Efficient Windows Collaborative Becomes a Part of National Fenestration Rating Council

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) has acquired the Efficient Windows Collaborative (EWC) and its proprietary online Window Selection Tool.

NFRC rates and certifies the energy efficiency of windows, doors and skylights that make buildings more comfortable and reduce carbon emissions. Meanwhile, the EWC has been an online resource for consumers to find high-performance windows specific to their needs. Together, the NFRC and the EWC will bring a new level of expertise, education and support to consumers searching for windows for their homes and businesses, says the NFRC

“This is an incredible opportunity to link the valuable resources of the EWC with those of NFRC to benefit consumers who want the confidence that they are purchasing the right window for their needs,” says Deb Callahan, NFRC CEO. “This also links the entire fenestration industry with the emerging green building and sustainable industries.”

The EWC began with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to work with the University of Minnesota, Alliance to Save Energy and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to develop resources to link the technical and human considerations that influence window and façade design, selection and use. Under the banner of NFRC, online resources will be enhanced to expand the benefits for the public and the fenestration industry, the announcement explains.

“Over the past 20 years, the [EWC] has been educating consumers and designers on the importance of high-performance fenestration products and has been an integral part of the transformation of the market using these products,” says Kerry Harp, former EWC executive director. “With the EWC now being a part of the [NFRC], education and outreach efforts will greatly expand. Through its products and tools, EWC’s mission has always been to focus on the transformation of the built environment toward greater energy efficiency. This mission fits nicely into NFRC’s mission, vision and expanding outreach and education efforts.”