The Western Region of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) will host its Spring Summit, April 30-May 1, at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel in Tempe, Ariz. The meeting will feature a panel discussion on energy-efficient fenestration, an economic update from Dr. Esmael Adibi, as well as a tour of the Palo Verde Energy Education Center. Online registration for the event closes April 24.

Tues., April 30
During the first day of the Summit, presentations will feature topics important to the future of the fenestration industry, which include a panel discussion on how windows can positively influence home energy savings. Additionally, updates on the Department of Energy, Title 24 building efficiency standards, as well as recent code changes pertinent to the Western Region, will be given.

“Fenestration manufacturers have been at the forefront of ensuring that each newly introduced product offers an opportunity to harness the attributes of energy efficiency,” says Rich Walker, AAMA’s president and CEO. “Summit attendees will get to hear from some of these industry leaders on how high-performance fenestration can contribute to more energy-efficient homes.”

Dr. Esmael Adibi of Chapman University also will deliver a presentation on Tuesday on the U.S. economic outlook, specifically addressing states in the Western Region. During the AAMA 76th Annual Conference, Adibi noted the continued growth of the housing market, including a significant increase (13.4 percent) in housing starts for 2013.

“Dr. Adibi has been a frequent speaker at both AAMA national and regional conferences and is very well respected among meeting attendees,” says Tony Thiret (Quanex Building Products), AAMA Western Region’ board president. “His insights on the current and future economic climate are especially enlightening to those within our industry.”

Wed., May 1
A tour of the Palo Verde Energy Education Center in Buckeye, Ariz., will take place during the second day of the Summit. The LEED® Gold Certified facility serves as a base of operations in the event of a crisis at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station and was designed as an energy-efficient, state-of-the-art building that incorporates the latest technologies in creating sustainable structures. Some of the green building concepts utilized in the facility include heavy insulation for the building envelope, specialized sizing and shading on all the windows, as well as an air distribution system.

“Utility companies, especially those found in the Southwest, continue to offer funding opportunities to retrofit buildings for energy efficiency,” says Mike DeSoto (MI Windows and Doors), AAMA Western Region’s board vice president. “Summit attendees will learn about these important efforts and how Palo Verde values fenestration as a means to ensure energy-efficient buildings.”

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