NFRC - National Fenestration Rating Council
 
WE'RE CHANGING THE WAY AMERICA SHOPS
FOR WINDOWS, DOORS AND SKYLIGHTS
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About NFRC

NFRC is a non-profit organization that administers the only uniform, independent rating and labeling system for the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights, and attachment products. Our goal is to provide fair, accurate, and reliable energy performance ratings so that:

•  Architects, builders, code officials, contractors, homeowners, and others can compare different products and make informed product choices.

•  Building officials, state government employees, and others involved in code development and enforcement can determine if products meet local codes.

•  Government- and utility-run energy efficiency programs can establish performance requirements and standards.

•  Manufacturers have a fair and level playing field to compare products and an accurate method of showing the energy benefits of new designs or technology.

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Mission Statement

NFRC develops and administers comparative energy and related rating programs that serve the public and satisfy the needs of its private sector partners by providing fair, accurate and credible, user-friendly information on fenestration product performance.

The History of NFRC

Ultimately, NFRC was formed in response to the energy crises of the 1970s.

To address concerns about energy consumption, the fenestration industry developed a host of new energy efficient technologies: low-e coatings, low-conductance spacers, gas fills, etc.

Unfortunately, in advertising these new technologies some manufacturers made outlandish claims about the performance of their products. Consumers complained, and the federal government began to investigate allegations of unscrupulous practices in the industry.  

By the late 1980s, key industry stakeholders began to realize that something had to be done to prevent widespread confusion, federal intervention, and perhaps costly litigation. They came together in Vancouver , British Columbia in 1989 and founded NFRC to provide independent verification of product performance.

Read Behind the Glass, A History of the NFRC By the People Who Lived It

Key Events Since the Founding

1991

NFRC publishes its first Certified Products Directory

NFRC adopts procedures for rating and labeling U-factor  

1992

National Energy Policy Act codifies NFRC's role as the nation's energy performance rating and labeling organization

1993

First NFRC-labeled products roll off participating manufacturers' assembly lines

California becomes first state to require NFRC labels on products

NFRC adopts procedures for rating and labeling solar heat gain coefficient and visible transmittance

1994

NFRC celebrates its 5 th anniversary

1995

NFRC adopts procedures for rating and labeling air leakage

1996

NFRC launches a comprehensive marketing and education campaign designed to raise awareness among the makers, regulators, and buyers of fenestration products

1997

NFRC adopts a new, modern logo

1999

NFRC celebrates its 10 th anniversary

2000

NFRC launches its "site-built" program for fenestration products in commercial applications

2002

NFRC moves to new offices in Silver Spring , Md.

NFRC adopts procedures for rating and labeling condensation resistance

2003

NFRC implements one-size testing

NFRC slashes dues in all member categories (other than fenestration manufacturers and suppliers)

2004

NFRC celebrates its 15 th anniversary

 

Read Behind the Glass, A History of the NFRC By the People Who Lived It

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