Revised ENERGY STAR™ Criteria Draft Draws Full House at Stakeholder Meeting

Representatives from the Department of Energy (DOE), D&R International Ltd. and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory met today with a full audience of door, window and skylight manufacturer representatives who traveled to Washington, D.C., for what has been a long-awaited industry stakeholder meeting. The mission of the day was for DOE to provide information about the draft of the revised ENERGY STAR™ criteria for doors, windows and skylights, and to give industry representatives an opportunity to voice their opinions on these. (CLICK HERE to learn more about the proposed ENERGY STAR revisions.)

While many in attendance today had various concerns about the currently proposed criteria, most were also grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the process. One of the many who expressed this sentiment was Jeld-Wen's Ray Garries. "Thanks for the way you guys have put this system together here," he told the panel, which included DOE's Rich Karney. "It's much better than someone in an office somewhere handing [the criteria] down and saying 'this is the way it's going to be.'"

While appreciation was shared, one general concern was shared as well: the length of time allotted for public comment on the criteria draft, which was released last week (CLICK HERE for that story). Currently the public comment period is set to close one month from tomorrow on September 14.

"We're asking for a 90-day review period," said John Lewis, technical director of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association.

Almost every other industry representative who spoke echoed this sentiment.

Other popular topics were the importance of U-factors and whether too much emphasis is placed upon them; whether or not the maximum solar heat gain coefficient should exist in the criteria; the timing of the phase-in of the new criteria; and the potential increased cost on the part of consumers.

Stay tuned to USGNN.com™ for more in-depth coverage of this meeting.

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