NWDA’s Response to the Proposed Revisions to ENERGY STAR Criteria Requirements
 RE: March 11, 2009, Proposed Revisions to ENERGY STAR Criteria Requirements
Dear Mr. Karney:
The Northeast Window and Door Association (NWDA) and its membership appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback, comments and suggestions for the proposed revisions to the ENERGY STAR program for fenestration products.
NWDA Government Relations Committee—Executive Summary
The Government Relations Committee response to the Windows, Doors, and Skylights Draft Criteria and Analysis report revised March 11, 2009
NWDA Membership Involvement
The membership of NWDA has been pro-actively involved in supporting the Government Relations Committee’s efforts to provide the ENERGY STAR program with feedback to the proposed criteria revisions. After receiving the first proposed revision letter and then the second dated January 18, 2008, we circulated the documents to our membership and requested their feedback.
The feedback from the membership resulted in a survey prepared by the committee to address the then-proposed ENERGY STAR revisions for fenestration products. The survey was sent to our membership; survey results were tabulated and forwarded to the Department of Energy for consideration. We have referenced the survey results of our membership to support our comments in the letter. NWDA also had two representatives attend the stakeholder’s meeting. The questions, observations, and recommendations from the meeting were shared with NWDA’s Government Relations Committee.
- Four Zones: NWDA Response: The purpose of the five zone region proposal was to bring the Energy Star regions in close alignment with the IECC regions thereby simplifying the code enforcement process. This idea still makes sense even if it resulted in two zones having exactly or nearly the same criteria. This is unfortunate and it shows an unwillingness of the window industry to understand that we are a component of the building codes, energy codes and the country's overall energy policy.
- The NWDA wants to see the science behind the SHGC numbers in the Northern Zone. Passive solar heat gain in northern regions is good science in the lab. A Delaware energy auditor using a computer modeling program showed that windows with high solar heat gain would not be part of good energy policy with respect to existing housing stock. The existing housing stock in the northern region is generally tract housing and therefore not appropriately sited or designed to take advantage of passive solar heat. Having said that, new housing that is built to "green standards" can take advantage of the passive solar heat gain and therefore windows with high solar heat gain would be appropriate in these situations only. So our thought here is to allow windows of high solar heat gain only when accompanied by verifiable green building practices supported by an energy audit. The NWDA would also like to see the science behind high U-Factors in the two southern zones. U-Factors deal only with heat flow and thermal dynamic properties which are the same in Portland, Maine as they are in Dallas, Texas. We understand that with current glass technology lowering SHGC any further is not a valid option due to the loss of VT, objectionable increased color of the glass and loss of exterior light harvesting.
- NWDA has no comment on 1/2 lite doors proposed criteria.
- NWDA has no comment on skylight proposed criteria.
- NWDA believes suspending tubular day lighting device criteria until more data can be collected seems to be prudent.
Phase 1 Implementation
NWDA supports the proposed timeline for rolling out Phase 1 of the ENERGY STAR program requirements; the Committee was unanimous in agreement that manufacturers have sufficient time to revise product lines and marketing materials for a suggested phase-in date beginning January 1, 2010.
Supplementary Comments:
- NWDA has the technology to make the difference in the overall energy policy today and any further delays waste valuable resources, introduce unnecessary levels of CO2 into our atmosphere and would consume valuable energy that could go back to the manufacturing sector, particularly with respect to load placed on the grid system in the summer.
- NWDA believes in using the best window technology available and does not hang our hat on trying to prolong the lifecycle of outdated technology. Windows that do not incorporate optimal glazing dimensions or those that that do not employ the best glass coatings should not drive the decision-making process. ENERGY STAR qualified windows by definition should be representative of the best available technologies and failure to use these technologies would be a travesty.
- NWDA believes that debate should be science-based. Energy audits should be conducted on existing home stock in each region to determine the best U and SHGC.
