OFFICE OF BUILDING TECHNOLOGY, STATE AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMSENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGYFOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.EREN.DOE.GOV/BUILDINGS

A 20-YEAR INDUSTRY PLAN FOR WINDOW TECHNOLOGY

W I N D O WINDUSTRYW I N D O WINDUSTRYT E C H N O L O G Y R O A D M A P

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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4 INTRODUCTION

6 VISION AND BARRIERS

9 RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

20 NEXT STEPS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Building

Technology, State and Community Programs (BTS)

would like to thank the following associations and

corporations for their participation in developing the

Window Industry Technology Roadmap.

American Architectural Manufacturers’ Association (AAMA)

AFG Industries

Alliance to Save Energy

Andersen Corporation

Anstead Design Group

Apogee/Wausau Metals

Aspen Research

Cardinal IG

Certainteed

Donnelly Corporation

Efficient Windows Collaborative

Gilkey Window Company

Graham Architectural Products

Guardian Industries Corp.

The Home Depot

Jeld-Wen

Kawneer Co.

Libbey-Owens-Ford Co.

Marvin

Mikron Industries

NAHB Research Center

National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)

Pella Corporation

Plate Glass Manufacturers Council (PGMC)

PPG Industries

Velux

Viracon

Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA)

A NEW INITIATIVE

The U.S. Department of Energy’sOffice of Building Technology, Stateand Community Programs (BTS) isfacilitating a new industry-ledinitiative to develop a series oftechnology roadmaps. Theroadmaps identify key goals andstrategies for different areas of thebuilding and equipment industry.The Window Industry TechnologyRoadmap is one of the first spon-sored by BTS.

This roadmapping initiative is a fundamental component of the BTSstrategic plan and will help to aligngovernment resources with the high-priority needs identified byindustry. The roadmap will guidecooperation among public and pri-vate researchers, window compa-nies, and other State and Federaloffices to help the window industryachieve its long-term vision.

E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

A Window to the Future

The American window industry has taken an

important first step in defining its future in

response to changing market and business

conditions. The industry faces exciting new oppor-

tunities but also serious challenges. New technology

is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing these

conditions, as well as assisting window manufacturers

in competing in the marketplace. The pace of techno-

logical development should continue to respond to

trends in new construction and retrofit that place a

premium on energy conservation, enhanced quality,

fast delivery, and low installed cost.

The Window Industry Technology Roadmap represents

the collaborative efforts of window industry professionals,

government, environmental organizations, and research

groups. These individuals contributed to a dynamic

process that ultimately produced general consensus on

a vision for the future and the pathways for achieving it.

BARRIERS TO THE VISION

At the Window TechnologyRoadmap Workshop, participantsidentified key market, policy, andtechnology barriers to achieving thewindow industry vision. Participantsvoted to select the most critical barriers in each category, and thendeveloped specific strategies toovercome these barriers (see facing page).

Key market barriers:• Lack of educated demand for

innovative new window products

• High first cost of innovative newproducts

Key policy barrier:• Dissimilar, poorly enforced, and

inconsistent building codes

Key technology barriers:• Lack of integration tools and

forms needed to achieve true system integration

• Ambiguous definition of “durability” and its implications for warranty

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In September 1998, the windowindustry began the process of developing the TechnologyRoadmap with a one-day ExecutiveVisioning Forum held in Chicago.During this forum, industry partici-pants discussed their current situa-tion and outlined a long-range visionfor maintaining and building theircompetitive market position. Thisvision discussion led to the devel-opment of the vision statementbelow.

The core of the workshop exploredthe critical need to meet the visionin the areas of:

1. Windows as an integral part of abuilding “system”

2. Active, smart glass and windows

3. Informed consumers at all levels

4. More glass and windows used in buildings

5. Windows as an environmentalsolution

6. Windows as an energy source

Advanced window technology canlower production costs and createhigh-profit, innovative products to compete with other materials. Recognizing the importance ofcooperative technology planning,the window industry organized aWindow Technology RoadmapWorkshop, held in January 1999 in Leesburg, Virginia. Over 30 representatives from the fenestrationindustry, government, environmentalorganizations, and research groupsmet to complete an industry-wideplan for achieving the industryvision. This collaborative workshophelped identify key targets of oppor-tunity, technology barriers, andresearch priorities to meet the vision.These are summarized in the tableon the next page.

A WINDOW TO THE FUTURE

VISION STATEMENT

In 2020, consumers recognize windows1 as affordable “appliances inthe wall” that are active and interactive parts of a true building system.Windows offer added value by providing energy, entertainment, andinformation with enhanced comfort, lighting, security, and aesthetics, in harmony with the natural environment.

1 The term "window” in the vision statement, as well as in the document, refers to fenestration products, including windows, doors, and skylights.

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Market Actions Policy Actions Technology Actions

• Develop products that encourage consumers to upgrade as featuresadvance (replaceable, portable, modular, high value).

