Tuesday, November 3, 2009

PAMA Discusses Manufacture and Installation of Awnnings

NFRC is proud to have the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) as one of its sponsors during its Fall Membership Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, November 16-19.

According to PAMA's Website, any custom-manufactured awning, typically has is a short lead time for quality work to be accomplished. For canvas awnings, this can mean as little as three weeks. Of course, this varies depending on the time of the year (summer typically is the busiest part of the year), and it is not unusual for this lead time to run longer, especially in seasonal climates.

PAMA

AAMA 507 Defeated by Narrow Margin

The AAMA 507 proposal to the IECC failed at committee by a narrow margin 6-5.

The AAMA 507 was proposed to serve as an an alternative to the NFRC 100 site built procedure, for the rating (but not certification) of commercial fenestration products.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Interim Executive Director for NESEA to Attend White House Clean Energy Forum

The Interim Executive Director for the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) will attend the White House Clean Energy Forum on November 2 in Washington D.C.

Jennifer Marrapese, JD, MA will participate in the forum, where a select group of regional national energy leaders to discuss the following:

  • The ongoing debate over our energy future
  • How we respond to the realities of climate change
  • How we can all contribute to a positive outcome

More Details

NFRC to Exhibit at ICC Annual Conference in Baltimore Next Week

NFRC will exhibit at the International Code Conference's Annual Meeting in Baltimore, November 1 until November 3.

According to the ICC Website, "The Conference is a uniquely efficient opportunity to reach a large and diverse group of code officials, contractors, architects, inspectors, builders, design professionals, fire service professionals, plans examiners, and engineers to share your knowledge and expertise."

Show Hours: Sunday, November 1, 2009 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Monday, November 2, 2009 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Tuesday, November 3, 2009 1:00 pm – 6:30 pm Welcoming Reception: Sunday, November 1, 2009 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm .

If you happen to be in Baltimore next week, be sure to stop by and see us. We'll be happy to answer your questions.

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Thursday, October 29, 2009

NFRC to Celebrate 20 Years of Fairness, Accuracy, and Credibility at its Fall Membership Meeting in November

Media Contact:Tom Herrontherron@nfrc.org301-589-1776, x205

GREENBELT, Md. (October 29, 2009) – The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year with special events, including live music and other surprises, at its upcoming 2009 Fall Membership Meeting. The meeting will take place November 16-19 at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel in San Antonio, Texas.

“Since its creation in 1989, the NFRC has become the recognized leader for independent and credible rating and certification programs for fenestration product energy performance,” said Jim Benney, NFRC’s executive director. “NFRC is excited to be celebrating its anniversary with members and staff in San Antonio.”

NFRC’s rating and certification system has expanded over the years to include both residential and commercial applications as well as glazing products and window films. Today, the NFRC Certified Products Directory contains energy performance information for more than 1.67 million fenestration products listed by close to 800 manufacturers.

Most recently, NFRC addressed the needs of the commercial fenestration industry by developing the Component Modeling Approach (CMA), which is in a pilot phase. CMA enables whole-product energy performance ratings for commercial fenestration projects using data from the three primary components of fenestration: frames, spacers, glazing.

NFRC members will convene in San Antonio to debate and move forward important issues relating to the energy ratings of the fenestration industry, with 26 ballots up for membership review and comment. Other highlights include a presentation by Anita Ledbetter, executive director of the residential green building program Build San Antonio Green, who will present during the Regulatory Affairs and Marketing Committee (RAM) session.

The deadline for discounted registration is Monday, November 2, after which prices will increase.

For more information, please visit http://www.nfrc.org/upcomingmeeting.aspx.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

VPP Team Accepting Comments on Revised Final Draft Specifications for R-5 Windows

The original Draft R-5 windows and low-e storm windows specifications were released for comment in July 2009. Comments and suggestions were accepted until September 4th.

Following a thorough assessment of the input received, the material was incorporated by the Volume Purchase Program (VPP) team over the next several weeks. This led to the revised Final Draft specifications.

Suggestions on the (VPP) Final Draft Specifications as well as comments on the VPP Bid and Reporting Forms should be submitted by 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on November 13th, 2009.
Furthermore, a conference, which is open to all interested parties, will be held on Tuesday, November 10th at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

This call will provide an opportunity to ask questions directly to the VPP team.

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Green’ Building Retrofits to reach 20%-30%

According to a recent report issued by McGraw-Hill Construction, green building currently accounts for approximately 5% to 8% percent of the retrofit and renovation market. This represents a $2 billion to $4 billion marketplace for major projects.

The report further states that by 2014, this share will grow to 20% to 30%, making it a $10 billion to $15 billion market. Furthermore, researchers say indicators suggest higher levels of activity long-term for retrofits and renovations overall, reaching a tipping point in about 10 to 15 years.

McGraw-Hall says 70% of owners who have engaged in green retrofit or renovation activities are planning to continue for over 15% of future projects and 24% will do so on over 60 % of projects.

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