- NWDA wants to work with the DOE to reach their stated goals. We ask that the DOE clearly articulate their goals and we will work with them to help solve the energy problem.
Visit the ENERGY STAR website to read this response and others submitted to ENERGY STAR last month.
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Association News
Renew your membership in NWDA
It’s that time of year again! Renewal notices were sent out earlier this year, and while we have heard from most of you, there are still some who have not returned their membership renewal information and dues. If you require another copy of your invoice, please contact Jen Thayer at NWDA headquarters.
Get involved
Make the most of your membership by becoming more involved—and have some fun meeting other NWDA members! If you are interested in volunteering on an NWDA committee, the Board of Directors welcomes your participation. To get started, just download and fill out the volunteer form and return it to NWDA Headquarters.
2009 committees include: Charitable Activities,
Golf and Venue, Energy, Membership, Legislative, Finance, Educational Speakers, and Communications/PR.
Visit NWDA online for a full description of each committee.
Member directory
Once the final membership renewal is processed, Headquarters will email every renewed member asking them to review and update their company information that was printed in the 2008 Directory. Keep an eye out for the directory update form in your email, as timely turnaround will be requested.
As the value of an NWDA membership gains increased recognition in the industry, our Annual Directory becomes an increasingly valuable reference tool. Don’t let your company miss out on the excellent opportunity of advertising in the NWDA directory; this is an affordable opportunity to make sure that your marketing efforts reach a targeted audience of vinyl window manufacturers. Click here for 2009 placement specifications and submission deadlines. Questions? Contact Jen Thayer at NWDA Headquarters for more details.
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Scholarship Program
A College Scholarship is Available—Your Company’s Membership in NWDA makes this Possible. The NWDA Scholarship Committee is now accepting applicants for 2009. For those interested in applying, be sure to note the application deadline of June 5, 2009.
Visit us online to review the full scholarship parameters, as well as details on the application and selection process.
The intent of this scholarship is to enhance the value NWDA brings to members, and to reward those who demonstrate both academic and community-related achievement. The 2009 scholarship will be granted to a student in their junior or senior year of college—any staff member or child of a staff member from an NWDA member-company is eligible. The successful applicant is a junior- or senior-level college student showing exemplary performance in academics, activities, and achievements, and who is a well-rounded student with positive goals for the future.
Be sure that you take advantage of this great opportunity, and good luck to all who apply!
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Winter Meeting Wrap-Up
Thank you to all of our members who participated in this year’s Winter Meeting and Table Top Program; your enthusiasm and high energy level made the 2009 Winter Meeting a ton of fun! Once again, Trump Plaza played host to a group of over 70 attendees—a great turnout in not-so-great economic times.
Monday’s Welcome Reception and Table Top showcase was a great kick-off to the impressive speaker program that followed on Tuesday. “Thanks” go to all of the NWDA board members that helped secure speakers and ensure that NWDA’s educational offerings continue to be timely and interesting.
Speaker re-cap
Newly-elected association board member, Mike Macareth of Architectural Testing, kicked off the educational program with a codes and specifications update.
Howard Fortunado of JCM Environmental followed Mike and shared a number of insights into the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Builder Certification Program. Our program was then rounded out by highly-anticipated presentations on (what else?) the economy.
Back by popular demand, Michael Collins of Jordan, Knauff & Company presented an updated overview of the residential and commercial window and door industry. And Stephen Andrews of Sovereign Bank's Capital Market Division closed the day by addressing the broader impact of the TARP program and its anticipated affect on commercial lines of credit, consumer spending, and overall economic recovery.
Did you miss the meeting?
Visit NWDA online to download presentations from January’s program.
Board of Directors and Officers unanimously elected
 NWDA past-president Mike Sugrue of Winchester Industries, came out of “board member retirement” to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the 2009 Board Officer and Director elections. Members elected the following individuals to serve on the 2009 NWDA Board of Directors:
Officers
President: Darryl Huber, BFRich
First Vice President: Chuck Scalzott, Vytex Corporation
Second Vice President: Tom Channell, Chelsea Building Products
Treasurer: Bob Sullivan, Harvey Industries
Active Directors
Al Dixon, Southwest Vinyl Windows
Alan Hinkle, Lockheed Window Corp.
