Certification Programs Help Consumers Make "Right" Choice

A recent online article explains how certification programs can help consumers make the right choices for themselves.

The article says there is no one best window or door. Instead, making the right choice depends on multiple factors such as energy performance, individual tastes and preferences, and budget.

One thing consumers can rely on to make the right choice is a certification program. Such programs provide fair, accurate, and credible information.

Certification programs offer consumers value because they measure products against a single performance standard and report the various ratings achieved.

Under the National Fenestration Rating Council’s (NFRC) program, energy performance ratings include thermal performance, solar heat gain resistance, and visible transmittance.

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NFRC Exhibiting at BOMA Show in Maryland

Representatives from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) will be exhibiting during the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) 2011 International Conference and The Every Building Show, June 26-28.

The event will be held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

According to the show’s Website, the event provides innovative solutions that benefit all types of buildings. It offers attendees the opportunity to meet with leading suppliers who can provide insight on increasing operational efficiencies, enhancing property values, and reducing costs.

Additionally, BOMA says the show is ideal for those responsible for purchasing or recommending products and services for buildings because it provides the information they need to make more informed decisions.

Educational Opportunities

BOMA 2011 will also feature over 40 educational sessions focused on helping attendees tackle today's challenges while identifying new opportunities in the marketplace. The sessions are organized in five education tracks and led by industry experts.

Exhibit Hall Hours

The exhibit hall will be open on Sunday, June 26 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. It will also be open on Monday, June 27 from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. by appointment only. The final day of the show is Tuesday, June 28, and the exhibit hall will be open from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

If you are attending the BOMA show, be sure to visit NFRC at booth #1204. We look forward to answering your questions about our activities and programs.

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

NFRC Exhibiting at AIA Show in New Orleans -- May 12-14

Representatives from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) will be exhibiting during the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2011 National Convention and Design Exposition at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Thursday, May 12 - Saturday, May 14.

The AIA has chosen the theme, “Regional Design Revolution: Ecology Matters” for the convention. According to the AIA Website, this theme was chosen with a single goal in mind: to gather the resources needed to strengthen industry practices to better serve our communities.

The AIA estimates there will be 800 exhibitors on the show floor.

Educational Opportunities

During the convention, there will be 130 continuing education seminars and Design Salons where attendees can engage with presenters, participate in discussions, and make their voices heard.

Additionally, the AIA New Orleans chapter is extending the learning opportunities beyond the convention center. The chapter will host a variety of educational tours that explore the city’s architecture—from historic and modern to recently restored.

Convention Hours

The exhibit hall will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 and Friday, May 13. It will also be open from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 14.

If you are attending the AIA convention, be sure to visit NFRC at booth #219. We look forward to answering your questions about our activities and programs.

Want More Information?

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

Pros and Cons of Window Films: Are They Right for your Home?

Robert Kersten, a window film installer in Missouri, says in an online article that he’s noticed an increase in the number of windows people have been putting in their homes over the past few years and points out that window films can be effective for controlling the associated solar heat gain.

The article published on May 4 by ecohome magazine says window films can block up to 80 percent of the sun’s heat, boosting a home’s energy efficiency. It adds, however, that a lack of awareness and misconceptions may be impeding the category’s growth.

There are several pros and cons associated with window films. While they can help reduce utility bills, some homeowners are concerned installing them will void the warranty on their windows.

This article can help you weigh your options and decide whether window films are right for your home.

QCT Becomes NFRC ACE Organization

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is pleased to announce that Quast Consulting and Testing, Inc. (QCT) of Mosinee, WI is now an NFRC Approved Calculation Entity (ACE) organization.

QCT has been an NFRC-accredited facility since 2009. According to the company’s Website, QCT specializes in the design and testing of exterior building components, working with building owners, architects, contractors, and manufacturers to provide timely and accurate solutions for its clients' testing and consulting needs.

ACE organizations have been established within NFRC’s Component Modeling Approach (CMA) Program as the firms who use the CMA software tool (CMAST) to construct virtual fenestration products and issue label certificates to prove compliance with the building code requirements for fenestration energy-related performance.

For more information regarding the CMA Program and to see a listing of all NFRC ACE Organizations, visit NFRC’s Website.

Please contact, NFRC’s Jen Padgett with any questions.

Gain National and International Recognition by Donating Windows

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is pleased to direct its members’ attention to a unique opportunity for gaining national and international recognition while promoting sustainable building and improving the lives of others.

As a member of the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC), NFRC supports this organization’s mission to serve the public as an advocate of designing sustainable facilities, which improve energy efficiency and provide a healthier, safer environment for occupants.

SBIC is currently involved with two sustainable building initiatives that are requesting product donations from fenestration manufacturers in return for recognition.

One project is being undertaken by the Fuller Center, which seeks to build 50 new homes in North Korea during 2011. The second project involves the New York City Department of Design and Construction seeking both energy-efficient and fire-rated fenestration products.

Taking part in one or both of these projects is a great way to broaden your outreach while displaying your commitment to sustainable building and using energy more efficiently while serving others. The recognition you can gain by participating may be outweighed only by your satisfaction.

Please contact SBIC’s Executive Director, Bud DeFlaviis, to get involved.

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

NFRC Calls on Participants to Complete BVP Survey

As an approved Certification Body for the ENERGY STAR ^® Windows program, the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to introduce a blind verification program to the NFRC Product Certification Program.

NFRC's Board of Directors recently approved the development of NFRC's Blind Verification Program (BVP) to meet this requirement, and NFRC has been collaborating with other organizations to develop its scope. Implementing the BVP requires NFRC staff to act as consumers, blindly purchasing its participants’ fenestration products without their knowledge.

In order to design this purchasing process, NFRC requests your participation in a survey, which should take no more than 10 minutes. The survey is designed to gather information about the process of purchasing your company's products.

Access the survey here.

The survey will remain open until COB on Monday, May 9, 2011.

NFRC appreciates your participation. If you have any questions, please contact Stacy Germann or Scott Hanlon at the NFRC office: 301-589-1776.