Codes and Standards

• The US DOE Energy Star for Windows Program is not a code, but is a voluntary marketing program with prescriptive requirements that are dependant on 4 distinct climate zones for the U.S.
• There are also whole structure programs where windows that qualify for the Energy Star for Windows program can be used to qualify a structure as Energy Star. These are the Energy Star Buildings and Energy Star Homes programs.
• More detailed information for the Energy Star for Windows Program and other Energy Star programs is available at: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_windows
• Canada has also developed an Energy Star for Windows program which is administered by Natural Resources Canada, (NRCAN) and is based on 4 climate zones. More information can be found at: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energystar/#

USGBC LEED Program

• United States Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Program is a voluntary market-driven building rating system designed to accelerate the development and implementation of green building practices.
• PPG manufacturers a variety of Glass, Paint & Coating Products that can help architects earn LEED certification credits for their projects.
• Information on LEED can be found on PPG’s web-site and at the USGBC web-site: http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19

LEED Credits Related to Glass:

• Sand comprises 70 to 80% of all float glass, and because the source of sand at all PPG float glass producing facilities is within the LEED defined distance, a LEED credit can be claimed. Also, if the PPG customer facility is within the defined distance from the project, another credit can be claimed.
• Recycling: For post consumer %, our current understanding is that no credit can be claimed; For post-industrial - typically 20% of a glass batch (by weight) is comprised of recycled glass.
• LEED Credits & Certification can be confusing and PPG recommends that interested parties contact a LEED consultant for assistance.

Industry Associations and Contacts

• AAMA - American Architectural Association http://www.aamanet.org/index.asp

– Focus is on structural performance specifications, product certification, labeling, and component certification.
– Key documents include AAMA 101 Specification for fenestration and Industry Statistical Information.

• GANA – Glass Association of North America http://www.glasswebsite.com/

– Unified voice on matters affecting the glass industry
– Key documents are various educational pieces and general technical bulletins

• ASTM American Society of Testing & Materials http://astm.org/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/index.shtml?E+mystore

– Focus is on industry consensus developed specifications
– Key documents include various specifications related to glass

• IGMA – Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance http://www.igmaonline.org/company_profile/

– Focus is on IGU technology and specifications

• NFRC – National Fenestration Rating Council http://nfrc.org/http://nfrc.org/

– Focus is on performance rating standards, product certification & labeling
– NFRC administers the glazing data base public library

• WDMA – Window and Door Manufacturers Assoc. & Canadian WDMA http://www.wdma.com/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1

– Focus is to represent and support all aspects of the window and door manufacturing industry

Safety Glazing Standards & Organizations

• American National Standards Institute http://www.ansi.org/

– ANSI Z97.1-2004e, American National Standard for Safety Glazing Materials Used in Buildings – Safety Performance Specifications Method of Test

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

– CPSC 16 CFR 1201, Safety Standard for Architectural Glazing Materials [Last amended: 49 FR 7107, Feb. 27, 1984]

• Safety Glazing Certification Council http://www.sgcc.org

– Manages a certification program for compliance to the above two standards.
– Publishes a Certified Products Directory

Additional Web Links:

The web links below will offer substantial information and additional web links in the area of Building Codes and Industry Associations related to fenestration products:

• http://www.bcap-energy.org/home.php BCAP or Building Codes Assistance Project is a joint-initiative of the Alliance to Save Energy, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, and the Natural Resources Defense Council. BCAP is structured to quickly deliver assistance at the state or local government level where construction regulation exists. BCAP is funded by the US Department of Energy.
• http://www.efficientwindows.org/index.cfm EWC or Efficient Windows Collaborative provides information on the benefits of energy-efficient windows, descriptions of how they work, and recommendations for their selection and use. The EWC is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Windows and Glazings Program and by the participation of fenestration industry members.