The Federal tax credit for fenestration products has been extended through 2011, although the amount of the credit has been reduced.
Homeowners who place windows and doors into service between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011 may be eligible for the credit. Windows can earn a 10 percent credit up to $200, and doors can earn a 10 percent credit up to $500.
The requirements for the tax credit have also changed.
Rather than using the 30/30 formula, qualifying fenestration products must meet the ENERGY STAR requirements of the homeowner’s region.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
DOE to Provide $7 Million to 24 States to Facilitate Building Energy Code Adoption
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that it will provide $7 million to support the adoption of updated building energy codes in 24 States.
In addition to supporting the adoption of updated building energy codes in residential and commercial buildings, the funding is designed to refine existing partnerships between the states and the federal government. It also seeks to improve code compliance.
This step by the DOE is part of the Obama Administration’s initiative to help families and businesses save money by saving energy. According to the DOE, buildings are responsible for approximately 40 percent of the energy consumed in the US, and this initiative will help states and local communities reduce energy demand in this sector.
Details
In addition to supporting the adoption of updated building energy codes in residential and commercial buildings, the funding is designed to refine existing partnerships between the states and the federal government. It also seeks to improve code compliance.
This step by the DOE is part of the Obama Administration’s initiative to help families and businesses save money by saving energy. According to the DOE, buildings are responsible for approximately 40 percent of the energy consumed in the US, and this initiative will help states and local communities reduce energy demand in this sector.
Details
Friday, December 17, 2010
New Chairs Bring Expertise to NFRC's Consensus-Driven Process
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is pleased to announce that Steve Johnson, John McFee, and Joe Jonely will serve as Committee Chairs.
Ratings Committee
Johnson has been appointed as the Ratings Committee Chair. He will preside over NFRC’s Certification and Labeling program development to assure the uniform application of the rating system. Additionally, the committee serves as the forum for discussion and communication of programs and activities, which significantly affect the rating system.The Ratings Committee meets three times per year.
Accreditation Policy Committee (APC)
McFee will serve as the APC Chair, overseeing NFRC’s Laboratory Accreditation Program (LAP). A key part of that committee’s role is to issue policy interpretations relating to laboratory accreditation, rule on appeals properly brought pursuant to the LAP, and recommend modifications to NFRC’s LAP.
The APC meets approximately 12 times per year.
Certification Policy Committee (CPC)
Jonely will step in as CPC Chair. The CPC provides oversight for the Certification Agency Program (CAP) and issues policy interpretations related to NFRC's Product Certification Program.
The CPC meets approximately 12 times per year.
CEO Envisions Unique Contributions
These committee chairs also serve as ex-officio members of the NFRC Board of Directors to ensure that the Board is fully informed regarding the activities of their committees.
“All of these leaders offer specialized skills and a commitment to volunteer leadership,” said NFRC CEO, Jim Benney. “Our members, program participants, and the public will benefit from the expertise they bring to their new positions and to our consensus-driven process.”
Ratings Committee
Johnson has been appointed as the Ratings Committee Chair. He will preside over NFRC’s Certification and Labeling program development to assure the uniform application of the rating system. Additionally, the committee serves as the forum for discussion and communication of programs and activities, which significantly affect the rating system.The Ratings Committee meets three times per year.
Accreditation Policy Committee (APC)
McFee will serve as the APC Chair, overseeing NFRC’s Laboratory Accreditation Program (LAP). A key part of that committee’s role is to issue policy interpretations relating to laboratory accreditation, rule on appeals properly brought pursuant to the LAP, and recommend modifications to NFRC’s LAP.
The APC meets approximately 12 times per year.
Certification Policy Committee (CPC)
Jonely will step in as CPC Chair. The CPC provides oversight for the Certification Agency Program (CAP) and issues policy interpretations related to NFRC's Product Certification Program.
The CPC meets approximately 12 times per year.
CEO Envisions Unique Contributions
These committee chairs also serve as ex-officio members of the NFRC Board of Directors to ensure that the Board is fully informed regarding the activities of their committees.
“All of these leaders offer specialized skills and a commitment to volunteer leadership,” said NFRC CEO, Jim Benney. “Our members, program participants, and the public will benefit from the expertise they bring to their new positions and to our consensus-driven process.”
