IG Certification Implementation Proposal Moves on to NFRC Board

by Ellen Giard

Insulating glass (IG) certification was a major discussion item during Wednesday's certification subcommittee meeting. Margaret Webb, executive director of the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA), spoke out against a portion of the IG certification task group's proposal for certification implementation. Specifically, Webb spoke against the proposed requirement for national accreditation of testing laboratories.

"If testing labs are required to be accredited to perform every single test protocol … it will probably double the cost of testing," said Webb. "I'm concerned about the affect this will have on the smaller manufacturers that don't already test because the increased cost will make it difficult for them to participate in the NFRC program [i.e. certifying and labeling]."

Webb stressed that the testing laboratory approval programs currently in place have been accepted by the industry for decades and do not need to have additional requirements placed on them that will only increase costs.

Greg Carney, technical director for the Glass Association of North America, agreed.

"[Groups such as] the Insulating Glass Certification Council and Insulating Glass Manufacturers Association of Canada have been in existence for more than 30 years and are extremely well-recognized," he said. "I don't think it's necessary to add this level of cost and complexity.

" While some members opposed Webb's position as they were of the opinion that there is insufficient oversight of IG testing labs, the majority of members voted in favor of Webb's amended proposal to not require national accreditation of testing labs.

"Thank you for not increasing the cost of IG certification," Webb said after the vote.

The proposal was also passed during the ratings committee meeting and will be forwarded to the board for consideration.

The NFRC board of directors met this morning. Friday's USGNN will provide an update on today's board activities.

--Ellen Giard is editor of USGlass Magazine.