The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is hosting its fall membership meetings this week—virtually of course—and there were several important updates for companies involved in manufacturing or selling doors and windows. Officials from both the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offered an update on activities as they pertain to fenestration.

Doug Anderson, program manager for EPA Energy Star windows, doors and skylights, reported on the progress made on “a possible Version 7.”

“It’s been going slow,” said Anderson, adding, “It’s been difficult data to gather,” pointing out that COVID-19 hasn’t helped in these efforts. Also, the mystery shopping product cost data has been difficult to gather since companies do not easily provide their product cost data.

Anderson showed market data from Ducker/Frontier which highlights that market share for Energy Star remains high.

“We have the highest market share in the North if you look at it by climate zone,” he said, pointing out that the data is from 2018—the latest available.
Ongoing research regarding a possible Version 7 includes a look at cost data methodology where information is being collected from manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers.

Anderson expects a first draft to be published at the end of 2020 or the first quarter of 2021.

Mark LaFrance, windows technology manager on the emerging technologies team at DOE, presented what he said were some great opportunities for window companies.

“Three weeks ago we learned of a financial opportunity … There is $80 million dollars available for research and development, and this includes research for window technologies,” said LaFrance. “I would like you to make me extremely busy by getting your proposals in. We usually don’t have a lot of opportunities for windows so you should take advantage of this.”

Another opportunity he mentioned includes the fact that DOE “is going to start working with utility programs to get them to start working with thin triple pane windows. This is a new opportunity for manufacturers to get involved,” he said.

“These are areas where the industry can lead and increase the market value to the industry.”

The NFRC meeting continues through Wednesday.

For more info about the Funding Opportunity Announcement mentioned by LaFrance and to submit an application, CLICK HERE. Concepts must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, November 5 to be eligible to submit a full application.