The Partnership for Advanced Window Solutions (PAWS) Collaborative promotes cost-effective, high-performance window solutions for the nation’s new and existing building stock. Funded by DOE's Building Technology Office and through in-kind contribution across the energy efficiency community, PAWS includes government agencies and research organizations, regional energy-efficiency groups, utilities, builders and window-solutions manufacturers.
Through collaborative research and programs, PAWS aggregates market demand, reduces product cost, quantifies benefits, and accelerates the adoption of high-performance windows and window attachments. The strategy includes a high-level focus on partnership with utilities, along with the development of marketing tools and PAWS-driven stakeholder engagement. PAWS works to:
• Develop consumer awareness of window options, benefits, and cost, energy, and emissions savings.
• Encourage and assist development of consumer incentive programs for high-performance windows (including triple-pane and thin-triple windows and window attachments such as high-performance operable storm windows with low-emissivity coatings.)
• Prepare customers for further home electrification (to meet emissions goals, reduce HVAC load, enable load management, etc.)
The PAWS team will collaborate with window and window glazing unit manufacturers (to encourage wider product offerings) in preparation for the release of ENERGY STAR’s Version 7.0 Residential Windows criteria, while also reaching out to builders to encourage demand for these products. These relationships can help to inform discussions with partner utilities aimed at developing effective window market transformation programs. As part of its efforts to promote high-performance window attachments, PAWS also collaborates with DOE’s Storm Window and Insulating Panel (SWIP) Campaign. The SWIP campaign focuses on increasing the adoption of energy-rated storm windows and insulating panels as a cost-effective solution to improve home energy efficiency and comfort. To achieve this goal, the SWIP campaign works closely with utilities, weatherization organizations, and other implementers to develop effective programs and promote the adoption of these solutions throughout the country.