Component Modeling Approach Program

Overview:

The NFRC's new Component Modeling Approach (CMA) Product Certification Program enables whole product energy performance ratings for commercial (non-residential) projects. The concept behind component modeling is performance data from the three primary components that make up a fenestration product are used for obtaining an overall product performance rating.

Three primary components used are:

• Glazing: : Glazing optical spectral and thermal data from the International Glazing Database (IGDB)
• Frame: Thermal performance data of frame cross-sections
• Spacer: Keff of spacer component geometry and materials

The Component Modeling Approach Software Tool (CMAST) establishes a set of performance libraries of approved components (frames, glass, and spacer) which can be accessed for configuring fenestration products for a project, and obtaining a U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and Visible Transmittance (VT) rating for those products, which can then be reflected in a CMA Label Certificate for code compliance.  CMAST is web-based as well as client-based. 

The CMA Program is currently being piloted and is scheduled to be fully implemented in January 2010:

• If interested in participating in the CMA Pilot Program please contact Jessica Ferris or John Lewis for additional information.

• If interested in testing CMAST during the pilot program, please cick here to register yourself as a user.  Users will obtain registration confirmation by email and can then return to the CMAST website to log-in and download the latest version of the software.

The completed CMA program and software tool will be useful in several ways for a vast array of stakeholders in the industry:

• Generating performance ratings for bidding projects
• Ascertaining credible and accurate performance data
• Obtaining third party certification of overall product performance for code compliance

Through the end of this year, NFRC will be offering free monthly webinar sessions on current activities taking place in the CMA pilot program.  Click here for information on upcoming webinar dates and other training Information .

Documents and Resources:

CMA Software Tool (CMAST)

• CMAST
• Support Desk
• Software Users Manual

CMAST Verification Study 

• CMAST Verification Report (PDF)
• CMAST Verification Report (Word)
• CMAST Verification Summary

CMA Pilot Program Bulletin Updates (details, timelines, status):

• June 18, 2009 Bulletin

Technical Documents:

• NFRC 100, Section 5.6 (Revised July 2009) – CMA Technical Procedures
• NFRC 200, Section 5.6 - CMA Technical Procedures

Program Documents:

• NFRC 705-2009_E0A0: CMA PCP – Product Certification Program
• NFRC 708-2009_E0A0: CEAP – Calculation Entity Approval Program ("ACE Program")
  • NFRC 708.01_E0A0 (ACE Application)
• NFRC 701-2009 E0A0:  LAP - Laboratory Accreditation Program
  • NFRC 701.03 E0A1 (LAP Simulation Reporting Requirements
• NFRC 702-2009_E0A0: CAP- Certification Agency Program

Listing of Accredited Labs, Approved Calculation Entities, and Licensed Inspection Agencies

Additional Information:

• CMA Fees - revised 3.24.2009
• Progress, historical notes on the development of the CMA program can be accessed on the CMA Ratings & CMA Technical Subcommittee Pages.

NFRC Site Built Program:

• NFRC has a certification program in place for site-built or field-assembled products that is part of the current NFRC Product Certification Program (NFRC-PCP) which parallels the residential certification program.  Click here to learn more about the NFRC's Site Built Program:  history, process and more.