Doug Anderson, manager of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR(R) program, provided insight into the rationale the EPA used in developing Version 6.0 of the ENERGY STAR for Windows, Doors and Skylights program during the AAMA Fall Conference, held Oct. 27-30, in Baltimore.

The EPA launched the Version 6.0 criteria revision process for windows, doors and skylights in June 2010, which preceded a series of foundational documents and draft specifications, with the final draft released in July 2013. Each document and draft specification was accompanied by a stakeholder comment period, EPA responses to comments and any adjustments to the proposed criteria.

In response to stakeholder comments on Draft 2, Anderson says that the EPA has made several important adjustments in the final draft, including:

* Implementation date
– Extended to January 2015, which will help improve product availability and reduce transition costs

* Window criteria for North-Central and South-Central Zones
– Adjusted to 0.30, which offers options that have shorter paybacks for consumers

* Skylight criteria in North and North-Central Zones
– Adjusted to 0.48, which provides improved product availability and consumer payback for double-pane, curb-mount skylights

“The final draft will differentiate better performing products that are cost-effective and allow consumers to choose between a variety of manufacturers and operator types and styles,” says Anderson.

Currently, the EPA is reviewing comments of the final draft specification that was issued in July and is compiling responses. The EPA plans to publish comment responses and issue the final draft of the Version 6.0 ENERGY STAR for Windows, Doors and Skylights specification in the fourth quarter of 2013, with implementation following in January 2015.

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