Upcoming Conference Focuses on Looming Challenges for Utilities

The Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership (NEEP) is reporting that the Electric Utility Consultants, Inc. (EUCI) will offer a conference entitled, Energy Efficiency: Helping Customers Transition into a new Green Energy Economy. The conference will be held in Toronto, ON September 24-25 as part of Green Energy Week, which runs from September 21-25.

EUCI says that today, more than ever, utility companies must find new ways to meet the growing demand for electricity while managing fuel costs in a way that avoids the need to build new infrastructure.

Energy efficiency is important for managing these demands and is quickly becoming a cornerstone in utility resource planning.

Utilities are one of the main industries that can benefit from NFRC’s Component Modeling Approach (CMA), a valuable tool for determining the energy efficiency of windows, doors, and skylights in the non-residential market.

The EUCI conference will discuss current issues and critical success factors for improving efficiency programs in all customer segments. It will also offer case studies and will encourage participants to ask candid questions about strategies, experiences, and what the future holds for regulation and the successful development of energy efficiency programs.

GANA's Greg Carney Back to Work after Hospital Stay

Greg Carney, Technical Director for the Glass Association of North America (GANA), is back on the job after spending 41 days in the hospital for congestive heart failure.

Carney said he was surprised at how much the industry had changed during that time. He added that being away from the day-to-day activities of the fenestration industry made him realize how dynamic it really is.

Carney adds that he's improving with each passing day and has been working since late June. He's particularly inspired by all the help and support he received not just from GANA but from the entire industry. The high volume of cards, letters, and phone calls provided him with inspiration and made him want to get back to work as soon as he was able.

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Make Your Voice Heard With NFRC's New Website Satisfaction Survey

NFRC is always striving to improve its service to provide the information people need to run their businesses and to make better purchasing decisions.

Now you can help us help you.

Let us know how we're doing by completing this short survey.

White House Blog Mentions Value of Replacement Windows

Cathy Zoi, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy, posted a blog entry on the White House Website to create awareness of the benefits of the Weatherization and replacement windows.

Video on the value of replacement windows.

Al Gore is Keynote Speaker at GreenBuild 2009

Former Vice President, Al Gore, will be the Keynote Speaker at the GreenBuild 2009 International Conference and Expo.

The show will be held November 11 - 13 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Mr. Gore will speak during the opening celebration on Wednesday, November 11. The event will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

ASHRAE Handbook Tables Not to be used as Default Numbers

From NFRC

“It has come to our attention that some code jurisdictions are utilizing fenestration U-factor and SHGC ratings from tables found in the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals. Please know that the ASHRAE Handbook subcommittee developed these tables for preliminary design guidance only and are not to be used as default numbers in the code.

ASHRAE, IECC, and most state codes already have punitive default tables for fenestration products lacking the required energy ratings. Using these as default numbers can dramatically overstate the performance of the windows and curtain walls installed on buildings. Code officials and other energy experts should look for NFRC ratings on these products to be sure that the U-factors and SHGC ratings are credible.”

International Code Council Releases Codes Hearing Schedule

Today, The International Code Council (ICC) released the Code Development Hearing Schedule for its upcoming event in Baltimore, Maryland, October 24 - November 11, 2009

http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/codes/2009-10cycle/HearingSchedule.pdf

GlassBuild America to Host Town Hall-Style Forum

The organizers of GlassBuild America 2009 have re-named the show's Energy Efficiency Seminar. They are now calling it the Energy Efficiency Town Hall Forum.

Along with the name change comes a change in format. Rather than consisting of formal presentations, the town hall will feature a panel of experts fielding questions on government policies, emerging technologies, and code proposals.

This change was made when GlassBuild organizers realized there are many lingering questions in these areas. Accordingly, they felt the modified format would provide better insight on the external circumstances influencing the way window and door manufacturers conduct business.

GlassBuild America 2009 will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, September 30 - October 2. The town hall forum will take place on October 1 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

The exhibit hall will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30 and Thursday, October 1. It will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2.

NFRC will be exhibiting all three days in booth number 1101.

Further information is available on the GlassBuild website.

NFRC's Fall Membership Meeting Looming

Mark Your Calendar – NFRC's Fall Membership Meeting is just around the corner.

The meeting is scheduled for November 16-19, 2009 in San Antonio, Texas. Links to an early bird registration form and hotel information are currently available at: http://www.nfrc.org/upcomingmeeting.aspx. <>

Thank you for your continued membership in the NFRC: -The nation’s resource for Fair, Accurate, and Credible Energy Ratings of Fenestration products.

If NFRC's staff can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 301-589-1776.

