NFRC Board Approves Financial Contribution to Commercial Window Initiative

The National Fenestration Rating Council's (NFRC) board of directors has approved a $30,000 "contribution" to the Commercial Window Initiative (CWI) and
training for architects and utilities. The NFRC is considering an additional $30,000 contribution at a future time. The request was made by NFRC board member Gary Curtis, who is involved with CWI. Curtis recused himself from a vote on the matter.

According to the NFRC, the "outreach initiative is part of a longstanding effort by NFRC to better understand and communicate with the architectural community. This particular initiative is to conduct educational sessions for architects and others related to NFRC ratings. After careful consideration, NFRC's board decided the effort supported [its] mission and that CWI was the most knowledgeable and credible group to do the job."

The CWI began in the fall of 2002 as a project of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) to promote the use of energy-efficient windows in commercial building projects in the Pacific Northwest. At the end of 2005 NEEA's support for CWI transitioned to incorporate many of the activities initiated by CWI into NEEA's Better Bricks program.

CWI was established as a not-for-profit educational entity three months ago and is seeking to continue many of the activities of the NEEA project including providing information and education regarding energy efficient commercial glazing.