DOE Invests $9 Million in Building Envelope Technology

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) plans to invest $9 million in building envelope technology, and one area of focus is high-performance windows.

According to Energy Secretary, Steven Chu, the average American family spends about $2,000 per year on their home energy bills, yet much of that money is wasted on air leaks. DOE says bringing more energy efficient products into the market can improve energy savings and strengthen U.S. manufacturers.

The National Fenestration Rating Council’s (NFRC) energy performance rating label helps consumers and industry professionals determine how windows, doors, and skylights will perform. Learn more about the NFRC label here.

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CEO Benney to Speak at Symposium

The National Fenestration Rating Council’s (NFRC) CEO, Jim Benney, is part of a panel of experts who will speak during the upcoming Building Enclosure Technology and Environment Council (BETEC) Symposium in Washington, D.C.

According to symposium’s website, the event will provide attendees with the most recent developments in fenestration performance and technology and will be particularly valuable for architects, engineers, developers, and others who make decisions about improving building performance.

The symposium will be held January 7-11, 2013 at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center in Washington, D.C.

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NFRC’s New Websites Look Better, Work Better

Visit the National Fenestration Rating Council’s (NFRC) two new websites on Monday, December 17, and you’ll find a new look, new features, and better functionality so you can get all the information you need faster and easier than ever before. 

In addition to redesigning www.nfrc.org to keep pace with your needs, we’ve also created a second website, www.nfrccommunity.org, to expand your networking opportunities.

These two websites work together to provide NFRC members with some important benefits, including the following:

• Easier access to news and information.
• Ability to manage your account in a few simple steps.
• Expanded networking section for public or private discussions.
• More intuitive navigation so you can find documents and bulletins quickly and easily.
• Option to store and readily access files to facilitate task group, subcommittee, and committee development.

“These new websites are designed to guide our members from one page to another effortlessly so they can find the information they need to make the decisions that build on their success,” said NFRC’s CEO, Jim Benney. “This accomplishment highlights NFRC’s commitment to its members and illustrates the organization’s ability to anticipate their needs.”

How Can NFRC Serve You Better?

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is always interested in serving you better.

What kinds of benefits could NFRC offer to make membership more attractive for you? 

You can answer here or email your suggestions.

How Can NFRC Help Your Business Thrive in 2013?

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is always looking for insight from industry experts to improve its programs.

What are some of the business challenges you're facing during 2013, and how can NFRC's programs help you overcome them?

Let us know here, or contact Tom Herron, NFRC's Senior Manager, Communications & Marketing.

Let NFRC Help Educate Your Customers

The National Fenestration Rating Council's (NFRC) consumer-oriented website is helping consumers make more educated choices when purchasing fenestration products. It provides non-technical explanations to technical questions and offers a number of links for those seeking more detailed information.

Give your business a boost by sending your customers here.

What do you think of NFRC's consumer-oriented website? Post your comments here. 

NFRC Seats New BOD Members, Establishes New Executive Committee

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) has officially seated its newest Board members for the 2013 term and also approved the members of its new Executive Committee.

Each of the following Board members has been seated to serve a three-year term.

• Sneh Kumar, Kawneer, an Alcoa Company  - Fenestration Industry Category (Specified) A manufacturer who sells the majority of its fenestration products or systems for use in commercial construction.
• Jeff Baker, WESTLab Canada - Laboratory Category.
• Mahabir Bhandari, Oak Ridge National Laboratory - General Interest (non- specified).
• Gary Curtis, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance - General Interest (specified). A not-for-profit consumer, environmental, energy efficiency, or other public interest organization.

NFRC’s new Executive Committee will consist of the following members:

• Chair -- Steve Strawn, JELD-WEN
• Vice-Chair – Jeff Baker, WestLab Canada
• Secretary – Steve Farrar, Guardian Industries 
• Treasurer – Sneh Kumar, Kawneer, an Alcoa Company
• Previous Chair – Joe Hayden, Pella
• Ombudsman – Jim Krahn, Cardinal Glass

“NFRC is fortunate to have assembled such a talented group of professionals whose skills and contributions will make our organization even stronger,” said NFRC’s CEO, Jim Benney. “The individual commitment each one of them brings to our shared cause forms a distinguished group that positions NFRC to assist its stakeholders in reaching their goals during 2013 and beyond.”