NFRC Member of the Year -- Nominate Someone Today

The NFRC member of the year program is the principle method for saying “thank you” to those members who contribute their time and effort generously.

The individual chosen by their fellow members will receive deserved recognition and great prizes, including the Glass Star Award and free registration/travel to an upcoming meeting.

Take a moment to learn more and nominate a fellow member. Additional information along with the nomination form can be found on the NFRC's Member of the Year Page:

http://www.nfrc.org/membersonly/MemberoftheYearAward.aspx

Nominations will be accepted through August 31, 2009.

Newest Accredited Lab Added to NFRC's Website

NFRC welcomes Stork Twin City Testing out of Maplewood, Minnesota as an NFRC accredited laboratory.

You may access a complete listing of participating Labs and Inspection Agencies online at http://www.nfrc.org/labsagencies.aspx.

NFRC Meeting Attendees Make a Difference

The NFRC will once again partnered with Carbonfund.org to make the NFRC Summer Membership Meeting carbon neutral through a donation to offset the carbon footprint of the recent meeting in Baltimore.

Attendees at the recent meeting also raised $560 through voluntary donations for lapel pins. The money will support The local Habitat for Humanity chapter in the Baltimore, Maryland area.

NFRC plans to continue the trend of making a difference and would like to sincerely thank all that participated.

NFRC Accepting Nominations for Board of Directors Election

The 2009 Board of Directors (BOD) election will open for voting in early October, and the process of collecting nominations has begun in earnest.

Nominations for the 2010 seats are currently being accepted by the NFRC offices through August 21, 2009.

For details on the seats open for election and to download the NFRC BOD Potential Nominee Form (required to submit a nominee), please access the NFRC’s Board of Director’s Election page at http://www.nfrc.org/NFRC_Board-Election_2009.aspx

This page will be continually updated as the election proceeds.

If you have any questions, contact Cheryl Gendron – Sr. Manager of Member and Information Services at cgendron@nfrc.org.

NFRC Posts CMAST Update

Today, NFRC provided an update of CMAST, which is available for download.

CMAST (v. 1.0.11) is now available at http://69.60.115.189/CMASTServer.

This is where you will find a link to “Download CMAST Client.” Please save and then run the executable file. Release notes for update have also been added to “Release Notes.”

As you may already know, CMAST is the operating software for NFRC's Component Modeling Approach (CMA) Program for non-residential fenestration energy certification.

NFRC would like to talk to anyone interested in participating in its CMA Pilot Program.

Please contact Jessica Ferris at jferris@nfrc.org or John Lewis at jlewis@nfrc.org for more information.

NFRC to Exhibit at GlassBuild America 2009

NFRC's Membership Manager, Melanie Miller, and Senior Manager of Business Development & Outreach, John Lewis, welcome you to visit them at the upcoming GlassBuild America 2009 Show, which will be held September 30-October 2 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

GlassBuild America 2009 is expected to draw about 9,000 industry professionals. It has been consistently rated one of the top 200 tradeshows in the U.S. by Tradeshow Magazine.

Exhibits will include glass processing equipment, window and door manufacturing equipment, and the latest technologies for all types of glass and fenestration products.

The exhibit hall will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30 - Thursday, October 1 and 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2.

NFRC will be located in booth #1101. Be sure to stop by with your questions about our certification and labeling program and our new Component Modeling Approach (CMA) Pilot Program.

NFRC hopes to see you there.

Details on GlassBuild America

Obama Administration Provides Over $66 Million for Weatherization Programs

Earlier today, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu said the DOE will provide over $66 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
to expand weatherization programs in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, and Hawaii.

The funding will be distributed once the states meet certain Recovery Act milestones. It will help weatherize about 26,000 homes, lowering energy costs for low-income families, reducing pollution, and creating green jobs. Weatherization projects allow low-income families to save money by making their homes more energy efficient.

Today's investments are also aimed at strengthening local economies and helping move America toward a clean energy future.

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All in Glass Show to be Held in China

The All in Glass Show will be held November 25 - 27, 2009 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, China.

Approximately 95 international exhibitors are expected to be on hand at the facility, which offers 86,000 square feet of exhibit space.

All in Glass 2009 is organized by Messe Düsseldorf China Ltd. and the China Foreign Trade Centre. It is also supported by the Guangdong Glass Association, the Guangdong Provincial Ceramic Society, the Guangdong Supervision and Testing Centre for Glass Product Quality as well as the Guangzhou Architecture & Decoration Association and the Shenzhen Solar Energy Society.

