Opening Thoughts from the Western Region Board of Directors

I’d like to thank everyone who participated in the November 15 AAMA Western Region Webinar, which proved to be an excellent vehicle for conveying the latest developments and fielding questions in two areas of major significance to our members: I-code referencing at the state level and marketing of green attributes to designers and specifiers. A summary of the two presentations is the subject of separate articles in this newsletter. Members may view these presentations in their entirety in the Members Only section of the AAMA website.

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ENERGY STAR Tightens Requirements

Given the energy-saving benefits of high-performance fenestration and the positive influence it has on our industry, AAMA has joined others in urging a resumption of the tax credits that expired at the end of last year. These tax credits were, and future credits are likely to be, tied to performance levels dictated by the ENERGY STAR® program, which continues to tighten its requirements.

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Code Update Presented During Fall Webinar

On November 15, the AAMA Western Region sponsored a Fall Webinar, featuring two speakers discussing code requirements and green attributes. AAMA’s code consultant, Julie Ruth, PE, provided an overview of the status of I-code referencing by Western Region states, as well as an overview of code requirements affecting windows, doors and skylights. Consultant George Middleton then provided some valuable tips on reaching architects and specifiers regarding the green characteristics of fenestration products.

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Fall Webinar Features Green Marketing Tips
Reaching Architects Who Need to Know About Sustainability

George Middleton, AIA, CSI, LEED AP, gave an overview of how to meet the challenge of educating architects and specifiers on meeting today’s green challenges.

Middleton defined “sustainability” as “doing the things today that take care of our economic and social needs…but don’t cause damage tomorrow.”

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Save the Date: AAMA Western Region 2012 Spring Meeting
AAMA's Western Region will hold the 2012 Spring Meeting April 10-11 at the Embassy Suites Portland Airport Hotel in Portland, OR. An update will be provided on Building Information Modeling (BIM) with a focus on fenestration from Doug Cook of Reed Construction Data. Also planned is an update on NFRC's Component Modeling Approach (CMA), specifically as it relates to the new ENERGY STAR® Independent Verification Program (IVP) as well as the perennial economic update from Chapman University’s Dr. Esmael Adibi. Registration opens February 2012.