NFRC will conduct CMA ACE Training on Thursday, April 15, 2010 during the afternoon and Friday, April 16, 2010 during the morning at the DoubleTree Hotel New Orleans in conjunction with its Spring Membership Meeting.
ACE Training provides education for those seeking certification to become an NFRC Approved Calculation Entity (ACE).
Please click here for registration information.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact jpadgett@nfrc.org.
For more information on the CMA Program and details regarding ACE, visit our Webpage.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
John Lewis Speaks about NFRC at EduCode
John Lewis spoke during the opening night of the 2010 EduCode Show in Las Vegas. In part, Lewis discussed NFRC's mission and the Component Modeling Approach (CMA).
NFRC will be exhibiting at EduCode, which is being held at the Orleans Hotel and Casino, from Monday, February 21, 2010 until Friday, February 26, 2010.
If you happen to be in Las Vegas, please stop in and visit NFRC at Booth #1 in Salon "G." We'll be available from 7:00 a.m until 5:00 p.m.
View clips of John's presentation:
John on NFRC's mission
John on CMA
Saturday, February 20, 2010
NASEO to Host Webinar on Building Energy Code Training, Compliance, and Enforcement
The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) is reporting on its Website that it will host an American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) related Energy Code Training, Compliance, and Enforcement Webinar for state and local officials, and interested stakeholders.
The free Webinar will be held on February 26, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. (ET).
According to NASEO, the Webinar will provide guidance on compliance with Section 410 of the ARRA relating to building energy codes. It will also deliver practical information that will help states and municipalities improve their knowledge of building energy use, code development and implementation, technical assistance and training, code enforcement, and compliance verification.
Details
The free Webinar will be held on February 26, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. (ET).
According to NASEO, the Webinar will provide guidance on compliance with Section 410 of the ARRA relating to building energy codes. It will also deliver practical information that will help states and municipalities improve their knowledge of building energy use, code development and implementation, technical assistance and training, code enforcement, and compliance verification.
Details
Friday, February 19, 2010
Code Updates and Information from BCAP
The Buildings Code Assistance Project (BCAP) is reporting the following information:
EE Global 2010
Join over 700 of energy efficiency’s most notable leaders, representing 40+ countries, at the Energy Efficiency Global Forum & Exposition (EE Global), being held May 10-12, 2010 at the Washington DC Convention Center. With over 80% of 2009 participants self-identifying as executives or managers, EE Global 2010 will provide access to decision makers and offer executive-level insight and dialogue. Focusing solely on energy efficiency from the perspective of all energy end-use sectors (buildings, industrial and transportation), and with coverage of all cross-cutting issues (finance, policy, technology, and market transformation), EE Global serves as an exchange of best practices and policies for global implementation of energy efficiency.
Illinois
As directed by legislation approved in August, the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) has officially adopted the Illinois Energy Conservation Code, which became effective January 29. The new statewide code (71 IAC 600) incorporates the 2009 IECC for residential buildings and privately funded commercial buildings and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 for publicly funded commercial buildings (previously, there was not a mandatory residential statewide energy code based on the IECC). An automatic update provision directs the CDB to adopt each subsequent version of the IECC within nine months of its publication, with an effective date three months afterwards.
Connecticut
On October 15, the Codes Amendment Subcommittee (CAS) of the Connecticut Department of Public Safety’s State Codes and Standards Committee announced that it intended to review and consider proposals amending the 2009 IECC for inclusion in the 2010 Amendments to the 2005 State Building Code (which currently uses the 2006 IECC) to comply with Public Act 09-192. CAS met initially on December 9 and accepted proposals through December 31. The SCSC met again on January 27 to receive and review the proposed changes to the 2009 IECC.
