EPA Has Released Draft 1 of The ENERGY STAR for Windows,Doors,and Skylights Version 6.0

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released Draft 1 of the ENERGY STAR for Windows, Doors, and Skylights Version 6.0 specification and the ENERGY STAR for Windows, Doors, and Skylights version 6.0 Draft 1 Criteria and Analysis Report for stakeholder review.

According to the EPA, this draft specification was developed with consideration to the comments received in response to the Version 6.0 Product Specification Framework Document released in October 2011.

In addition to providing definitions for products, performance metrics, etc., the draft's scope clarifies that the program covers skylights, residential doors and windows. Excluded products are those assembled onsite, such as sash packs or sash kits; doors, windows or skylights intended for installation in non-residential buildings, as well as doors, windows or skylight attachments that are not included in a product's NFRC-certified rating.

According to the draft, "to qualify for ENERGY STAR, products shall have NFRC-certified U-factor and, where applicable, Solar Heat Gain Co-Efficient (SHGC) ratings at levels which meet or exceed the minimum qualification criteria specified. Windows and skylights shall meet the criteria for a given ENERGY STAR climate zone. Doors shall meet the criteria for a given glazing level. Dynamic glazing products shall meet the criteria while in the minimum tinted state for chromogenic glazing products or the 'fully open' position for internal shading systems."

Written comments are due by Friday, September 28, 2012, and may be submitted to [email protected]. Stakeholders should include supporting data and documentation for all comments submitted, where relevant. With the exception of those labeled as confidential, stakeholder comments will be posted online.

EPA will be hosting an in-person stakeholder meeting and concurrent webinar on Monday, August 27, at 1310 L Street Northwest in Washington, D.C. To register for the in-person stakeholder meeting, send an e-mail to [email protected] with "Stakeholder Meeting Registration" in the subject line and include your contact information in the body of the e-mail. Details on meeting times and registration for the webinar will be provided at a later date.

The ENERGY STAR Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights specification is expected to take effect January 1, 2014.