NFRC Discussions Will Continue in 2022

In 2021, the National Fenestration Rating Council launched several initiatives to bring relevant and timely industry conversations to our members and participants. Opportunities to network consistently ranks as the most appreciated benefit for NFRC members, and further participation opportunities will abound in 2022 to connect with colleagues across the industry and profession.

Webinars

One of the most successful new discussions started this year was the Industry Trends and Emerging Technology webinar series. With the inaugural series ending at the Fall Membership Virtual Meeting in October (listen to the audio recap), NFRC is planning topics for 2022 that will inform researchers, product developers and potential partners on the process to get these new window technologies into the market and certified that are affordable for consumers.

We’re also looking to discover new ideas and technologies being investigated. As registration becomes available, all sessions will be listed here.

Podcasts

NFRC continues its podcast Through the Glass. In the first 14 episodes, guests discussed aspects of fenestration as it relates to codes, energy efficiency, innovation and new technology, and NFRC programs. Guests represented government agencies, national laboratories, regional Energy Efficiency Alliances, NFRC member companies and NFRC staff and board members.

Forums

• Women in Fenestration Network – In a male-dominated industry, NFRC wants to provide support for the growing number of women entering the field with the Women in Fenestration Network. This group met for a virtual coffee break at the NFRC Fall Membership Virtual Meeting. Plans are under way to convene again in early 2022 and again at the Spring Committee Meeting.
   
• Sustainability Network – NFRC’s sustainability efforts began in earnest in 2021, with the support of six sustainability sponsors: Vitro Architectural Glass and Quanex Building Products at the gold level, Tremco and Schuco at the silver level, Thermoplast Extrusions as a bronze sponsor, and Veridis Solutions as a green sponsor.
  
  NFRC also awarded the first Sustainability Member of the Year award to VELUX Group for its commitment to becoming Lifetime Carbon Neutral by 2041. VELUX shared its plan for this goal in a webinar for NFRC. 
  
  With the addition of the Sustainability Network, NFRC is inviting members to join our efforts to create a more sustainable fenestration industry. This voluntary program is a member benefit to learn from experts in the industry on best practices, challenges and successes with resources to reach your sustainability goals.
   
• University Student Members – Recognizing the opportunities that NFRC can provide to students studying green building architecture and engineering, sustainability and other related fields, we are inviting universities to become general members.
  
  University membership gives students access to NFRC standards and processes that will supplement their education with fenestration-specific data. It also links young professionals with potential mentors in the industry, possible internship opportunities and connections to students from other universities and programs.

These groups have shared calendars, forums, and discussions on NFRC’s Community website. The group pages provide resources and ways for members to network with each other.

Opportunities to join the discussion will grow in 2022. We hope to hear from you!