The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) announced some time ago that it planned to develop a rating and certification program for the non-residential market, as it had already done for the residential market. As this development has proceeded, the voices from the non-residential market have become louder.

Max Perilstein of Arch Aluminum and Glass, took the discussion to another level with his article in the April issue of USGlass magazine, which readers have been receiving this week.

"A number of people have contacted me already and they appreciate the article and are hopeful it will raise awareness in the industry on this issue," he told USGNN. "It's just too crucial an issue for us not to stand up and pay attention."

"This effort is being led by a group of people with an agenda that is not the way our industry works. If we don't get involved we will end up with a system that doesn't work," Perilstein added. He expressed thanks that the Glass Association of North America is setting up a liaison group to focus on NFRC and the issue of non-residential rating and certification. "Awareness is being raised," he stated.

Greg Carney, technical director of GANA, is also enthusiastic about the meeting and the educational effort that is being set up. He said that the liaison group, which is designed to get more people involved who aren't necessarily coming to the NFRC meetings, provides a chance to educate them about what is happening with NFRC and also to hear their concerns about the subject. A meeting is scheduled via conference call this Friday for the group.

Carney also said that he was very pleased about the number of glazing contractors who were at the Chicago meeting and spoke about the challenges of their industry and what they do today to address the thermal efficiency of the buildings they work on. "We hope to continue to provide this kind of input and that NFRC board members will continue to listen to this input," he stated.

USGNN contacted NFRC Jim Benney for comment, but at press time he was unavailable.