• Understand current technology andpotential applications and specifytechnology needs as identified byuser expectations.

CROSSCUTTING (ONGOING)• Educate stakeholders and end users

on true long-term cost benefits ofhigh-performance products.

• Develop long-term photovoltaic prod-ucts that can be integrated in fenes-tration products.

• Develop superior insulating materialsand components for fenestration products.

• Develop integrated electronics in fenestration products.

LONG-TERM (10–20 YEARS)

• Develop analytical tools to assist manufacturers in designing and marketing efficient windows.

• Develop methods to measure andprove durability of fenestration products.

• Support, specify, and identify applica-tions for improved technology, includ-ing breakthrough materials andmanufacturing processes.

• Develop products that encourageconsumers to upgrade as featuresadvance (replaceable, portable, modular, high value).

• Establish a regionally sensitivenational building code.

MID-TERM (3–10 YEARS)

• Define standards and protocols for in-tegrating different building components.

• Develop strategies and hardware nec-essary to optimize integrated buildingsystems.

• Define performance metrics for com-fort, system integration, energy, cost,and environmental impacts.

• Develop methods for measuring thevalue of integrated systems.

• Establish a system for rating productson the basis of durability.

• Define appropriate durability and warranty periods for different windowcomponents.

• Combine the three existing codes by supporting the International CodeCouncil (ICC), professional lobbying,or creating a core industry group.

• Educate local building inspectors. • Develop communication channels

among building industry groups toaddress integration issues in areas of education, research, and collaboration.

NEAR-TERM (0–3 YEARS)• Establish partnerships through collab-

orative work among multiple stakehold-ers and resource groups.

• Conduct a value-based market analysis.• Support, specify, and identify applica-

tions for improved technology, includ-ing breakthrough materials andmanufacturing processes.

• Provide incentives such as financing programs and low interest loans, perhaps as an expanded ENERGY STAR

component.

SELECTED HIGH-PRIORITY ACTIONS FOR THE WINDOWS INDUSTRY

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ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

SHAPE INDUSTRY VISION

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STATE OF THE WINDOW INDUSTRYIn addition to over 400 window fabricators, the window industryincludes glass manufacturers, vinyland aluminum extruders, wood suppliers, distributors, retailers, and contractors. Serving primarilyresidential and commercial markets,window sales exceeded 1,200 million square feet and $7 billion in1997. Owing to their increasing versatility, windows make up a striking portion of wall area in newconstruction—13 percent in new residences to 50 percent in largeoffice buildings. The window indus-try of today is a vibrant, modern setof businesses and is well positionedfor the challenges it will face in thenext two decades.

CONTEXT FOR THE VISIONIn spite of the success of the windowindustry, significant challenges lieahead. The industry must continueto meet society’s changing expecta-tions while remaining economicallyviable and globally competitive. Two dozen window industry membersdiscussed their current situation andestablished their vision for the futureduring the Executive Forum held inChicago in September 1998.

The window industry is in the midstof rapid technological change.Recent developments in glazing,framing, and assembly have dra-matically improved the energy con-servation potential and quality ofnew windows. This pace of techno-logical development should con-tinue in response to trends in newconstruction and retrofit that place apremium on energy conservation,enhanced quality, fast delivery,and low installed cost. Trends inthe window industry, economy, andsociety will drive the window indus-try of the future, as will uncertaintiesand the rapid advance of technology.

THE PROCESS

The Window Industry TechnologyRoadmap represents the collabora-tive efforts of fenestration expertsfrom private companies as well asgovernment, environmental, andresearch groups. Major steps in thedevelopment process included:

Executive Visioning ForumWhen and where: September 1998in Chicago, Illinois

Who participated: Two dozen window industry executives

Results included: Examination ofthe current environment and devel-opment of a shared industry vision

Roadmapping WorkshopWhen and where: January 1999 inLeesburg, Virginia

Who participated: More than 30representatives from industry,government, environmental, andresearch groups

Results included: Identification ofkey barriers to achieving the visionand development of specificactions to overcome these barriers

Survey of Workshop ParticipantsA questionnaire distributed to work-shop participants asked respondentsto identify specific research needsand rate the investment required,potential contribution toward thevision, and the certainty of successfor each. The Technology Roadmaprepresents the aggregation of thoseresponses.