Monday, December 13, 2010
ICC Offers Electronic Version of International Green Construction Code
The International Code Council (ICC) has released an electronic version of the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) Public Version 2.0.
The IGCC is available for download here.
The IGCC is designed for those interested in establishing exemplary sustainable practices by exceeding traditional code requirements. The code is applicable for new and existing and traditional and high-performance commercial buildings.
The IGCC is available for download here.
The IGCC is designed for those interested in establishing exemplary sustainable practices by exceeding traditional code requirements. The code is applicable for new and existing and traditional and high-performance commercial buildings.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Demand for Windows and Doors Expected to Rise Through 2014
An article in the online publication, ecohome, is reporting that the demand for windows and doors will increase through 2014.
According to the article, the market research firm, the Freedonia Group, forecasts that demand nationwide for windows and doors will rise 6.6 percent per year through 2014, reaching $31.2 billion in sales.
Demand for plastic-based products, including those made of fiberglass and vinyl, is expected to grow faster than the overall average. The rise in demand for these products alone is estimated to be 10.2 percent per year. This equates to a rise in sales from $4.53 billion in 2009 to $7.35 billion in 2014.
Details
According to the article, the market research firm, the Freedonia Group, forecasts that demand nationwide for windows and doors will rise 6.6 percent per year through 2014, reaching $31.2 billion in sales.
Demand for plastic-based products, including those made of fiberglass and vinyl, is expected to grow faster than the overall average. The rise in demand for these products alone is estimated to be 10.2 percent per year. This equates to a rise in sales from $4.53 billion in 2009 to $7.35 billion in 2014.
Details
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Heating Costs on the Rise, Look for the NFRC Label When Choosing Windows
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), home heating costs are on the rise. One way to control costs and overall energy consumption is to install high-performance windows.
A news story posted on the Website, Essential Article, explains that under-performing windows can account for up to 40 percent of a home’s heat loss during the winter. Because windows have such a significant impact on heat loss and heat gain, choosing windows is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make with regard to energy usage.
The articles emphasizes that the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label can help consumers make the right choice by enabling them to make accurate and meaningful comparisons among product choices.
A news story posted on the Website, Essential Article, explains that under-performing windows can account for up to 40 percent of a home’s heat loss during the winter. Because windows have such a significant impact on heat loss and heat gain, choosing windows is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make with regard to energy usage.
The articles emphasizes that the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label can help consumers make the right choice by enabling them to make accurate and meaningful comparisons among product choices.
Friday, December 3, 2010
NFRC to Exhibit at EcoBuild America Show in Washington, D.C.
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) will be exhibiting during the EcoBuild America show on Wednesday, December 8 and Thursday, December 9 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
According to the show’s Website, EcoBuild America will feature strategies to reduce environmental and energy impact throughout every phase of the facility lifecycle. It also offers educational sessions on improving workflow and communications by leveraging the latest technology in the areas of Building Information Modeling (BIM), green technology, high performance building, sustainable design, energy-efficiency, and smart buildings.
On Wednesday, NFRC’s CEO, Jim Benney, will deliver a presentation entitled, “NFRC’s Activities and Programs” from 10:00 – 10:20 a.m. in Hall D Theater Two.
NFRC representatives will be available in booth #439 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. both days. If you are attending the EcoBuild America show, be sure to visit NFRC’s booth to learn more about its rating and labeling program for fenestration products.
According to the show’s Website, EcoBuild America will feature strategies to reduce environmental and energy impact throughout every phase of the facility lifecycle. It also offers educational sessions on improving workflow and communications by leveraging the latest technology in the areas of Building Information Modeling (BIM), green technology, high performance building, sustainable design, energy-efficiency, and smart buildings.
On Wednesday, NFRC’s CEO, Jim Benney, will deliver a presentation entitled, “NFRC’s Activities and Programs” from 10:00 – 10:20 a.m. in Hall D Theater Two.
NFRC representatives will be available in booth #439 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. both days. If you are attending the EcoBuild America show, be sure to visit NFRC’s booth to learn more about its rating and labeling program for fenestration products.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
