NFRC Approved as EPA-recognized Certification Body for ENERGY STAR Program

(Greenbelt, MD. October 27, 2010). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) as an EPA-recognized Certification Body for the ENERGY STAR® Program.

NFRC, provider of the only independent rating and labeling system for the energy performance of windows, doors, and skylights, is now one of only six EPA-recognized Certification Bodies listed on the EPA Website.

Effective January 1, 2011, ENERGY STAR will require any product seeking program participation to have its energy performance validated by a third-party certification body prior to product labeling. These products must also undergo post-market verification testing to validate continuing energy performance.

NFRC’s already rigorous certification program served as a model for some of EPA’s efforts to develop its new certification body requirements.
 
“NFRC is well positioned to carry on operations under the new ENERGY STAR requirements, enabling its 800-plus participating window, door, and skylight manufacturers to seamlessly continue to qualify for the ENERGY STAR program,” said NFRC’s CEO, Jim Benney.

ENERGY STAR, established in 1992 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants through more efficient energy use, is intended to help consumers identify and purchase energy-efficient products. Products meeting published energy efficiency levels qualify for the distinctive

ENERGY STAR product logo. According to the EPA, ENERGY STAR products saved U.S. consumers $17 billion in energy costs in 2009.

Recognized certification bodies are required to be accredited to ISO/IEC Guide 65-General Requirements for Bodies Operating Product Certification Systems.

Please contact NFRC's Communications & Marketing Manager, Tom Herron, with any questions.