Tubelite contributes to new fenestration PCR, setting foundation for product-specific EPDs

Glazing contractors are well aware that very few manufacturers have been able to offer them current product-specific Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for aluminum-framed entrance, storefront, curtainwall, window or other fixed fenestration systems. For manufacturers to develop their comprehensive product-specific EPDs, a Product Category Rule (PCR) document is needed first. The predominant cradle-to-gate PCR used by fenestration manufacturers to generate their own product-specific EPDs expired in 2020. An extension was granted through September 2021. A new fenestration PCR has been needed ever since, but the company that had served as the PCR program operator is now defunct. As a result, fenestration manufacturers have not been able to provide the documentation to support the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED® v4.1 relevant EPD credit. To meet this need, NSF International’s National Center for Sustainability Standards (NCSS) assembled a panel of industry-leading members to help author the PCR for Fenestration Assemblies. Tubelite is one of the 12 participants that provided input as to specific metrics needed for the fenestration products covered, as well as which products this PCR would address moving forward. This PCR addresses multiple sustainability attributes and performance areas throughout the fenestration lifecycle. Other key contributors to the PCR’s development include the Fenestration and Glazing Alliance (FGIA), National Glass Association (NGA) and Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA). The first draft of this PCR was completed and voted on by the panel members for adoption. That draft was adopted and a public comment period was open through August 21, 2023. Currently, comments to the draft are being reviewed by the NSF NCSS and the PCR panelists. Comments requiring revision will need to be resolved. Once those revisions are completed, the PCR can then be published in four to six weeks. It’s anticipated the fenestration industry will have a new PCR framework to draft product-specific EPDs before the end of 2023.