Art Poland, Thermal Industries
Rob Rose, Northeast Building Products Corp.
Chuck Wetmore, Serious Materials
Associate Directors
Nancy Bostwick, Caldwell Manufacturing Company
Jimmy Di Giorgio, Vision Extrusions
Kelly King, RiteScreen
Mike Mackereth, Architectural Testing Inc.
NWDA thanks these volunteers for their support in guiding the direction of association’s activities. We also thank resigned board members, Sean Coary, Tony Pauly, and Zane Stalter for their service and dedication to NWDA.
Information on NWDA’s 2010 Winter Meeting will be posted online soon.
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Upcoming Events, 2009
Visit www.NWDA.net for more details!
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Member News—What’s New With You?
BFRich opened its doors to customers, community businesses, and homeowners to host a Green Drinks event. Green Drinks events are structured to bring together people who share a passion for the environment, sustainable/green living, energy efficiency, green power, green transportation, environmental legislation, and advocacy.
Chris Lorber, Vice president of Sales, opened the presentation portion of the evening by welcoming the nearly 100 attendees with information on the 2009/2010 Energy Efficiency Tax Credit and its expected effect on the window and door industry and the environment. “Not only will these energy efficient products provide eligibility for homeowners to receive up to a $1,500 tax credit, they will also contribute to the conservation of natural resources, less dependence on foreign oil and the reduction of CO2 emissions into our environment.” Darryl Huber, Director of Commercial & Architectural Projects as well as the current President of NWDA, addressed the crowd on how the NWDA has an active role in communicating with our legislative bodies as a resource of information to aid policy-makers on our national energy policies.
Lori Monroe Lake of GreenTV.com, GreenDelaware.com, and local organizer of Green Drinks in Delaware, gave closing remarks commenting on BFRich’s commitment to Thinking Globally, Acting Locally. “BFRich is very humble in the way they present themselves. They have a phenomenal product—a phenomenal energy efficient product. They don’t play up the factors of how green they are in their business or about their corporate sustainability plan. As big of a company as they are, they generate a minimal amount of waste.”
Crystal Window & Door Systems, the award winning national manufacturer, is pleased to inform the industry and the public that fourteen of its high-performance vinyl window models can earn homeowners substantial tax credits under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus legislation recently signed into law. Homeowners who install the qualifying Crystal products during the period January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010 may claim a tax credit of 30% of the cost of the windows up to a maximum of $1,500 per home. The newly enacted legislation establishes tough energy criteria of a 0.30 U-value and simultaneously a 0.30 Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) for windows to qualify for the tax credit. These energy performance targets are significantly more aggressive than those established by the U.S. Department of Energy’s current ENERGY STAR Program. To determine that its window models qualify for the tax credit, Crystal used independent third party laboratories to test its window models and verify that they achieve or surpass the new progressive energy efficient standards. The fourteen qualifying Crystal models span five of the company’s vinyl product lines and include popular styles such as double-hung, single-hung, picture, casement, slider and hopper. The company expects to add to this lineup of qualifying products in the coming months. “We’ve invested significant resources into upgrading and testing our product lines to make Crystal an industry leader in energy efficiency,” said Steve Chen, Crystal’s Executive Vice President. “I’m glad Crystal will be able to serve homeowners so they may take advantage of these significant tax incentives as they reduce their home energy bills and improve the environment.”
