NFRC Update

NFRC will demonstrate the prototype software for the Component Modeling Approach (CMA) certification and rating procedure at its upcoming Summer Membership Meeting in July.

CMA provides a whole product performance rating by combining the separate ratings for glazing, framing, and spacer components. It is designed to be simple, fair, credible, and cost-effective. The program will help manufacturers demonstrate to architects and specifiers that their fenestration products meet bid specifications and code requirements. With the CMA Software Tool (CMAST), the design community will be able to quickly and simply generate simulated ratings for different products.

Currently undergoing internal testing, CMAST is set to be reviewed by dedicated testers to assess the functionality of the software application. Later this month, NFRC also plans to provide access to this application to subject matter experts who have been assisting with the development of the software requirements, says Jessica Ferris, NFRC’s CMA program manager.

Ferris also notes that a second phase of testing, involving the Web-based part of the application, will begin in the fall, followed by a six-month pilot project scheduled to begin in January 2009.

Charlie Curcija, of Carli, Inc., will demonstrate CMAST at the NFRC Summer Membership Meeting in Chicago. “It’s not completely functional yet, but it has all the core functionalities in place,” says Ferris. “We’ll be able to show the membership how, in essence, this software application will work and give them a good idea of what it’s going to look like,” she adds.

CMAST offers many benefits to users, including client-based and Web-based functionalities. It can maintain libraries of component data, define projects, assemble components, and calculate whole-product ratings.

CMA and BIM
The design and construction industry is increasingly turning its attention to Building Information Modeling (BIM). Ferris recently attended a workshop on the subject at the American Institute of Architect’s annual conference and she thinks that CMA could play an important role in BIM.

“It was exciting to see how potentially we could fit in from the energy analysis side of a building and how that data can be used from the CMA end,” says Ferris.

Ferris explains that NFRC is starting to explore how it can get involved with the development of the National BIM Standard™, which seeks to create standards that facilitate the interoperability of software and data.

NFRC expects to implement the CMA program – including software, technical documents, standards, and procedures – in August 2009.





		CMA Software to be Unveiled at NFRC Summer Meeting NFRC will demonstrate the prototype software for the Component Modeling Approach (CMA) certification and rating procedure at its upcoming Summer Membership Meeting in July. CMA provides a whole product performance rating by combining the separate ratings for glazing, framing, and spacer components. It is designed to be simple, fair, credible, and cost-effective. The program will help manufacturers demonstrate to architects and specifiers that their fenestration products meet bid specifications and code requirements. With the CMA Software Tool (CMAST), the design community will be able to quickly and simply generate simulated ratings for different products. Currently undergoing internal testing, CMAST is set to be reviewed by dedicated testers to assess the functionality of the software application. Later this month, NFRC also plans to provide access to this application to subject matter experts who have been assisting with the development of the software requirements, says Jessica Ferris, NFRC’s CMA program manager. Ferris also notes that a second phase of testing, involving the Web-based part of the application, will begin in the fall, followed by a six-month pilot project scheduled to begin in January 2009. Charlie Curcija, of Carli, Inc., will demonstrate CMAST at the NFRC Summer Membership Meeting in Chicago. “It’s not completely functional yet, but it has all the core functionalities in place,” says Ferris. “We’ll be able to show the membership how, in essence, this software application will work and give them a good idea of what it’s going to look like,” she adds. CMAST offers many benefits to users, including client-based and Web-based functionalities. It can maintain libraries of component data, define projects, assemble components, and calculate whole-product ratings. *CMA and BIM* The design and construction industry is increasingly turning its attention to Building Information Modeling (BIM). Ferris recently attended a workshop on the subject at the American Institute of Architect’s annual conference and she thinks that CMA could play an important role in BIM. “It was exciting to see how potentially we could fit in from the energy analysis side of a building and how that data can be used from the CMA end,” says Ferris. Ferris explains that NFRC is starting to explore how it can get involved with the development of the National BIM Standard™, which seeks to create standards that facilitate the interoperability of software and data. NFRC expects to implement the CMA program – including software, technical documents, standards, and procedures – in August 2009.				*ALSO IN THIS ISSUE* Back to Home Page >>> Executive Director’s Message >>> Manufacturers Continue to Improve Energy Performance of Fenestration Products >>> Utilities’ Incentive Programs Help Customers Save on Efficient Windows >>> CMA Software to be Unveiled at NFRC Summer Meeting >>> DOE Completes Initial Analysis for Proposed ENERGY STAR® Criteria Revisions >>> NFRC Discusses Energy Codes and Fenestration at AIA Show >>> Codes Update >>> Industry Trade Publication Launches Green Web Site >>> NFRC Membership Meeting Set for Chicago, Illinois >>> NFRC in the News >>>



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