Michigan
An ad hoc committee of building-related stakeholders within the Construction Code Commission (within the state’s Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth, or DELEG) has been reviewing proposed changes to the Michigan Uniform Energy Code, or MUEC (currently based on the 2003 IRC and ASHRAE 90.1-1999). The committee is expected to make its final recommendations on February 24 for a residential code equivalent to the 2009 IECC and a commercial code equivalent to ASHRAE 90.1-2007. The committee will then issue a proposed rule draft for public comment that must then pass through the state’s formal regulatory process. An effective date is hoped for some time between October 2010 and January 2011.
New York
After giving initial approval to a proposed state energy code update on December 16, the New York State Uniform Fire and Building Code Council has scheduled a series of four public hearings on the approved changes March 1-4. Public comments using this form will be accepted until March 15. The proposed 2010 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State would be based on the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 (the current ECCCNYS is based on the 2004 IECC supplement and ASHRAE 90.1-2004). The New York Department of State (NYS-DOS) hopes to implement the new energy code by the end of this year.
Pennsylvania
The 2009 Uniform Construction Code (UCC) – which incorporates the 2009 IECC with alternative compliance paths through the 2009 IRC (Chapter 11) and the 2009 Pennsylvania Alternative Residential Energy Provisions (PA-Alt) – was approved in December and became effective on January 1, 2010. This month, the Pennsylvania Builders Association filed for a preliminary injunction against the 2009 UCC. A hearing date has been scheduled for Monday, March 1 in the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.
Tennessee
On January 28, a companion bills (HB 3215 and SB 3192) were introduced in the Tennessee House and Senate that would establish ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 as the minimum energy standard for all new buildings that are not 1- and 2-family dwellings. The bills, however, also allow jurisdictions to adopt Standard 90.1-2001, its equivalent, or a more stringent code. The state currently does not have a mandatory energy code for this construction. If it became law, the legislation would be effective July 1, 2010.
Details
EE Global 2010
Join over 700 of energy efficiency’s most notable leaders, representing 40+ countries, at the Energy Efficiency Global Forum & Exposition (EE Global), being held May 10-12, 2010 at the Washington DC Convention Center. With over 80% of 2009 participants self-identifying as executives or managers, EE Global 2010 will provide access to decision makers and offer executive-level insight and dialogue. Focusing solely on energy efficiency from the perspective of all energy end-use sectors (buildings, industrial and transportation), and with coverage of all cross-cutting issues (finance, policy, technology, and market transformation), EE Global serves as an exchange of best practices and policies for global implementation of energy efficiency.
Illinois
As directed by legislation approved in August, the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) has officially adopted the Illinois Energy Conservation Code, which became effective January 29. The new statewide code (71 IAC 600) incorporates the 2009 IECC for residential buildings and privately funded commercial buildings and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 for publicly funded commercial buildings (previously, there was not a mandatory residential statewide energy code based on the IECC). An automatic update provision directs the CDB to adopt each subsequent version of the IECC within nine months of its publication, with an effective date three months afterwards.
Connecticut
On October 15, the Codes Amendment Subcommittee (CAS) of the Connecticut Department of Public Safety’s State Codes and Standards Committee announced that it intended to review and consider proposals amending the 2009 IECC for inclusion in the 2010 Amendments to the 2005 State Building Code (which currently uses the 2006 IECC) to comply with Public Act 09-192. CAS met initially on December 9 and accepted proposals through December 31. The SCSC met again on January 27 to receive and review the proposed changes to the 2009 IECC.
Michigan
An ad hoc committee of building-related stakeholders within the Construction Code Commission (within the state’s Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth, or DELEG) has been reviewing proposed changes to the Michigan Uniform Energy Code, or MUEC (currently based on the 2003 IRC and ASHRAE 90.1-1999). The committee is expected to make its final recommendations on February 24 for a residential code equivalent to the 2009 IECC and a commercial code equivalent to ASHRAE 90.1-2007. The committee will then issue a proposed rule draft for public comment that must then pass through the state’s formal regulatory process. An effective date is hoped for some time between October 2010 and January 2011.
