NFRC Demonstrates CMA Software Tool

NFRC Demonstrates Prototype of CMA Software Tool at Title 24 Workshop

Workshop Addresses New Program and its Relationship to Title 24 Requirements

Greenbelt , Md. – August 20, 2008 – The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and Southern California Edison today presented a workshop about NFRC's new Component Modeling Approach (CMA), an energy performance rating and certification program for nonresidential fenestration which will be required in California under changes to the state's Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) in 2009.

CMA will provide whole product energy performance ratings using an online database of performance data for NFRC-approved glazing, frame, and spacer components.

More than 55 building professionals attended the workshop, held at the Southern California Edison's CTAC facility in Irwindale; including code officials, architects and industry representative. Nelson Pena, of the California Energy Commission, kicked off the session with a discussion regarding changes to Title 24, Part 6 and their effect on rating and certifying nonresidential fenestration. NFRC Executive Director Jim Benney then addressed NFRC's function in rating the energy performance of fenestration products; while Jessica Ferris presented an overview of the CMA procedure . Finally , Charlie Curcija, of Carli, Inc., the firm developing the software for the CMA program, demonstrated the core functionality of the CMA Software Tool (CMAST).

CMAST, currently undergoing prototype testing, will offer many benefits to users, including client-based and Web-based functionalities. It will maintain libraries of component data, define projects, assemble components, and calculate whole-product ratings.

“NFRC designed the CMA program to be fair, accurate and user-friendly,” said Benney. “It will provide the entire building industry with a uniform standard of rating and certifying nonresidential fenestration products and the feedback we received today was very encouraging.”

NFRC's target implementation date for the CMA program – including software, technical documents, standards, and procedures – is August 2009.

NFRC is well known for its independent rating and labeling program for the residential sector. Its familiar energy performance labels can be found on new windows all across the nation.

The session qualified for American Institute of Architects (AIA) continuing education units in the Health, Safety, and Welfare category. NFRC is a certified provider for the AIA's Continuing Education System and the Construction Specifications Institute's Construction Education Network (CEN).

For more information on NFRC, please visit www.nfrc.org or call 301-589-1776.

About NFRC

NFRC is a non-profit organization that administers a voluntary, uniform rating, labeling and certification system for the energy performance of windows, doors, curtain walls, skylights, and other fenestration products. Its members include manufacturers, suppliers, utilities, consumer groups, representatives from the building and code industries, scientific and educational organizations, and government agencies.

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