WDMA Discusses ENERGY STAR Changes

Mike Fischer, Window and Door Manufacturers Association’s (WDMA) director of advocacy, met with Richard Karney of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) ENERGY STAR Windows program in Washington, D.C., recently to discuss the proposed draft revisions to the ENERGY STAR requirements, according the latest WDMA newsletter, “This Week @ WDMA.”

The topics of discussion, according to the newsletter, centered on the following key messages:

• “WDMA believes that the next implementation date should be January, 2010, to allow manufacturers sufficient time to develop the appropriate products, collateral materials and marketing programs required to transition the program. WDMA also expressed the opinion that it is preferable to set upcoming revisions with two steps, as opposed to the three currently under consideration. The WDMA recommendation is for revisions in 2010 and 2015.
• WDMA is concerned with the proposed increase in the number of zones in the DOE plan. Under previous changes the program went from three to four, and is now considering five. WDMA believes that simplicity should govern and that no additional zones should be added.
• The discussion also included recent activity at the model code and state level related to fenestration requirements. WDMA believes that the DOE is engaged in an ‘arms race’ with regulators that cannot be won. As the DOE looks to retain above-code requirements, energy efficiency advocates set the next benchmark at equivalent-or-more stringent levels.”

Fischer offered praise for the effect of ENERGY STAR saying, “The fact that efficiency advocates and regulators have embraced the best available technology as the baseline for current and future code provisions for windows is a direct result of the ENERGY STAR program. The wide participation of the window industry has had a dramatic effect on energy efficiency, and both the industry and the ENERGY STAR program managers deserve congratulations.”

Because of the shift in efficiency for new construction, and the resulting increase in cost of replacement windows, WDMA cautions in its newsletter that this critical market segment should not be overlooked. It further suggests that, with a tremendous inventory of single-pane windows remaining in the U.S. housing stock, a two-tiered approach might be in order.

“The DOE has based cost analysis on the difference between codes for new construction and ENERGY STAR compliant products,” says Fischer. WDMA believes that it is important that the program remain a viable option for the replacement market, and that the cost to upgrade windows should be a part of the DOE analysis.

WDMA remains a staunch supporter of the program and additional discussions are scheduled between WDMA and DOE prior to upcoming stakeholder meetings.

CLICK HERE to read the WDMA’s letter to the DOE.

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