The Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA), recently released their initial draft criteria for the next version of Energy Star for windows and patio doors, 7.0. The draft criteria details what the EPA feels is the next step in improving the thermal requirements for the Energy Star program for windows and patio doors. The current version, 6.0, was implemented in 2015 with Northern Zone u-values improving from 0.30 to 0.27. The version 7.0 draft criteria proposes Northern Zone u-value improvement from 0.27 to 0.22, with improvements in the three remaining climate zones. In addition, they are suggesting sliding patio doors will be required to have the same thermal requirements as windows. This is significant!
With the release of the initial draft criteria, the EPA is soliciting feedback from stakeholders. Windsor has provided feedback to the EPA and as a member of WDMA, participated in the WDMA response to the version 7.0 criteria. In both cases we are challenging the validity of the significant thermal improvements in the various climate zones in version 7.0 as well as the rationale behind adding sliding patio doors to the window criteria.
The EPA is in the process of reviewing all stakeholder feedback and is planning to have a second draft released for review between now and the end of the year. Windsor will continue to be engaged in this process and will provide updates as they become available.