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INDUSTRY TRENDS

Industrial trends reflect vigorous competition in the construction productsmarket:

• Shift toward low-e glazingand new framing materials

• Reduction in productioncycle time

• Increased automation

• Development of systemsapproach to buildingdesign

• Declining window prices

• Consolidation of fabricatorsand contractors

POTENTIAL BARRIERS

Some important trendsremain uncertain, and theindustry’s vision must beflexible and responsive to:

• Deregulation of utilities

• Housing and constructiontrends

• Enforcement and compli-ance of building codes

ECONOMIC CLIMATE

Economic trends revealopportunities for windows toprovide additional value toconsumers:

• Rise in disposable income

• Growth in replacementmarket through renovationand upgrading

• A strong economy

• Low energy prices

TECHNOLOGY FACTORS

The window industry is in themidst of the greatest technol-ogy change in its 300-yearhistory—a phenomenon thatinfluences industry dynamicsinto the foreseeable future:

• Opportunity for market differentiation

• Accelerating rate of technology change

SOCIAL TRENDS

Social trends hint at changesin consumer perceptions andvalues:

• Aging population

• Increase in home ownership

• Heightened environmentalawareness

• Increased role of women in purchases of homebuilding products

REGULATORY TRENDS

Government programs andregulatory efforts have thepotential to either enhanceor stifle innovation:

• Growing industry partici-pation in the regulatoryprocess

• Growing appeal of ENERGY

STAR labeling to consumers

• Reduction in capital gains tax

CONTEXT FOR THE INDUSTRY VISION

KEY ELEMENTS OF THE VISION

The vision statement is supported bysix vision elements as articulated inthe Executive Forum discussion.These are:

1. Windows as an integral part ofthe building system

2. Active, smart glass and windows

3. Informed consumers at all levels

4. More glass and windows used in buildings

5. Windows as an environmentalsolution

6. Windows as an energy source

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Each of the BTS roadmaps beginswith the definition of the industry’svision for itself in 2020. The 20-yearhorizon stimulates industry membersto imagine their ideal world withoutconcern for present-day barriers.

Executive Forum participants devel-oped their vision of the future usinggraphical facilitation techniques.Facilitators asked two groups of participants to imagine future coverstories that heralded their success.They envisioned that, in the next 20years, the U.S. window industry willoffer its customers imaginative newproducts that challenge traditionalperceptions. Windows will becomeactive, integral parts of building climate, energy, information, andstructural systems. Responsiblemanufacturing practices, materialselection, and energy efficiencycharacteristics will combine to

also make windows a solution toenvironmental concerns. To helpcustomers understand the addedvalue that windows offer them overcompeting building products, mem-bers of the window industry willbecome premier educators. All these efforts will increase demandfor windows as an alternative tocompeting building componentsand appliances, thereby enhancingthe industry’s growth and contributingto its strength.

Industry members condensed theirvision into the compelling visionstatement below.

ENVISIONING THE FUTURE

VISION STATEMENT

In 2020, consumers recognize windows as affordable “appliances in the wall” that are active and interactive parts of a true building system.Windows offer added value by providing energy, entertainment, andinformation with enhanced comfort, lighting, security, and aesthetics, in harmony with the natural environment.

V I S I O N A N D B A R R I E R S

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TECHNOLOGY BARRIERS

✔ 15 Lack of integration tools and formsto achieve true system integration

✔ 14 Ambiguous definition of “durability”and its implications for warranty

7 High cost of manufacturing, materials, and research

2 Consumer and corporate mindsetagainst the vision

2 Absence of interconnection and control technologies for building systems

1 Presence of competing technologiessuch as opaque walls and artificiallighting

1 Long product development andcycle times

Barrier: LACK OF INTEGRATION TOOLSAND FORMS

Actions:• Define interface standards and protocols for

integrating different building system components.• Develop strategies and hardware necessary to

optimize integrated building systems.• Define performance metrics for comfort, system

integration, energy, cost, and environmentalimpacts.

• Develop methods for measuring the value of integrated systems.

Barrier: DEFINITION OF DURABILITY ANDIMPLICATIONS FOR WARRANTY

Actions:• Establish a system for rating products on the

basis of durability.• Define appropriate durability and warranty

periods for different window components.• Develop products that encourage consumers

to upgrade as features advance (replaceable,portable, modular, high value).

BARRIERS TO THE VISIONIn order to achieve the vision, thewindow industry must overcome barriers. Industry members recon-vened in Leesburg, Virginia, on January 5–6, 1999, to identify thekey barriers in the areas of technol-ogy, market, and policy, and to outline strategies for overcomingthem. Participants voted on whichbarriers to discuss further during

the workshop, and specific actionswere developed to address the mostimportant barriers. This germinalroadmap emphasized industry’snear-term priorities in each of thethree areas: technology, market and policy.

Note: Checkmarks indicate the barriers that were selected for further discussion in the workshop at Leesburg, Virginia.Numbers indicate the number of votes received.

ENVISIONING THE FUTURE

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MARKET BARRIERS

✔ 19 Lack of educated demand

✔ 14 High first cost

4 Fragmentation in the fenestrationand building industries

3 Lack of product differentiation bynon-cost attributes

2 Resistance to partnering amongindustry members

Barrier: LACK OF EDUCATED DEMANDActions:• Understand the market by clearly identifying

the audience.• Create and use tools.• Understand current technology and potential

applications and specify technology needsas identified by user expectations.

• Establish partnerships through collaborativework between multiple stakeholders andresource groups.

