A new Product Category Rule has been released in collaborative partnership among the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance, the National Glass Association, and the Window and Door Manufacturers Association. This PCR for fenestration systems provides manufacturers with the base document needed to develop Environmental Product Declarations. EPDs provide a means for manufacturers to take comprehensive, third-party verified Life Cycle Assessments and transform them into standardized declaration labels for their products.

The new PCR for fenestration systems defines a normalized “declared unit” as one square meter of fenestration assemblies, including framing and glass. To reflect the differences in fenestration manufacturing approaches, EPD results disclose the LCA results as a total fenestration system and also separately for both the frame and the glazing because some manufacturers may make only the frame or there may be variability in glass types used.

“This PCR is important for reporting and standardizing EPD information for fenestration systems,” said Kathy Krafka Harkema, FGIA U.S. technical operations director. “It documents the goal and scope of LCAs for this category so that EPDs can be generated according to the applicable ISO standards. Without a well-defined industry PCR, it’s difficult for specifiers, architects, builders and other EPD users to make accurate comparisons in today’s sustainability-conscious world.”

The new PCR covers exterior-grade, finished, assembled fenestration assemblies, including skylights, windows, curtainwalls, storefronts and doors. For more specific inclusions, see Table 1 of the PCR for fenestration assemblies.

“Formerly known as the Windows PCR, this comprehensive new version more accurately describes the diverse range of fenestration products covered by this standard,” said Craig Drumheller, WDMA vice president of technical activities. “This enables it to serve as an even greater and more helpful resource for those interested in using this PCR to develop EPDs as part of a focus on and commitment to sustainability.”

The relative ratio of framing and glass for EPDs, based on this PCR, is derived from National Fenestration Rating Council standard sizes and configurations prior to normalization. This may or may not be representative of the project-specific sizes and configurations on a specific building or group of buildings.

“This fenestration PCR is more encompassing for the glass and glazing industry and will allow companies to generate their EPDs with the most up-to-date rules for sustainability,” said Urmilla Sowell, NGA vice president of technical services and advocacy.

View the new PCR for fenestration systems. It is intended for use primarily in North America.