New York
After giving initial approval to a proposed state energy code update on December 16, the New York State Uniform Fire and Building Code Council has scheduled a series of four public hearings on the approved changes March 1-4. Public comments using this form will be accepted until March 15. The proposed 2010 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State would be based on the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 (the current ECCCNYS is based on the 2004 IECC supplement and ASHRAE 90.1-2004). The New York Department of State (NYS-DOS) hopes to implement the new energy code by the end of this year.
Pennsylvania
The 2009 Uniform Construction Code (UCC) – which incorporates the 2009 IECC with alternative compliance paths through the 2009 IRC (Chapter 11) and the 2009 Pennsylvania Alternative Residential Energy Provisions (PA-Alt) – was approved in December and became effective on January 1, 2010. This month, the Pennsylvania Builders Association filed for a preliminary injunction against the 2009 UCC. A hearing date has been scheduled for Monday, March 1 in the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.
Tennessee
On January 28, a companion bills (HB 3215 and SB 3192) were introduced in the Tennessee House and Senate that would establish ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 as the minimum energy standard for all new buildings that are not 1- and 2-family dwellings. The bills, however, also allow jurisdictions to adopt Standard 90.1-2001, its equivalent, or a more stringent code. The state currently does not have a mandatory energy code for this construction. If it became law, the legislation would be effective July 1, 2010.
Details
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Window Film Industry Embraces NFRC
The window film industry has embraced the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC). Accordingly, homeowners and commercial property managers can compare window film performance more accurately.
Sometimes, brochures may make unsupported claims regarding energy efficiency performance or use confusing technical terms and industry jargon.
The NFRC, however, clarifies window film performance and puts the industry on a short path toward Energy Star ratings. Window Film now qualifies for Federal Tax Credits and local utility rebates.
Today, more than ever the perfect upgrade of your windows should include NFRC rated window film.
Details
Sometimes, brochures may make unsupported claims regarding energy efficiency performance or use confusing technical terms and industry jargon.
The NFRC, however, clarifies window film performance and puts the industry on a short path toward Energy Star ratings. Window Film now qualifies for Federal Tax Credits and local utility rebates.
Today, more than ever the perfect upgrade of your windows should include NFRC rated window film.
Details
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Four States Offering Energy Code Ambassadors Program
The International Code Council (ICC) and the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP) have joined forces to offer a program for code officials who want to take a leading role in energy-efficient buildings. The program will be initially offered in four states. These include New York, Kentucky, Illinois, Idaho.
Details
Insulating Glass certification Begins July, 1, 2010
Additionally, on July 1, 2010 the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) will require Insulating Glass (IG) certification by a listed, third party certification program for all IGU used in products that are certified in accordance with the NFRC Products Certification Program (PCP), including those products already participating in the PCP.
Details
Spring 2010 Membership Meeting
April 12-15, 2010
New Orleans, LA
Doubletree Hotel New Orleans
Registration available: Online and offline meeting registrations are currently available. The deadline for registration March 26, 2010.
Hotel Reservations: The NFRC's meeting hotel is taking reservations by phone at 1-800-HILTONS.
Hotel reservations must be made by March 9, 2010 to ensure NFRC rate and Availability.
NFRC Meeting Sponsorship 2010
NFRC thanks the 2009 meeting sponsors and welcomes your organization to the increased level of recognition/visibility through this marketing initiative. Contact Cheryl Gendron, NFRC's Meeting Manager, for more information.
Details
Details
Insulating Glass certification Begins July, 1, 2010
Additionally, on July 1, 2010 the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) will require Insulating Glass (IG) certification by a listed, third party certification program for all IGU used in products that are certified in accordance with the NFRC Products Certification Program (PCP), including those products already participating in the PCP.
Details
Spring 2010 Membership Meeting
April 12-15, 2010
New Orleans, LA
Doubletree Hotel New Orleans
Registration available: Online and offline meeting registrations are currently available. The deadline for registration March 26, 2010.
Hotel Reservations: The NFRC's meeting hotel is taking reservations by phone at 1-800-HILTONS.