POLICY BARRIERS

✔ 19 Dissimilar, poorly enforced, and incon-sistent building codes that contradictDOE and industry goals

9 No teeth in code enforcement

6 Undermining of local code enforce-ment by special interest groups

4 Limited Congressional support forend-use versus supply-side programs

1 Lack of compelling national energypolicy

1 Lack of Congressional support forintegrated roadmaps

1 Lack of clarity about how to measure success

Barrier: DISSIMILAR, POORLY ENFORCED,AND INCONSISTENT BUILDINGCODES

Actions:• Combine the three existing codes by sup-

porting the ICC, professional lobbying, orcreating a core industry group.

• Develop recommendation for Congressionallegislation on establishing a regionally sensitive national building code.

• Develop communication channels amongbuilding industry groups to address integra-tion issues in areas of education, research,and collaboration.

Barrier: HIGH FIRST COSTActions:• Educate stakeholders and end users on true

long-term cost benefits.• Conduct a value-based market analysis.• Support, specify, and identify applications for

improved technology, including breakthrough materials and manufacturing processes.

• Provide incentives such as financing programsand low interest loans, perhaps as anexpanded ENERGY STAR component.

TECHNICAL ELEMENTS OF THE VISION

1. Building integrationStructural, power, and datainterconnection between thewindow and the rest of thebuilding

2. Information displayPassive, active, or interactive display of text or images

3. Energy supply and conservationAnnual or, ideally, instantaneousnet provider of energy to thebuilding

4. Environmental harmonyMinimal negative environmentalimpacts over the product lifecycle

5. Enhanced traditional featuresImproved window characteristics

REACHING THE VISION

MAPPING RESEARCH NEEDSAND STRATEGIESThe two workshops stimulated cre-ative thinking and developed generalconsensus about the future of thewindow industry. They also identi-fied interesting market transforma-tion activities needed to support the vision. However, the workshopsdid not identify research needs and strategies in enough detail tocomplete the technology roadmap.Time constraints were partially thecause, and participants hesitated todiscuss detailed research ideas infront of their competitors, even if the ideas were precompetitive.

To collect the necessary technicalinformation free of the limitationsimposed by the workshop envi-ronment, DOE distributed a ques-tionnaire to over 20 workshopparticipants and researchers.

The surveys asked respondents toidentify and describe specificresearch needs in the vision’s fivetechnical elements:

• Building integration—structural,power, and data interconnectionbetween the window and the restof the building

• Information display—passive,active, or interactive display oftext or images

• Energy supply and conservation—annual or, ideally, instantaneousnet provider of energy to thebuilding

• Environmental harmony—minimalnegative environmental impactsover the product life cycle

• Enhanced traditional features—improved window characteristics

For each research need, respon-dents also rated the investmentrequired, the potential contributiontoward each element of the vision,and the certainty of success. Therespondents were contacted byphone to clarify and further developtheir responses. The following technology roadmap represents the aggregation of those responses.

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Respondents identified 65 uniqueresearch activities that could movethe industry toward its vision byovercoming technical barriers. Inalphabetical order, they are:

ADVANCED HOLOGRAMS

Produce holographic images onwindows

AEROGELS

Incorporate non-opaque, highlyinsulating aerogel into insulatingglass units

ALTERNATIVE GLAZING MATERIALS

Develop more durable and efficientglazing materials

ALTITUDE ADAPTIVE IG

Redesign IG units to eliminatebreakage due to bulging at high altitude

BILLET STOCK FROM RECYCLE

Develop suitable process for mak-ing billet out of recycled aluminum

BLAST-RESISTANT WINDOWS

Develop new, cost-effective, archi-tecturally acceptable blast-resistantwindow materials

BUILDING ENERGY SOFTWARE

Develop software to predict theenergy performance of a building

BUILDING INTEGRATION DEMONSTRATION

Demonstrate an integrated buildingsystem with windows

COATING EQUIPMENT

Design coating equipment flexibleenough to apply a variety of coatings

COLOR PHOTOCHROMICS

Expand the color availability of photochromic materials

DAYLIGHTING RATING

Provide a rating to measure theamount of daylighting provided by a window

ELECTROCHROMIC DISPLAY

Develop “smart” windows

ELECTROCHROMIC FAILURE MODES

Identify electrochromic failuremodes

ELECTROCHROMIC SCALE-UP

Prove electrochromics in commercial window sizes

ELECTROCHROMIC SERVICE-LIFEPREDICTION

Develop models to predict servicelife of electrochromics based onproduct specs and tests

ENERGY-EFFICIENT EXTRUSION

Reduce energy intensity of aluminum extrusion

ENVIRONMENTALLY BENIGN PHOTOVOLTAICS

Research and utilize environmentallybenign photovoltaic (PV) materials

EXTERIOR DISPLAY

Display images on window exteriors

FENESTRATION DURABILITY

Research materials and finishes toextend efficient fenestration life

FIRE-RATED WINDOWS

Develop lower-cost alternativematerials for fire-rated windows

GAS RETENTION

Test and predict gas concentrationin IG units

GLASS/FRAME RATIO

Increase vision area without a corresponding increase in framing

HIGH-SECURITY WINDOWS

Develop new, stronger, cost-effective, architecturally compatiblematerials for high security

