EPA Releases Final Specifications for ENERGY STAR Version 6.0 - WDMA Worked with EPA and Congress to Achieve Final Program Changes

The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) represented the window, door, and skylight industry during the development of Version 6.0.   

"While the final requirements for Version 6.0 are not everything that we sought, WDMA worked diligently over the past year with EPA and our supporters on Capitol Hill to achieve a middle ground that will increase energy efficiency, allow manufacturers time to prepare, and provide consumers with a reasonable payback period. We appreciate EPA's efforts to work with us to address our concerns," said Michael O'Brien, WDMA President and CEO.

The final Version 6.0 specifications include significant improvements from earlier drafts that increase ENERGY STAR qualification requirements of windows, doors and skylights while keeping those products more affordable for homeowners purchasing them. Further, the agency acknowledges the need to improve the process for future updates to the ENERGY STAR program to make the process more transparent and encourage greater industry participation.

In the final document, EPA has agreed to delay implementation of Version 6.0 Northern Zone requirements for windows until January 1, 2016.  Until then, the current Version 5.0 requirements will remain in effect in the Northern Zone.   Further, the final Northern Zone u-factor for skylights has been set at .50, which is a change from the last draft, which had it set at .48. Those requirements will go into effect in on January 1, 2015, along with the rest of Version 6.0.

"Most importantly, we look forward to working with EPA going forward to craft a process for Version 7.0 that will be more transparent, predictable and provide for greater stakeholder participation," said O'Brien.