Hotel reservations must be made by March 9, 2010 to ensure NFRC rate and Availability.
NFRC Meeting Sponsorship 2010
NFRC thanks the 2009 meeting sponsors and welcomes your organization to the increased level of recognition/visibility through this marketing initiative. Contact Cheryl Gendron, NFRC's Meeting Manager, for more information.
Details
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Weatherization Skillshops Designed to Educate Vermont Residents
The Brattleboro Reformer is reporting in an online article that the Central Vermont Community Action Council will offer two weatherization “skillshops” on Saturday, February 13 at the Windham Regional Career Center in Brattleboro, Vermont.
The skillshops will discuss weatherization techniques and include a section dedicated to windows and doors.
The council hopes the event will help attendees understand how to improve energy efficiency in their homes and give homeowners the skills they need to take on simple home weatherization projects.
Details
The skillshops will discuss weatherization techniques and include a section dedicated to windows and doors.
The council hopes the event will help attendees understand how to improve energy efficiency in their homes and give homeowners the skills they need to take on simple home weatherization projects.
Details
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Details on NFRC's Spring Membership Meeting
NFRC's Spring Membership Meeting will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Doubletree Hotel April 12 – 15. Registration fees for NFRC members have been reduced.
Check NFRC's upcoming meeting page for details on the following:
- Online Registration -- now available.
- Reservations at the Doubletree Hotel -- Deadline for the NFRC Rate is Tuesday 03/09/2010.
- Schedule, agendas, past draft minutes, rosters, and minutes will be available within the next few weeks.
Members will get e-mail bulletins with updated information.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Preparations Underway for NFRC's Spring Membership Meeting
NFRC's Spring Membership Meeting will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Doubletree Hotel April 12 – 15.
Registration fees for NFRC members have been reduced. Check NFRC's upcoming meeting page for details on the following:
Registration fees for NFRC members have been reduced. Check NFRC's upcoming meeting page for details on the following:
- Online Registration -- now available.
- Reservations at the Doubletree Hotel -- Deadline for the NFRC Rate is Tuesday 03/09/2010.
- Schedule, agendas, past draft minutes, rosters, and minutes will be available within the next few weeks. Check back soon. Members will get e-mail bulletins when this information is available.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Code Updates from BCAP
The Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP) is reporting the following updates.
Alabama
On January 14, a bill (HB 264) was introduced in the Alabama State Legislature that would provide a process for adoption and compliance with codes required under federal law (Recovery Act). On January 26, the House passed the bill unanimously.
The bill would accomplish the following:
• Replace the Alabama Energy Code Board with the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board, giving the new board sole authority over adoption and implementation of the state’s energy codes
• Replace a reference to the Model Energy Code with the new Alabama Energy and Residential Codes for the State of Alabama, established as the 2006 IECC/Standard 90.1-2007 for commercial buildings and the 2006 IRC for residential buildings, or “any subsequent editions, or any other code which the board officially adopts”. The Board must adopt updates and changes to these model codes within two years of the publication of their most recent version.
• Prohibit local jurisdictions from adopting codes that conflict with the new state codes or amending code requirements mandated by the Recovery Act (jurisdictions that have already adopted codes by the effective date of the act would exempt from adopting the state code)
• Prohibit local jurisdictions from either legally requiring residential fire sprinklers or restricting consumers’ choice to install them
• Exempt farm structures from these provisions
Hawaii
In October 2009, a bill (No. 2332) was introduced in the Kauai County Council that would adopt the 2009 IECC with county-specific amendments for all new and renovated commercial and residential buildings. On January 26, the mayor of Kauai County approved the bill as Ordinance 890. The new code will become effective on approximately May 26 (120 days after enactment). The other three Hawaiian counties have adopted county-specific versions of the 2006 IECC, while work continues developing a tropical energy code based on the 2009 IECC for statewide adoption.