HOLOGRAMS

Exploit holography to direct exteriorlighting within the interior space

HOLOGRAPHIC MODELING

Improve the modeling of the transmission of sunlight throughholograms

IDENTIFY MARKETS FOR PROCESS WASTE

Find partners to use waste streamsfrom window manufacturing operations

INSULATING COATINGS

Develop new colored architecturalcoatings that reduce conductiveheat loss through window framesand sashes

INSULATING COMPONENTS

Develop new alloys or compositesthat reduce conductive heat lossthrough window components

INTEGRAL SMART SYSTEMS

Develop self-contained power supplies, sensors, controllers, andactuators to actively control heatand light transmission through thewindow

INTEGRAL WIND POWER RECOVERY

Integrate components into windowsto capture wind energy

INTEGRAL WIRING

Incorporate wiring or wiring runsinto the window

IDENTIFYING KEY RESEARCH NEEDS

INTEGRATED BUILDING ENERGYSYSTEM SOFTWARE

Develop low-cost, user-friendly software to assess the energy savings inherent in integrated building systems

INTERIOR DISPLAY

Display images on window interiors

INTERIOR LIGHTING SOURCE

Transmit light from spandrel throughceiling space

INTERIOR PASSIVE LIGHTING

Develop light shelves for curtain walland window wall applications

LARGER PV PANELS

Produce photovoltaic panels insizes larger than 2'x4'

LASER IMPRINTING

Improve laser imprinting process forholograms on a commercial scale

LOW-COST IG

Develop new ways to produceaffordable IG units

LOW-E COATINGS

Develop new generation of scratch-resistant, cleanable coating materials

MODULAR WINDOWS

Design new window system withpermanent frames and modular windows

MONOCHROMICELECTROCHROMIC DISPLAY

Electrochromic display

MONOLITHIC TRANSPARENT INSULATING MATERIALS

Develop new non-glass insulatingmaterials

MULTICHROMIC ELECTROCHROMICDISPLAY

Electrochromic color display

PHOTOCHROMIC SCALE-UP

Prove photochromics in commercialwindow sizes

POWER SUPPLY MINIATURIZATION

Develop miniature, self-containedpower supplies for active windows

POWER SYSTEM BALANCING

Develop power balancing/condition-ing components that are integral tothe window

PROJECTED DISPLAY

Project images onto windows similar to a “heads up” display

PROTOCOL FOR COMMUNICATION

Develop a means to communicatebetween various electronic components

PV COATINGS

Develop photovoltaic coatings

PV PANEL COLORS

Expand the color availability of photovoltaic panels

PV THIN FILM

Incorporate thin-film photovoltaicsinto fenestration products

PV VISION GLASS

Develop semitransparent photo-voltaic glazing

RECYCLABILITY

Improve ability to disassemble dis-similar window materials for recycling

SLOPE U-FACTOR

Develop a U-factor rating suited tosloped skylights

SMART PHOTOCHROMICS

Develop photochromic glazings thatalso regulate heat transmission

SOFTWARE TOOLS TO QUANTIFYPERFORMANCE

Provide a simpler means to quantifyperformance through use of software

SOLAR HEAT GAIN

Develop a solar heat gain ratingsuited to skylights

STRONGER SEALANT

Strengthen the sealant bond in structural windows

SUNSCREENING

Develop skylight accessories tocontrol conductive and radiant heattransmission

THERMAL MODELING SOFTWARE

Continue to improve the usability,flexibility, and cost of 3-D thermalmodels of window systems

THERMOCHROMICS SCALE-UP

Prove thermochromics in a commercial size window

UV RESEARCH BY MEDICALRESEARCHERS

Research to understand the effectsof ultraviolet light on humans

VACUUM GLASS

Develop commercially viable vacuum glass

VENTILATION

Develop fenestration systems thatregulate or condition outdoor air forindoor use

WINDOW SELECTION SOFTWARE

Develop software to select windowsbased on impacts on buildingenergy consumption

The research needs span many fields of research and segments ofthe window industry. All contributepositively to at least one of thevision’s technical elements.

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EVALUATING RISK AND CONTRIBUTION

Those interested in pursuing orfunding research activities shouldknow how each activity contributesto the overall vision and how muchrisk the activity entails. Risk appliesto both the level of investment andthe chances of success. Low invest-ment levels and high likelihood ofsuccess equal low risk. Conversely,high investment levels and low like-lihood of success equal high risk.

