National Fenestration Rating Council
NFRC is a non-profit organization that administers the only uniform, independent
rating and labeling system for the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights,
and attachment products. Our goal is to provide fair, accurate, and reliable energy
performance ratings so that:
- Architects, builders, code officials, contractors, homeowners, and others can compare
different products and make informed product choices.
- Building officials, state government employees, and others involved in code development
and enforcement can determine if products meet local codes.
- Government- and utility-run energy efficiency programs can establish
performance requirements and standards.
- Manufacturers have a fair and level playing field to compare products and an accurate
method of showing the energy benefits of new designs or technology.
Mission
NFRC develops and administers energy-related rating and certification programs that
serve the public by providing fair, accurate, and credible information on fenestration
performance.
Values & Goals
- Commitment to the public interest by providing fair, accurate, and credible ratings
- Consensus driven process -- Varied interests working together, crafting a balanced
approach to our work
- Respect all input from stakeholders
- Protect and preserve the integrity of the NFRC and its programs and ratings
- Deliver valid, usable data to all customers (public/building industry/code officials/government
- Deliver a successful energy rating program to the commercial fenestration industry
- Deliver an improved and simplified rating program for the residential fenestration
industry
- Deliver new rating procedures and programs for existing and emerging technologies
Originally, NFRC was formed in response to the energy crises of the 1970s. To address
concerns about energy consumption, the fenestration industry developed a host of
new energy efficient technologies: low-emissivity coatings, low-conductance spacers,
gas fills, etc. Many of these technologies are critical in today’s Skylights and
Windows. Unfortunately, in advertising these new technologies some manufacturers
made outlandish claims about the performance of their products. Consumers complained,
and the federal government began to investigate allegations of unscrupulous practices
in the industry.
By the late 1980s, key industry stakeholders began to realize that something had
to be done to prevent widespread confusion, federal intervention, and perhaps costly
litigation. They came together in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1989 and founded
NFRC to provide independent verification of product performance. Stability and quality
of the products sold has improved regularly since the formation of the NFRC.
What is Fenestration?
Fenestration: Any opening in a building's envelope including windows, doors and
skylights.
Window, door, skylight and curtain wall manufacturers are constantly improving and
re-designing their products to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of their
customers. How do these customers know the benefits they can get from new technology?
By looking for the NFRC label or Label Certificate and understanding what NFRC ratings
mean.
