The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) intends to revise the criteria by which windows, doors, and skylights qualify as ENERGY STAR® products, and plans a phased approach for implementing the revised criteria. The new criteria would become effective in 2009, 2012, and 2015.

DOE announced on May 2 it had completed the initial energy analysis for the proposed criteria revisions to the ENERGY STAR Windows Program. Two weeks later, DOE released the preliminary criteria revisions to doors and skylights and explained that it may be revised as analysis continues.

“The analysis has pointed out a clear path for the 2009 criteria, but also the need for additional cost and feasibility research before establishing the 2012 and 2015 criteria,” explained ENERGY STAR Program Manager Richard Karney in the May 2 letter to stakeholders.

To receive feedback from industry, DOE will hold a stakeholders meeting on the ENERGY STAR on August 13, in Washington, D.C. “The meeting agenda and Initial Criteria Revision Analysis will be released in advance of the meeting,” wrote Karney.

Earlier this year, DOE announced changes to the proposed revisions. They included an updated climate zone map; a longer transition period; and near-term requirements that could be met by existing products or by making “feasible manufacturing modifications” to those products. Karney provided an update of the criteria at the NFRC 2008 Spring Meeting in Nashville, Tenn. To view the presentation, click here.

DOE plans to issue the preliminary analysis and proposed criteria for windows prior to NFRC’s summer meeting, set for July 28-31, in Chicago. The presentation, which Karney will deliver, will take place during the Regulatory Affairs and Marketing Committee block on Wednesday, July 30.

Final criteria are expected to be announced in September. DOE reports that the new criteria could take effect as early as June 2009.

“Our members are following the process closely and look forward to hearing more about the latest developments at our upcoming membership meeting,” says NFRC Executive Director Jim Benney.

Fenestration products must use NFRC’s rating, certification, and labeling procedures for U-Factor and solar heat gain coefficient to be eligible to earn ENERGY STAR status.