For more information about visiting or exhibiting at All in Glass 2009, please CLICK HERE

NFRC Member, Pella, Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction

Just a short time ago, NFRC member, Pella Corporation, received notice from J.D. Power & Associates that it ranks highest in customer satisfaction among window and patio door manufacturers.

Pella has received this prestigious award for the third consecutive year.

The independently conducted study by J.D. Power & Associates, asked consumers to evaluate window brands on product and service features. Pella was rated especially high in operational performance, product quality and durability, and appearance and design.

The results of the study are based on 2,856 consumers who purchased new windows or patio doors within the past 12 months.

More details are available on Pella's Website.

$20 Million to Go Toward Improving Energy Efficiency in Federal Buildings

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that more than $20 million has been slated to improve energy efficiency in federal buildings.

The funds will be used to help ensure the widespread implementation of leading edge energy efficiency technologies across the federal government. The federal government believes this initiative will contribute heavily to President Obama's goal to creating f low-carbon emission future.

Federal agencies will make available the technical expertise from DOE's National Laboratories for several kinds of projects, including sustainable buidling.

The approximately $20 million will provide assistance to fifteen different agencies. The federal government is the leading consumer of energy, and this program provides an opportunity to lead by example. Objectives include reducing federal energy usage by 30% by 2015 from 2003 levels.

Furthemore, many projects will help create new jobs and expand a clean energy economy. For more information please visit the GovEnergy Web site.

EEBA to Hold Excellence in Building Conference in Denver

The Energy and Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA) will hold its 2009 Excellence in Building Conference in Denver, Colorado, September 28-30.

EEBA expects builders, remodelers, developers, architects, designers and manufacturers to turn out for the conference, which will focus on green and sustainable building practices. EEBA says the conference will also offer sessions to help attendees understand new regulations and legislative measures.

This year marks EEBA's 27th annual conference, which will be held at the Denver Marriott Tech Center. For more information, please follow the link below:

http://www.eeba.org/conference/index.html

NFRC to Exhibit at Miami Living Green Show

NFRC's Communications & Marketing Manager, Tom Herron, will exhibit at the Miami Living Green Show being held at the Doubletree Miami Mart Hotel and Exhibition Center, August 15-16.

The show will showcase green and eco-friendly products and services while offering educational sessions.

Some of the topics will include green incentives, using tax credits and rebates to make one's home more enegy efficient, and how to save on utility bills while increasing the value of one's home.

If you happen to be in Miami next weekend, be sure to visit NFRC at booth number 628. Bring your questions and learn more about NFRC's certification and labeling system for fenestration products.

BOMA to Call for Papers

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) is calling for papers.

BOMA is offering the opportunity to present Stragies for Success at it 2010 Internationl Conference. Entries will be accepted beginning in September. In the past, BOMA has started accepting entries in August, but it is upgrading its submission software to make the process more efficient.

More information is available from BOMA

Window Manufacturer Calls Employees Back to Work

According to The Earth Times Website, Simonton Windows®, recently offered employment to all of its hourly employees who were laid off in late 2008 and early 2009. A total of 402 full-time and seasonal employees may be coming back to Simonton's window and door manufacturing locations in West Virginia and Illinois.

Simonton also plans to hire 55 new employees in the same facilities.

Simonton’s Paris, Illinois location laid off 139 employees late 2008 and early 2009. These employees have also been asked to come back to work, and Simonton plans to fill 30 new positions at this location.

Furthermore, 263 employees were laid off in late 2008 and early 2009 from Simonton’s West Virginia facilites facilitiesy 2009. Those in good standing have been offered to come back to work. These facilites are likely to fill 25 additional positions by September.

The Earth Times Website also reports that Mark Savan, President of Simonton Windows, says business has improved during the summer, allowing the company to bring back former employees and to hire new ones. ”

All Simonton products ordered within its Energy Tax Credit (ETC) glass packages are certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). They have a U-factor and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of 0.30 or less. These ratings were set forth by the U.S. government as a requirement for the energy tax credit.

Films Help Make Windows More Energy Efficient

The August 3 online edition of The Oakland Tribune provided advice to a homeowner that does not want to use permanent window film for fear of losing solar heating in the summer.

The Tribune said installing permanent window film can be effective but cannot be removed for free passive solar heating in the winter. It added that some of the newer, nearly clear low-emissivity permanent window films reduce summer heat gain and also reduce winter heat loss back outdoors.
Removable window film provides another option for south- and west-facing windows in early spring . When taken care of this film can be reused many times over.

A roll-up sun control shade is yet another option. The most effective ones slide in vertical side tracks in the window opening.

See the full article in The Oakland Tribune.