From Home Improvement to Home Performance
Many of us in the window and oor business would consider ourselves part of the home
improvement industry. But what about
the “home performance” industry? My
guess is that a lot of us have probably
never even heard that term.
Others probably just have done nothing to go after this niche. That may
become more difficult, however, as
home performance is poised to hit
the mainstream.
That will certainly happen if Home
Star legislation is passed—something
that could happen before this is-
sue goes to print. The government
program, that as of this writing has
passed in the House, but still awaits
action in the Senate, is designed to
nies that wanted to offer these more
holistic services.
It would also provide momentum to ➤
the creation and development of a whole
new infrastructure of training and
certification requirements.
both create jobs and increase our
nation’s energy efficiency—two laudable goals. In addition to enjoying
the support of the Obama Administration, the Home Star concept
has attracted enough interest from
Republicans that its passage into law
seems probable.
Home Star consists of rebate
programs to encourage homeowners
to upgrade the energy efficiency of
their homes. The Silver Star program
would provide rebates for purchases
of products—including windows,
doors and skylights meeting certain
energy efficiency criteria. The Gold
Star program would provide larger
rebates to homeowners that chose
the more comprehensive “home
performance” path. That would
certainly raise the profile of home
performance contractors. It would
also provide momentum to the
creation and development of a whole
new infrastructure of training and
certification requirements for compa-
mier building performance credential-
ing, quality assurance, and national
standards setting organization.” There
are no doubt others out there.
Contact John G. Swanson, editor & associate publisher, at jswanson@glass.org.
