The EWC's goal is to double the market share of efficient windows by 2005 and will serve as a focal point for voluntary public/private sector efforts to promote efficient products. With over 50 members from the window and glass industries, the EWC is   jointly managed by the Washington D.C. based Alliance to Save Energy and LBNL's Windows and Daylighting Group with funding from the U.S. Department  of Energy. The Alliance leads communication and marketing activities while LBNL leads technical support efforts. Collaborative members make a commitment to promote efficient products; specific actions include labeling a  majority of their products with NFRC ratings, participating in EWC sponsored initiatives and sales-staff training, and supporting the recently unveiled EPA/DOE Energy Star Windows program.

Communications and education efforts towards window purchasers are a key component on the EWC. Given that half the residential window market is in the retrofit sector, the EWC is reaching out to home owners making decisions on window replacements and manufacturer sales staff promoting products to  homeowners. Information on energy-efficient mortgages will be promoted to these groups since such programs are attractive financing packages. Outreach  activities to builders and contractors will focU.S. on teaching these groups how to sell the energy and comfort benefits of efficient products. The EWC works with other public and private groups aimed at promoting efficient windows, including utilities launching market transformation programs and state government voluntary programs. Partnerships with federal agencies   such as the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), whose goal is to ensure that all products purchased by the Federal sector are efficient, is an important first step.

Encouraging the proper use of efficient windows is often best  handled on a regional scale. Two regional programs have recently  been established on the West Coast to promote efficient products. With funding from the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (utility funding), the Northwest Energy Efficient Window Collaborative will promote these of Energy Star Windows in Washington, Oregon, and parts of Idaho and Montana. Contact Gary Curtis for more information on Northwest activities. In California, funding from Pacific Gas and Electric and Southern California Edison helped establish the California Window Initiative (CWI). CWI will be working to educate glass and window  manufacturers, builders, distributors, specifiers, and energy consultants about the benefits and proper use of efficient window technologies. For more information on CWI activities, contact Ken Nittler. Where appropriate, the EWC lends its communications and technical skills to these two regional efforts. The EWC is  currently working on starting up other regional initiatives around the U.S.

LBNL technical activities in support of the EWC include: Development of the RESFEN computer program other analytical support aimed at providing an accurate and uniform means of determining  the most energy efficient and cost-effective window product for a specific  application. Developing content and maintaining the EWC Website, a focal point for educating and training audiences on the benefits of efficient windows. Documenting the benefits of efficient windows through field monitoring and publicizing these results. Development of tool and products - such as a field verification kit - for efficient products.   Market research and window assessment studies aimed at understanding  which products need to be promoted in specific regions. Research on the non-energy benefits (increased comfort, reduced condensation and fading) of efficient window technologies.

For more information on the EWC, contact:

Alecia Ward
EWC/ Alliance to Save Energy
202-530-2245

Dariush Arasteh
LBNL
510-486-6844