IGMA, IGCC combine IG certification program

The Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance, Ottawa, Ontario, and the Insulating Glass Certification Council, Sackets Harbor, N.Y., combined their certification programs into a single program, according to a Feb. 18 IGMA release.

The process started in June 2004 with the two organizations working closely to harmonize their respective program requirements, andcumulated into a formal license agreement signed by the IGMA and IGCC presidents, Roger Skluzacek, director of technical services,Viracon, Owatonna, Minn., and Ray Wakefield, architectural sales manager,Trulite Industries, Mississauga, Ontario, on Feb. 3during the 2009 IGMA Annual Conference.

Synonymous with the harmonization of the Canadian CGSB 12.8 and US ASTM E773/E774 standards resulting in the ASTM E 2188, E 2189 and E2190 for insulating glass testing, IGMA and IGCC have worked together to develop a single set of program requirements representing the more stringent requirements of each program to offer insulating glass manufacturers one program labeled with IGCC-IGMA trademark, capitalizing on the strong market recognition of both programs in Canada and the U.S., according to the release

“IGMA and IGCC have set the bar for insulating glass certification in North America as well as setting an example of what can be accomplished when two organizations work closely together for the benefit of the entire industry,” said Margaret Webb, IGMA executive director, in the release.

"Both certification processes were scrutinized over several years with the result being a better single process for the certification of insulating glass," said John Kent, IGCC administrative manager, in the release. "Of paramount concern for both organizations was maintaining ultimate control of certification as the responsibility of the IGCC board of governors with its balance of 50 percentindustry representation and 50 percentpublic interest representation. This was accomplished."