Tennessee
On January 28, a companion bills (HB 3215 and SB 3192) were introduced in the Tennessee House and Senate that would establish ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 as the minimum energy standard for all new buildings that are not 1- and 2-family dwellings. The bills, however, also allow jurisdictions to adopt Standard 90.1-2001, its equivalent, or a more stringent code. The state currently does not have a mandatory energy code for this construction. If it became law, the legislation would be effective July 1, 2010.
Details
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Six States Adopt Retrofitting Program
The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA) is reporting that six states will take part in the Policy Academy on State Building Efficiency Retrofit Programs. The academy’s goal is to help improve energy efficiency in existing buildings.
The six states include Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Utah and Wisconsin.
Building retrofit programs may include measures such as air sealing, insulation, and window replacement.
Details
The six states include Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Utah and Wisconsin.
Building retrofit programs may include measures such as air sealing, insulation, and window replacement.
Details
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
NFRC Label Makes News in Philadelphia
During his State of the Union address, President Barack Obama explained that the recent success of Northeast Building Products shows that the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act has spurred job growth. Operating at one point with 185 employees, growing demand for energy-efficient windows has led the company to add 100 jobs and two additional shifts.
A video clip of the story as it appeared on the news shows the NFRC label on the company's windows.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
House Approves Bill to Boost Retrofits
Under a bill recently approved by The House, federal loan guarantees will apply to energy efficiency projects funded through Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) bonds.
The PACE bonds provision is part of the Jobs for Main Street Act, which has a budget of $75 billion. Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y) advocated the bill. The bill enables property owners to finance energy efficiency retrofits through a loan, which is voluntarily attached to the borrower's property tax bill.
Such long-term loans are eligible for transfer along with the sale of the property in order to accelerate investment in retrofits. To date, 15 states have enacted bills allowing this kind of municipal financing. Several additional states are considering similar bills.
The Alliance to Save Energy (ASE), an advocacy group based in Washington, D.C., stands behind the House's action and said it would work closely with Israel and other congressional members to promote the program.
Details
The PACE bonds provision is part of the Jobs for Main Street Act, which has a budget of $75 billion. Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y) advocated the bill. The bill enables property owners to finance energy efficiency retrofits through a loan, which is voluntarily attached to the borrower's property tax bill.
Such long-term loans are eligible for transfer along with the sale of the property in order to accelerate investment in retrofits. To date, 15 states have enacted bills allowing this kind of municipal financing. Several additional states are considering similar bills.
The Alliance to Save Energy (ASE), an advocacy group based in Washington, D.C., stands behind the House's action and said it would work closely with Israel and other congressional members to promote the program.
Details
CEO's Message Regarding Shared Vision on Attachments Industry
In January 2010, the NFRC Executive Committee met in Chicago to review the Business Plan for the Fenestration Attachments Program and to help refine a “Shared Vision” for the attachments industry. This vision will be reviewed by the Board of Directors later this month and an approved vision will be presented to the attendees at the Spring Membership meeting in New Orleans. The draft vision includes the following:
• The rating should be developed sequentially (simplest to most complex).
• The program should provide web-based information on product ratings/performance.
• The label should have a permanent mark; and be traceable (back to APD via CPD #).
• The rating should provide for fair, uniform comparisons within attachment product lines.
• This simple, comparative rating being developed shall not be used for comparison with window ratings.
• The attachment label shall include language that states “For comparable ratings with similar attachment products only.” The label should describe the attachment through words and/or pictures.
• The attachments ratings shall use the same base case windows for all attachment products.
• There shall be 6 base case windows used for determining the ratings.
• The program shall include ratings with and without the base windows.
• One base case window shall be used for validation testing.
• The consumer friendly label shall include ratings (with and without) 2 base case windows (good performer/ poor performer).
• The attachments ratings shall be based upon (and include) U-factor, SHGC and VT (if applicable).
This information will be available on a publicly accessible database on the NFRC website. Information on the simple, consumer-friendly attachment label, however, may be different based upon the focus group and marketing studies.
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