DOE pushes for better energy performance/decarbonization for commercial
About 100 technical and advocacy leaders gathered in South Carolina Feb. 5-8 for the NGA Glass Conference: Isle of Palms | Charleston conference. Some top takeaways from the meeting. Find more onsite coverage of the event.
An update from DOE
Marc LaFrance, windows technology manager on the Emerging Technologies team at the U.S. Department of Energy, helped kick off the conference with an update on some ongoing efforts at DOE to improve building efficiency and sustainability. He noted the essential role that the glass and glazing industry plays in achieving next-level performance goals.
“There is a lot of talk right now about decarbonization. … To do this, we have to start with the building envelope. You have to reduce the [peak] load on the grid,” LaFrance said.
LaFrance noted the important progress made on the residential side with the recent release of Energy Star version 7.0, and said the DOE is interested in developing additional ways to push performance forward in the commercial segment as well. With Energy Star Version 7.0, “we’re truly going to get high performance windows in residential. But how are we going to do that in commercial?”
LaFrance also said there are some forthcoming DOE initiatives that will be of interest to the glass and glazing community. The DOE is set to make an announcement with additional information for industry companies in the coming weeks.
All eyes on Advocacy Days
NGA volunteer leaders and staff will be returning to Capitol Hill May 14-15 for the third annual Glass & Glazing Advocacy Days to meet in organized small groups with members of Congress. The event provides an opportunity to gain the attention of agency officials and congressional members to showcase industry businesses and the value of the U.S. architectural glass industry. Policy priorities at the 2024 event are Energy Efficiency/Sustainability, Bird-Friendly Glazing, School Security and Workforce Development.
During the NGA Glass Conference, attendees heard from Laurie Purpuro, government affairs advisor for K&L Gates, the firm collaborating with NGA on organizing the event. Purpuro offered insights on ongoing and upcoming legislative efforts that could help drive discussions during Advocacy Days, and she provided some best practices on communicating goals and objectives to congressional leaders and staff. Purpuro detailed potential legislative efforts to push for more efficient and sustainable buildings, industrial decarbonization, workforce training and more.
Volunteers take center stage
Dedicated glass industry technical volunteers and leaders were recognized Feb. 7 during the Volunteer Celebration Dinner at the NGA Glass Conference: Isle of Palms | Charleston.
Aaron Thompson, principal research engineer, Viracon, received the NGA's 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award. Thompson serves as chair of the NGA Fabricating Committee and has been involved in NGA activities for more than 15 years.
In his acceptance of the Volunteer of the Year Award, Thompson turned back to the crowd to thank all attendees for their participation and work. “This organization wouldn’t be what it is without all of your help. … You are what makes the industry great. Please keep coming. Please keep volunteering and doing your best work here. Being passionate.”
Additionally, three NGA members, who have recently announced plans for their upcoming retirements, were recognized for their longtime participation and volunteerism: David Evans, quality manager, Guardian Glass North America; Tim McGee, sales manager, Glass Coatings & Concepts (GCC) LLC; and Bill Sullivan, president/CEO, Brin Glass Co.
The longtime volunteers offered advice and reflections:
“For the newcomers, get involved. Find something that fits your personality, your level of participation, and help make this industry continue to grow,” said Sullivan.
“Anything you want to support this industry you can do. What you put into it is what you get out of it,” said Evans.
“I have really enjoyed my time here. And I will tell everyone that this organization, for myself and for our company, has made our company stronger and brought us so many benefits,” said McGee.
