Meeting Sheds Light
On ENERGY STAR® MOU

NFRC, its members, and program participants were justifiably surprised by the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) regarding ENERGY STAR®. NFRC has had a strong, long-term, and mutually beneficial relationship with DOE going all the way back to NFRC’s founding in 1989.

A recent meeting between EPA, DOE, and ENERGY STAR program participants was intended to shed light upon the aforementioned MOU, especially with regard to the impact on the fenestration industry. A few significant ideas, issues, and overarching goals were expressed at the meeting:

  • The current administration recognizes the impact of building (and building envelope) performance on the energy security of the United States.
  • The MOU is a commitment between DOE and EPA to help the ENERGY STAR Program "jump forward." It is expected to expedite the process and provide more program transparency.
  • The ENERGY STAR Program will be viewed as one program, with one budget and one management plan.
  • Building ENERGY STAR Programs and Building Labeling Programs will be managed and supported by DOE, while products (including fenestration) will be managed by EPA and supported by DOE.
  • The proposed "SuperStar" program will be dedicated to top tier products (top 5 percent of the market).
  • To inform the stakeholders that the "Governing Body" described in the MOU consists of Kathy Zoi (DOE Assistant Secretary) and Gina McCarthy (EPA Assistant Administrator).
  • To re-assure partners that "if a current process is in place; it is the process that will be used in the future" and that they do not intend to re-invent the wheel.

NFRC Will Remain ENERGY STAR’s Yardstick
This last item should re-assure our members and participants that NFRC standards will remain the yardstick to be used in evaluating product performance, and that the NFRC Product Certification Program will remain as the recognized third-party verification program.

Please note that NFRC has taken steps to develop and grow this new and important relationship with EPA. If there are any questions regarding this development, please contact NFRC Executive Director Jim Benney at 301-589-1776, or jbenney@nfrc.org.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Back to Home Page >>>

Executive Director's Message >>>

Meeting Sheds Light on ENERGY STAR® MOU >>>

NFRC Earns ANSI Accreditation >>>

NFRC News Now Goes 24/7 >>>

Members to Convene in San Antonio Next Week >>>

A Cautionary Note – When Competitors Meet, Anti-Trust Issues Follow >>>

NFRC's Retailer Program Gains Steam >>>

Webinars Provide Updates on CMA Program >>>

NFRC Welcomes New Staff Member to Help with CMA >>>

Industry Happenings >>>

SPOTLIGHT ON: Members >>>

 

NFRC Insider | Vol. 3, Issue 7 - November 2009