A higher level of risk usually demandsa higher financial return. While thevision does not seek to quantifyfinancial benefits, the industry expectsthat achieving it will mean highersales and value-added. Thus, aresearch activity that makes a largecontribution to the vision may alsoproduce a large financial return.Companies typically make researchdecisions based on this balance ofrisk and potential return. However, in the case of an industry-widevision, returns may accrue to

companies other than those makingthe investment decision. Differentaspects of the vision also may havedifferent associated financial values.For these reasons, organizationsthat use the roadmap to guide theirresearch should be careful to con-sider the benefits they can hope tocapture.

Besides the differences organizationsface in appropriating the returns fromresearch efforts, organizations differin their capacity and desire to bearrisk. Conservative companies ororganizations with smaller researchbudgets may be able to pursue onlylow-risk activities that offer the highestpotential contribution to the vision.They may be able to fund higher-risk activities only through research collaboration and partnerships.

In general, organizations can pursuelow-risk activities in the near termsince investment levels are lowerand there are fewer uncertainties toresolve. High-risk activities, althoughthey may be coupled with higherpotential payoffs, are generallyappropriate for longer-term study,since there may be higher levels ofspending required and more un-knowns to explore. In this respect,the Risk–Contribution charts canalso serve as a guide to near- andlong-term priorities.

DETERMINING RISK

Investment Level—Respondents assigned a required investmentlevel in relation to their own research budget:

Low Could be funded within own research budgetMedium May require some co-fundingHigh Will require significant co-funding

Uncertainty Level—Respondents also ranked uncertainty on alow–medium–high scale.

Scoring—For both investment level and uncertainty level, low wasassigned 1 point; medium, 2 points; and high, 3 points. Risk is merelythe average of the two rankings, thereby putting it on the same 1through 3 scale.

RISK–CONTRIBUTION CHARTS

The Risk–Contribution charts on thefollowing pages will help industryidentify candidate research areasbased on their risk tolerances andcontribution to meeting the vision.Each chart represents a differenttechnical element of the vision.Rather than financial return, “contri-bution” qualitatively measures eachactivity’s potential to move theindustry toward the vision element.Again, this may or may not equateto potential financial return.

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Modular windows

Daylighting ratingsLife-cycle software/analysis

Exterior displaySoftware tools to quantify

performance

Integral wind power

Laser imprinting

Building integration demoSlope U-factorSolar heat gainSunscreening

Building energy softwareIdentify markets for

process wasteIntegral smart systemsIntegral wiringInterior lighting sourceLarger PV panelsPV coatingsPV vision glass

EC service-life predictionHolographic modelingInsulating coatingsMultichromic EC display

Coating equipment

Altitude adaptive IGInterior displayLow-cost IGLow-e coatingsMonochromic EC displayMonolithic transparent

insulating materialsUV research by medical

researchers

PV panel colors

Blast-resistant windows

Alternative glazing materials

Power supply miniaturization

Color photochromicsGlass/frame ratioInsulating componentsSmart photochromics

Window selection software

Protocols for smart system communication

Interior passive lightingPower system balancing

EC failure modesElectrochromics scale-upEnvironmentally benign PVHigh-security windowsHolograms

Billet stock from recyclePhotochromics scale-upProjected displayRecyclabilityStronger sealant

AerogelsEnergy-efficient extrusionFire-rated windowsThermochromics scale-up

PV thin film

Advanced holograms

Fenestration durability

Electrochromic displayGas retention

Thermal modelingVacuum glassVentilation

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2. INFORMATION DISPLAY RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Exterior display

Daylighting ratingsLife-cycle software/analysisModular windowsSoftware tools to quantify

performance

Integral wind power

Laser imprinting

Monochromic EC displayMultichromic EC displaySolar heat gainSunscreening

Interior displayLarger PV panels

Building integration demoPV coatingsSlope U-factor

EC service-life prediction

Altitude adaptive IGBuilding energy softwareCoating equipmentHolographic modelingIdentify markets for

process wasteInsulating coatingsIntegral smart systemsIntegral wiringInterior lighting sourceLow-cost IGLow-e coatingsMonolithic transparent

insulating materialsPV vision glassUV research by medical

researchers

PV panel colors

Alternative glazing materials

Blast-resistant windowsPower supply

miniaturizationColor photochromicsGlass/frame ratioInsulating componentsSmart photochromics

Window selection software

Projected display

HologramsPhotochromics scale-upPower system balancing

EC failure modes

Electrochromics scale-up

AerogelsBillet stock from recycleEnergy-efficient extrusionEnvironmentally benign PVFire-rated windowsHigh-security windowsInterior passive lightingProtocols for smart

system communicationRecyclabilityStronger sealantThermochromics scale-up

Advanced holograms

PV thin film

Electrochromic display

Fenestration durabilityGas retentionThermal modelingVacuum glassVentilation

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3. ENERGY SUPPLY AND CONSERVATION RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

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Modular windows

Daylighting ratingsExterior displayLife-cycle software/analysisSoftware tools to quantify

performance

Integral wind power

Laser imprinting

Altitude adaptive IGBuilding integration demoEC service-life predictionInsulating coatingsLow-cost IGLow-e coatingsMonolithic transparent

insulating materialsPV coatingsPV vision glassSlope U-factorSolar heat gainSunscreening

