Speakers at the recent American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Fall Conference in Baltimore addressed a number of issues of importance to the industry. On Monday, Karma Sawyer, technology manager and physical scientist in the Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office’s (BTO) Emerging Technologies Program, delivered a keynote presentation on BTO’s integrated approach to the development and deployment of energy-efficient technologies that span the technology lifecycle. In addition, Doug Anderson, manager of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star® program, provided insight into the rationale the EPA used in developing Version 6.0 of the Energy Star for Windows, Doors and Skylights program.
Sawyer noted that BTO’s goal is to reduce building energy use by 50 percent in 2030, compared to the “business-as-usual” energy consumption projected by the “2010 Annual Energy Outlook.” If this goal is met, she said buildings will consume 18 percent less energy from HVAC and refrigeration due to highly insulating fenestration technologies.
Sawyer told attendees that reducing energy consumption is a two-pronged approach that includes making more efficient machines and being smarter about energy use. She pointed out, however, that BTO’s highest priority is highly insulating fenestration technologies, with dynamic window and visible light redirection technologies as a secondary focus.
In response to stakeholder comments on the recently released draft of the Version 6.0 criteria revision process for windows, doors and skylights, Anderson said that the EPA has made several important adjustments in the final draft, including:
- The implementation date of the criteria has been moved to January 2015;
- The window criteria for the North-Central and South-Central Zones has been adjusted to 0.30; and
- The skylight criteria in the North and North-Central zones has been adjusted to 0.48.
“The final draft will differentiate better performing products that are cost-effective and allow consumers to choose between a variety of manufacturers and operator types and styles,” said Anderson.
Currently, the EPA is reviewing comments of the final draft specification that was issued in July and is compiling responses. The EPA plans to publish comment responses and issue the final draft of the Version 6.0 Energy Star for Windows, Doors and Skylights specification in the fourth quarter of 2013, with implementation following in January 2015.
