More Stringent Fenestration Requirements Expected to Show Results in 2013

Over the next few years, facilities managers across the U.S. are expected to notice improved energy efficiency resulting from more stringent energy standards recently adopted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

More stringent fenestration requirements are expected to contribute significantly to this improvement.

The DOE has adopted ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007 as the new federal energy standard, following the determination that it would save more energy than the 2004 version.

By July 20, 2013, states are required to certify that they have reviewed and updated the provisions of their commercial building energy codes, including demonstrating the provisions meet or exceed 90.1-2007.

Additionally, the DOE has issued a ruling requiring federal buildings that begin construction on or before October 11, 2012 meet 90.1-2007.

NFRC's Program Fees, Membership Dues Overhauled

After careful review and consideration, the National Fenestration Rating Council’s (NFRC) Board of Directors recently approved a major change in its program fees and membership dues schedule.

The new schedule uses a flat dues structure for membership and a sliding scale for program participation fees.

The decision to change membership dues was prompted by NFRC’s desire to ensure that all industry members pay the same amount for their “voices and votes,” regardless of their size.

The new PCP fee schedule also more equitably assigns costs and benefits for participating manufacturers. Whether members or non-members, they will pay a fairer share for the programs and benefits that NFRC provides.

NFRC also expects the lower membership dues will encourage non-member participants to join NFRC and add their voices to the development of technical and certification procedures.

Under the new fee schedule:

• Beginning in 2012, all industry members will pay an annual membership fee of $2,000. Members in the General Interest categories will continue to pay $500 per year.

• Label fees and product line fees are eliminated, saving administrative time.

• Program participation fees will be based upon annual sales of fenestration products (see the attached chart).

• Non-members will continue to pay slightly higher additional program participation fees.

While it is anticipated that some industry members and non-members will pay more and some will pay less than they have in the past, it is expected that the new schedule will save everyone  time and money on internal accounting, billing, and management activities.

In addition to creating a more fair and equitable system, the decision to adopt a new revenue model was driven in part by a need to pay for the Blind Verification Program (BVP) that NFRC has agreed to implement.

The BVP will improve the quality of the Product Certification Program and ensures that NFRC Ratings are recognized by the EPA/DOE Energy Star Program. It is anticipated that the BVP will decrease costs for program participants by reducing recertification expenses.

If you have any questions, please contact either NFRC's Membership Manager, Anita Marsh, 240-821-9508 or NFRC's Product Certification Program Associate, Toni Stroud, 240-821-9511.

Please visit NFRC's Website for details.

J.D. Power Reports Growing Desire for Energy Efficient Windows

A recent study by J.D. Power and Associates reports consumer desire for energy-efficient windows and doors has increased over previous years.

The study says the proportion of consumers who purchased ENERGY STAR-qualified windows averaged 95 percent in the most recent study, demonstrating a growing level awareness of and desire for energy-efficient window features and technologies.

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NASEO Acknowledges CMA as "Powerful" Tool for Calculating Energy Peformance Ratings

The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) recently published an article in its newsletter highlighting the National Fenestration Rating Councils’ (NFRC) Component Modeling Approach (CMA) program.

The article, written in a collaborative initiative by NFRC’s CEO, Jim Benney, and Nils Petermann from the Efficient Windows Collaborative (EWC), calls CMA “a powerful rating and certification program.”

Read Full Article Here

Are Your Customers Up to Date on Tax Incentives?

A recent article published in Door and Window Manufacturer notes that many manufacturers may be under the impression that the $1500, 30/30 tax incentive is still active although it actually expired on January 1, 2011.

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Choosing the Right Window for You

An online article posted by Green Architect says one of the first things people do when renovating their homes is start shopping for energy efficient windows.

Keeping up with the ever-changing window technology and tax incentives, however, can be confusing for consumers.

Providing clarification, Green Architect points out that in order to earn the ENERGY STAR label and to qualify for various tax incentives, windows must meet certain U-Factor and SHGC requirements.

It also explains the importance of looking to the NFRC label to determine these values and further recommends using the label to make the best purchasing decisions.

Read full article here