Building energy softwareIntegral wiringLarger PV panels

Coating equipmentHolographic modeling

Integral smart systemsInterior lighting sourceMonochromic EC displayMultichromic EC display

Identify markets forprocess waste

Interior displayUV research by medical

researchers

PV panel colors

Insulating components

Alternative glazing materials

Smart photochromics

Power supply miniaturization

Color photochromics

Blast-resistant windowsGlass/frame ratio

Window selection software

AerogelsEC failure modesElectrochromics scale-upEnergy-efficient extrusionEnvironmentally benign PVPhotochromics scale-upStronger sealantThermochromics scale-up

Power system balancing

Holograms

Interior passive lightingProjected display

Billet stock from recycleFire-rated windowsHigh-security windowsProtocols for smart

system communicationRecyclability

PV thin film

Advanced holograms

Gas retentionThermal modelingVacuum glass

Electrochromic displayVentilation

Fenestration durability

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Daylighting ratingsExterior displayLife-cycle software/analysisModular windowsSoftware tools to quantify

performance

Integral wind power

Laser imprinting

Slope U-factorSolar heat gainSunscreening

Identify markets forprocess waste

Larger PV panelsLow-e coatings

Building integration demoEC service-life predictionHolographic modelingInsulating coatingsPV coatings

Coating equipmentMultichromic EC display

Altitude adaptive IGBuilding energy softwareIntegral smart systemsIntegral wiringInterior displayInterior lighting sourceLow-cost IGMonochromic EC displayMonolithic transparent

insulating materialsPV vision glassUV research by medical

researchers

PV panel colors

Alternative glazing materials

Insulating components

Blast-resistant windows

Color photochromicsGlass/frame ratioPower supply

miniaturizationSmart photochromics

Window selection software

Environmentally benign PV

Billet stock from recycleEnergy-efficient extrusionRecyclability

Aerogels

EC failure modesHigh-security windowsPhotochromics scale-upThermochromics scale-up

Electrochromics scale-up

HologramsPower system balancing Projected displayStronger sealant

Fire-rated windowsInterior passive lightingProtocols for smart

system communication

Advanced holograms

PV thin film

Fenestration durabilityVentilation

Electrochromic displayVacuum glass

Gas retentionThermal modeling

A

B

C

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5. ENHANCED TRADITIONAL FEATURES RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Modular windows

Daylighting ratingsExterior displayLife-cycle software/analysisSoftware tools to quantify

performance

Integral wind power

Laser imprinting

Building energy softwareIntegral smart systemsInterior lighting source

EC service-life predictionHolographic modelingInsulating coatingsLow-cost IGMonochromic EC displayMonolithic transparent

insulating materialsMultichromic EC displayPV coatingsPV vision glass

Coating equipmentLarger PV panelsLow-e coatings

Altitude adaptive IGBuilding integration demoIdentify markets for

process wasteIntegral wiringInterior displaySlope U-factorSolar heat gainSunscreeningUV research by medical

researchers

PV panel colors

Blast-resistant windows

Color photochromicsGlass/frame ratioSmart photochromics

Insulating components

Alternative glazing materials

Power supply miniaturization

Window selection software

Fire-rated windows

High-security windowsInterior passive lightingStronger sealant

EC failure modesHologramsPhotochromics scale-upPower system balancingProtocols for smart

system communicationThermochromics scale-up

Electrochromics scale-up

Recyclability

AerogelsBillet stock from recycleEnergy-efficient extrusionEnvironmentally benign PVProjected display

Advanced holograms

PV thin film

Thermal modeling

Electrochromic displayVentilation

Fenestration durabilityGas retentionVacuum glass

A

B

C

D

E

F

H

G

N

M T

U

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Just as organizations may want toemphasize particular vision ele-ments, organizations may want toidentify activities based on theirarea of research expertise or inter-est. The 60 research activities listedon pages 10–11 were grouped intothe following eight research areas:

1. Imaging—display of images ortext on the window surface

2. Energy production and supply—development of window-basedphotovoltaic materials

3. Light transmission—control ofradiant light and heat transmis-sion through windows

4. Insulation—control of heat conduction through windows

5. Analytical tools—modeling of window-related phenomena anddevelopment of software-basedtools

6. Manufacturing—equipment and processes for producing windows and window-relatedcomponents

7. Design—design of buildings and building systems includingwindows

8. Electronics—development of integral components for controlling and powering window features

Research areas clarify the extent towhich types of research needs contribute to various vision elements.This clarification can help an organi-zation fund or organize efforts in theresearch areas that best supportthose vision elements it finds mostappealing. For example, DOE maydecide to emphasize research inthose areas that best contribute tothe vision’s energy element. Fororganizations that conduct research,research areas can help themdecide how they might best con-tribute to the vision based on howwell their competencies match each element.

