The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) regrets to announce the passing of Rich Walker, 74, former President and CEO of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and an industry figure of momentous proportions. Walker retired from the Association in 2018 prior to its unification with the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA) to form FGIA. He is survived by his wife, Diane Walker, who shares with Rich the namesake of the Rich and Diane Walker Cup golf event held at FGIA conferences, their two adult...

A new Colorado law setting environmental standards for residential products will likely impact the fenestration and glazing industry, participants at the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Fall Conference learned. Jeremy Neustifter, Air Quality Policy Director at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), spoke about the legislation in his presentation titled, “Laying Down the Law to Drive ENERGY STAR Requirements in Colorado.” This session was sponsored by the FGIA Western Region.HP23-1161, the Appliance Standards Bill, was signed into law June 1 in...

Around 40 participants at the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Fall Conference had the opportunity to tour the 327-acre National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) campus in Golden, CO. This facility houses research laboratories and the lab's administrative office. Reflecting NREL’s commitment to sustainable operations, the main campus boasts several LEED-platinum rated buildings, along with multiple on-site renewable energy installations.“This is not just an office space but also a teaching building,” said Robert Tenent, researcher and one of the tour’s guides. At NREL, Dr. Tenent's...

Two staff members from the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) gave updates about both the insulating glass (IG) and fenestration certification programs offered by FGIA. Amy Becker, Glass Products Specialist, oversees the operation of the IGCC/IGMA and IGMAC IG certification programs and serves as the internal auditor for FGIA fenestration certification programs. Jason Seals, FGIA Certification Services Manager, Fenestration, oversees the AAMA product certification, component verification and laboratory accreditation programs used by FGIA members and licensees to bring quality fenestration products to market.FGIA has...

Participants at the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Fall Conference learned about the role those in the industry can play in helping reduce pollutants in the indoor spaces of those living and working in communities that have been disproportionately affected by construction projects. Dr. Nicholas Clements from the University of Colorado Boulder gave a presentation titled, "The Role Indoor Air Quality Plays in Environmental Justice Communities Impacted by Construction."Clements was part of a group that conducted a recent study in the Denver area that...

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) partnered with World Vision, a humanitarian organization helping children, families and their communities overcome poverty and injustice, to provide school supplies to in-need children during the 2023 FGIA Hybrid Fall Conference (September 18-21). Together, the two organizations assembled and donated 240 backpacks filled with school supplies for students.“Since 1981, World Vision has partnered with communities in the U.S. to create environments in which all children are healthy, educated, cared for, protected and thriving,” said Jack Laverty, World Vision...

Registration is now open for the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) FENBC Region Technical Summit, taking place October 18 at Northview Golf and Country Club in Surrey, BC. The regionally-specific sessions at this event include several topics of interest to those in the province. This one-day summit will provide the latest news and updates in a networking-friendly atmosphere. Register now to reserve a spot at this technical summit.“The FGIA FENBC Region is excited to meet in-person once again,” said Amy Roberts, FGIA Director of...

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) has updated a specification establishing the minimum requirements for PVC exterior profiles that are used in windows, doors and skylights. AAMA 303-23, Voluntary Specification for Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Exterior Profiles, an FGIA document, is now available for purchase in the FGIA online store. This document was last updated in 2019. It consists of 10 sections, three figures and two tables.“The rigid PVC exterior profiles minimum requirements established in this standard pertain to dimensional stability, impact resistance, weatherability,...

During the 2023 FGIA Fall Conference, be sure to check out FGIA Has Talent, FGIA’s first-ever talent show! This event has long been requested by members, many of whom are musicians outside of the work they do in the industry. Other talents also exist among FGIA’s membership, and this fun networking event is the perfect opportunity to see them firsthand. FGIA Has Talent, headlined by the FGIA house band, Freddie and the Fenestrators, will take place on Wednesday, September 20, 5:30-7:00 p.m. There will be...

Speakers at the upcoming Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Fall Conference in Denver, CO, will focus on environmental matters, including ENERGY STAR®-related legislation in the state, fenestration and durability research and the quality of indoor air in environmental justice communities impacted by construction activities. Register now for the 2023 FGIA Fall Conference to be held September 18-21 to hear about these sustainability topics and more.“Sustainability continues to be as a crucial topic for our industry,” said Florica Vlad, FGIA Events Manager. “FGIA provides...