Jim Benney Encourages Glazing Industry to Consider the Big Picture When it Comes to NFRC's Proposed CMA Program

Greenbelt, Md., September 13, 2007 – Jim Benney, executive director of the National Fenestration Rating Council, told participants at Glass Build America earlier this week that NFRC's proposed Component Modeling Approach should be viewed as a useful tool that will help them keep up with trends that are reshaping their businesses.

Speaking at the meeting's Glazing Executives Forum, Benney said that code changes, technological advances, and increasing concerns about global warming and other energy-related issues are forcing the construction industry to adopt more energy efficient products and practices.

“The direction the country is taking is very clear, and the companies that embrace these changes are going to be the ones that thrive in the future,” Benney said. “A uniform, independent rating and labeling system for nonresidential fenestration systems will help glazing contractors and other stakeholders take advantage of opportunities offered by government and corporate initiatives.”

Benney cited the Architecture 2030 ( www.architecture2030.org ) program, which envisions net carbon-neutral buildings within 25 years, and the National Association of Counties recent endorsement of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR® Challenge as examples of how public and private entities are embracing energy efficiency.

“We know that glazing contractors and other groups have some concerns about CMA, and we pledge to work with all stakeholders to create the most effective, and cost-effective, program possible,” Benney said.

For more information about the CMA program, visit the NFRC Web site at www.nfrc.org . The program will also be discussed at the next NFRC meeting, which will take place Nov. 5-8 at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel & Conference Center in Tempe , Ariz.