The following is a map for each ofthe priority research areas by topic.

DETERMINING RESEARCH PRIORITIES

PRIORITY RESEARCH AREAS

1. Imaging

2. Energy production and supply

3. Light transmission

4. Insulation

5. Analytical tools

6. Manufacturing

7. Design

8. Electronics

G

19

RESEARCH PRIORITIES

Research Area Continuing Research Future Research

Imaging • Projected display • Electrochromic display• Interior display • Advanced holograms

• Exterior display• Monochromic display• Multichromic display

Energy • Larger PV panels • Environmentally benign PV materialsProduction • PV vision glass • PV coatingsand Supply • PV thin film • PV panel colors

• Integral wind power

Light • Electrochromics scale-up • Smart photochromicsTransmission • Photochromics scale-up • Color photochromics

• Thermochromics scale-up • Daylighting rating• Holograms• Low-e coatings• UV research by medical researchers• Interior lighting source

Insulation • Insulating components • Insulating coatings• Aerogels • Alternative glazing materials• Monolithic transparent insulating materials• Vacuum glass• Gas retention

Analytical • Thermal modeling • Tools to quantify performanceTools • Building energy software • EC service-life prediction

• Solar heat gain• Slope U-factor• Holographic modeling• EC failure modes• Life-cycle software/analysis• Window selection software

Manufacturing • Billet stock from recycle • Recyclability• Energy-efficient extrusion • Coating equipment• Laser imprinting • Markets for process waste• Low cost of efficient IG

Design • Altitude adaptive IG • Modular windows• Stronger sealant • Ventilation• High-security windows• Glass/frame ratio• Blast-resistant windows• Fenestration durability• Fire-rated windows• Sunscreening• Interior passive lighting• Building integration demonstration

Electronics • Power supply miniaturization • Integral smart system• Integral wiring • Protocol for communication• Power system balancing

20

IMPLEMENTING THE ROADMAP

Although product development isessential to the long-term successof the industry, it is a primary basisfor competition among companiesand is best left to the individualefforts of company proprietaryresearch and development programs.However, studies of the fundamentalphysical characteristics of windowsand complementing technologiesare needed. Individual companyresearchers and product developersshould use the results of this funda-mental research to advance propri-etary product development and topromote competition.

MEETING LONG-TERMRESEARCH OBJECTIVESAchieving the goals identified in thisdocument will require collaborationwith government and other indus-tries to leverage research and devel-opment funds. Collaboration will berequired for the following long-termresearch objectives:

• Develop long-term photovoltaicproducts that can be integrated infenestration products.

• Develop superior insulating materials and components for fenestration products.

• Develop analytical tools to assistmanufacturers in designing and marketing efficient windows.

• Develop methods to measure andprove durability of fenestrationproducts.

• Develop integrated electronics infenestration products.

• Support, specify, and identifyapplications for improved tech-nology, including breakthroughmaterials and manufacturingprocesses.

• Develop products that encourageconsumers to upgrade as featuresadvance (replaceable, portable,modular, high value).

ADDRESSING MARKET ANDPOLICY BARRIERSResearch and development alonewill not lead to achieving the vision.Government and industry will needto continue working together toaddress the market and policy barriers facing the window industry.Objectives include:

• Define interface standards andprotocols for integrating differentbuilding system components.

• Develop communication channelsamong building industry groups to address integration issues inareas of education, research, andcollaboration.

• Develop strategies and hardwarenecessary to optimize integratedbuilding systems.

• Define performance metrics forcomfort, system integration,energy, cost, and environmentalimpacts.

• Develop methods for measuringthe value of integrated systems.

• Establish a system for rating products on the basis of durability.

• Define appropriate durability andwarranty periods for different window components.

• Understand current technologyand potential applications andspecify technology needs as identified by user expectations.

• Educate stakeholders and endusers on true long-term cost benefits.

• Provide incentives such as financing programs and low-interest loans, perhaps as anexpanded ENERGY STAR

component.

NEXT STEPSSeveral next steps are needed toimplement the vision and roadmapand to pursue research opportunities.They include:

• Create an industry task group toaddress appropriate industry andgovernment roles in implementingthe roadmap.

• Establish ad hoc working groupsto examine the eight researchareas in more depth and developdetailed research plans for each area.

• Simultaneously, DOE will identifyareas in the roadmap that coin-cide with beneficial public policyand align its Federal researchagenda accordingly.

• Continue “course correction”meetings with industry to ensurethat the roadmap is a living, evolving document.

N E X T S T E P S

Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least April 200050% wastepaper, including 20% postconsumer waste. DOE/GO-102000-0980

For more information, contact:

Office of Building Technology, State and Community ProgramsU.S. Department of Energy1000 Independence Avenue, S.W.Washington, D.C. 20585-0121202-586-1510

Call the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse at:1-800-DOE-3732

Or visit the BTS Web site at:www.eren.doe.gov/buildings