Led by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), this volume purchase project for R-5 highly-insulating and low-e storm windows helps both window buyers and window manufacturers by developing a market for these energy-efficient products at affordable prices.

Client Need

The DOE Building Technologies Program has embraced the strategic goal of developing net-zero-energy buildings, and highly insulating R-5 and low-e storm windows are a key stepping stone to achieving this goal. Windows in the Untied States account for 30% of building heating and cooling energy loss, and while R-5 windows can reduce the average heat loss through windows by 40% (over standard double pane, low-e ENERGY STAR windows), cost remains a principal barrier, minimizing market penetration and commercialization. 

Solution

To overcome the principal barrier of cost for R-5 and low-e storm windows, Energetics and its partners have worked together to educate and develop buyer groups for these products, obtaining letters of interest in the program to showcase support to window manufacturers. In parallel, Energetics has worked with these same window manufacturers to build interest in producing these windows in volume to drive down costs. Energetics also helped to develop and incorporate comments into specifications for successful manufacturer participation in the volume purchase.

Results

A request for proposal (RFP) is being released through Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to list qualified R-5 and low-e storm windows according to required specifications. These windows will be readily available at a lower cost to interested customers with both new construction and retrofit projects.