Partnership for Advanced Window Solutions (PAWS)

Project Website: https://paws.energy/
Lead Performer: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) – Berkeley, CA
DOE Total Funding: $$550,000
FY23 DOE Funding: $350,000
Project Term: January 1, 2021 – September 30, 2023
Funding Type: AOP Project (Direct-Funded Lab Project)

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to expedite the deployment of high-performance window and shading products while evaluating the energy performance impact of emerging fenestration technologies and validating their real-world effectiveness.

• Task 1 of this project involves enhancing the consumer-focused window selection tool and educational materials by providing technical support to the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). The goal is to improve the www.efficientwindows.org website, originally developed with DOE support, to better serve building owners, builders, architects, and academia. The tasks for 2023 include updating window energy savings data through technical support energy modeling, conducting user experience testing of the selection tool, and creating consumer materials to be used by local dealers, highlighting desired performance levels and their significance.
• Task 2 focuses on supporting efficiency partners through direct technical assistance, including the development of utility-based campaigns and incentives, to facilitate the market transition to high-performance windows and ensure a successful launch of ENERGY STAR v7. The Partnership for Advanced Windows (PAWS), a collaborative initiative, promotes cost-effective window solutions, and LBNL provides strategic leadership, technical support, and codes and standards working group leadership to advocate for high-performance stakeholders in the code development cycle.
• Task 3 focuses on reducing window upgrade costs in new construction single- and multifamily homes by creating opportunities for high-performance windows in the market, which will incentivize manufacturers to invest in volume production, leading to increased supply and reduced costs. The project aims to overcome the prevalent use of code minimum R-3 windows by builders in the northern zone through the promotion of historical passive window strategies, combining high solar heat gain with effective shading systems. The project will provide technical support to transition builder partners (such as Habitat for Humanity, Lennar, ZERH, and ABC) to high-performance windows, substantiating the business case through energy and non-energy benefits analysis, including tuning the glass SHGC and identifying suitable coatings and glass types for specific facades.
• Task 4 focuses on reducing window upgrade costs in retrofit single- and multifamily homes. The project aims to validate, in collaboration with a remodeling partner, the effectiveness of high-performance windows in reducing backup heating capacity, thereby eliminating the need for panel upgrades and reducing the capital expenditure of heat pump installations. This approach has potential applicability in climate zone 3-5 homes.

Project Impact

Market-ready window and attachment technologies will be examined, and specific performance targets defined for key market segments (early adopter, low-income, etc.) and climates. LBNL will assist industry in the development and establishment of programmatic documents and procedures to drive the adoption of high-performance (R-5) triple-pane windows, secondary glazing systems, and low-cost window attachments into new-construction and retrofit applications.

Contacts

DOE Technology Manager: Alexander Rees
Lead Performer: Robert Hart, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory