5 products, so missing EPDs can reduce a project’s credit headroom and push buyers toward alternatives with declarations (USGBC Credit Library, 2024).
Likely best seller without an EPD, and who a buyer might swap in
The LightBasic single‑slope translucent skylight is a strong fit for fast‑track retrofits and new light‑industrial builds. In EPD‑sensitive bids, buyers can reach for translucent panel competitors like Kalwall, which has current third‑party‑verified EPDs for wall and skyroof systems, or for unit rooflights from VELUX’s commercial portfolio with current EPDs listed by a program operator. Both sets are commonly seen in education, logistics and civic work where documentation boxes must be ticked. That is exactly where a missing EPD becomes a reason to keep scrolling in the submittal portal, which is frustraiting when performance and budget fit.
Competitive set you will meet on projects
Closest like‑for‑like on translucent panel systems: Kalwall for walls and skyroofs. For domes, continuous barrel vaults, and modular flat‑glass rooflights: VELUX Commercial. In some industrial footprints you will also encounter Kingspan Light + Air legacy systems or regional specialists offering polycarbonate and acrylic solutions. The practical takeaway is simple. If a spec calls for translucent daylighting with a verified EPD, there are ready alternatives in the same applications.
What good EPD coverage would look like for Major
Start with two families. 1) a product‑specific EPD for LightBasic Quick Ship skylights covering the stocked configurations that drive volume, and 2) a system EPD for the custom translucent panel assemblies used as skyroofs and facades. Pick the PCR most used by competitors so project teams can compare apples to apples. Build once, then renew on the five‑year cycle set by program operators, keeping an eye on PCR revisions so updates stay smooth (EPD International GPI, 2024). The work is very do‑able when the data collection lift is handled by a partner that does the wrangling with your production and procurement teams rather than adding homework.
The commercial upside
An EPD removes default penalties in carbon accounting and keeps products in play on projects where sustainability criteria drive shortlists. One well‑timed declaration for a high‑runner SKU can pay back quickly by avoiding substitution when the rest of the submittal is solid. And because EPD validity is typically five years, you get a long runway from a clean launch, provided impacts do not materially worsen mid‑cycle under operator rules (EPD International GPI, 2024).
How to move fast from here
Prioritize the LightBasic skylight as the pilot and define a reference year with clean utility and material data. Map a second declaration for the custom panel system. Confirm the operator and verification route early so templates and data quality rules are clear. Then keep renewal dates visible to product and sales so you are never sprinting at the last minute.
Bottom line for specability
Major Industries offers a focused, value‑driven daylighting lineup that solves real project needs. The gap is documentation. Publishing product‑specific EPDs for their flagship skylight and panel families would align them with how today’s decarbonization‑minded project teams buy and would reduce avoidable spec risk in education, industrial, and public work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Major Industries currently offer product-specific EPDs for its skylights or panel systems?
We did not find any publicly available, product‑specific EPDs for Major Industries as of December 18, 2025. If one exists behind a portal, it is not visible in typical specification workflows.
Which PCRs usually cover translucent skylights and panelized daylighting systems?
Competitors often publish under windows and doors or translucent wall and roof assemblies PCRs. Matching the common PCR makes comparisons straightforward for project teams.
What minimum EPD footprint would cover most of Major’s sales?
One EPD for LightBasic Quick Ship skylights and one for the custom translucent panel system would address the bulk of bid requests, with additional variants added as data matures.
How long would an EPD stay valid before renewal is required?
Most operators set a five‑year validity window, subject to earlier updates if major changes affect impacts. See EPD International’s General Programme Instructions for current rules.
About the Author
John brings a clear, research-driven perspective on the EPD, LCA and HPD space and keeps a close pulse on environmental trends and standards in North America, helping clients understand where the industry is heading and how to get there.
