AAMA Continues Discussions with DOE, Proposes Revisions to ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements

The Schaumburg, Ill.-based American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has provided further feedback to the Department of Energy on its upcoming changes to the ENERGY STAR® program revisions for doors and windows.
“Improving energy efficiency is a national priority,” says John Lewis, AAMA’s technical director. “We applaud ENERGY STAR’s success and the momentum it has gained in the marketplace. Consumers are beginning to demand higher-performance products and rely on ENERGY STAR as a means to identify such products. Manufacturers are motivated to upgrade their products to ensure they comply with the program. It is apparent from the passion that we’ve seen from our members just how seriously they view the proposed changes.”

He adds, “It benefits us all to give careful consideration to any revision to the program. We encourage the DOE to implement ENERGY STAR program revisions that are consistent with achieving the goal of reducing energy consumption, while continuing to enhance market penetration. We are confident revisions can be made that preserve the DOE’s goals, yet have minimal impact on the manufacturing base.”

AAMA’s most recent recommendations include the following:

• A two-stage phase-in with stage one implemented one year after the program parameters are finalized (in mid-2009), and Stage Two implemented in 2014;
• U-factor and SHGC values be brought in line with aggressive goals as predicted by industry experts as attainable within six or seven years;
• Alternate compliance paths coupled with realistic program parameters that maintain a consistent and clear message to the consumer via the ENERGY STAR label;
• Careful cost-benefit or payback analysis that evaluates decreasing demand for more expensive products, while accounting for price elasticity; and
• Closer alignment of the five ENERGY STAR zones with those provided in the IECC climate zone map, and redefinition of the Northern zone parameters.

Need more info and analysis about the issues?
CLICK HERE to subscribe to Shelter™ magazine.