Of the manufacturers with products qualifying for the stimulus tax credits, many rely on triple-glazing to achieve the performance criteria. On the other hand, most of the Crystal qualifying products do not require triple glazing to achieve the progressive standards, but use a simpler, less expensive, high-tech spectrally-selective dual glazing system. “Not only are we offering many more qualifying products than other vinyl window manufacturers, but we will be able to offer our made-in-America windows to the industry at a very cost-effective price,” said Harold Kaye, Senior Vice President for Business Development at Crystal and one of the company’s internal champions for high-performance products. “We have trained our sales team on all aspects of this tax credit issue and we’re rolling out this information to our dealer/distributor network and to the public. This is a win-win for all involved—Crystal, our trade customers, homeowners, the economy, and the environment.” Fenestration dealers/distributors, building supply companies, lumberyards, and home improvement contractors seeking more information on the tax credit issue and Crystal’s qualifying products are encouraged to contact the company’s sales representatives.
DAC Products, manufacturer of sample and display materials for the window and door industry, has combined their sewing and printing capabilities to produce an upscale and highly impactful window case cover. Window companies have used slip covers for years to protect their samples during transporting. Those covers have usually had a one or two color logo at best. But with DAC’s development, that cover can become a beautiful, full color, walking billboard advertisement. With this process the imagination is the only limiting factor. Covers can be produced with an expensive look using beauty shots or other elements to up sell windows. Also, unlike screen-printed graphics, they can be produced in smaller quantities. These covers offer the perfect solution for the dealer selling higher end products and needs a smaller quantity, who wants to make a great first impression. DAC also offers custom designs to meet individual requirements.
Vision Products, Inc. now offers Insulated Glass (IG) units for the window and door industry. We can make these in smaller, sample sizes, for use by Sales to demonstrate window performance. Manufacturing departments can focus on meeting customer window orders, not on interrupting production to build samples. The IG units can be built in various sizes and thicknesses. Vision offers a variety of glass options such as clear/clear, SB60/clear, fiberglass, etc. We can produce the IG’s using spacer such as: box, super spacer, intercept and duralite. Also, these units can be wrapped in our one piece notched (and printed) plastic surround.
Vision is also pleased to announce an additional new hire. Mark Balentine has joined Vision as the Plant Manager. He brings to the position an extensive background, over 20 years, of manufacturing management experience. He has worked as the leader of lean manufacturing initiatives which include: implementing 6 sigma, 5S, Kanban/strategic inventory and ISO programs. His efforts directly resulted in the achievement of multi-year awards for overall plant best: 5S, on time delivery and manufacturing quality.
Mark strengthens the management team at Vision, which has a combined experience of well over 90 years in the fenestration industry. Vision Products, established in 1995, manufactures sample and display marketing products for the window, door, and building products industries.
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Make Sure that NWDA is on Your Distribution List
Don’t see your member news included here? Make sure that your communications team is sending copies of your press releases to info@nwda.net. Members love to read about what’s going on with each others’ companies, so we can’t get too much news!
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Mission Statement
The Northeast Window and Door Association represents window and door manufacturers, supported by suppliers, for the goal of providing affordable access to information and education regarding market, government, building code, and business influencers shaping the window and door marketplace.
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NWDA Officers
Darryl Huber, BF Rich Co., President
•
Chuck Scalzott, Vytex Windows Corporation, First Vice President
•
Tom Channell, Chelsea Building Products, Second Vice President
• Bob Sullivan, Harvey Industries, Treasurer
NWDA Active Directors
Al Dixon, Southwest Vinyl Windows
•
Alan Hinkle, Lockheed Window Corp.
•
Art Poland, Thermal Industries
•
Rob Rose, Northeast Building Products Corp.
•
Chuck Wetmore, Serious Materials
NWDA Associate Directors
Nancy Bostwick, Caldwell Manufacturing Company •
Jimmy Di Giorgio, Vision Extrusions • Kelly King, RiteScreen • Mike Mackereth, Architectural Testing Inc.
NWDA Past-Presidents
William Langfelder • William Carmichael • Alan Ungerleider • Robert Williams • Lee Borellis • Herb Steigler • Art Poland • John Mesko • Chris Lorber • Keith Oakley • Terry Rex • Michael Sugrue • Bill Donnelly
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