| Spectral Data File Submission Information for Inclusion in the International Glazing Database (IGDB) |
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The information below details the optical property submission process for routine and complex glazing materials. Glazing for Inclusion in the IGDBFor non-complex glazings (e.g., Low-e coated glass or clear monolithic), glazing suppliers must submit a specific sample(s) to an optical property testing laboratory or use their own testing facilities, instructing that lab to provide specific data outlined in the documents below. Submitters can access the data-submission spreadsheet under the Submit for Review Section on the LBNL Submission webpage.
The NFRC 302 governs the peer review process that the submitted glazing data must go through before NFRC acceptance, which is indicated by applying a # sign to the listing in the International Glazing Database (IGDB). NFRC documents for determining glazing’s optical properties are located under the 300 series section on the NFRC Technical document webpage.
After the data submission, LBNL alerts NFRC of a supplier's submission for inclusion in the IGDB. LBNL publishes an IGDB update six times each year and the schedule is available on Step 10 on LBNL's webpage. For NFRC certification, simulators may only use the NFRC accepted spectral data to calculate insulating glazing unit performance.
Film manufacturers and laminate interlayer suppliers must also submit specific sample(s) to a testing lab in accordance with NFRC 303 and 304, respectively. Please call Steve Urich at 240-821-9514 with specific questions.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Documents for IGDB Submissions: Instructions and NFRC Documents for Applied Film and Laminates Glazing for Inclusion in the CGDB
For complex glazings (currently limited to only non-specular venetian blinds and flat-woven shades), suppliers can review the submittal process for all complex glazing types (Venetian Blind Slats and Shade Screens & Cellular Shades) and access the data-submission spreadsheet on LBNL’s Submitting data webpage. The material samples, depending on the product, to either LBNL or to a material property testing laboratory:
After receiving the tested material properties data files and a successful peer review, LBNL will publish an update of the CGDB “Shading Material Library”. The supplier’s products acceptable for NFRC simulations are indicated by a # sign in the listing.
For NFRC certification, Accredited Simulation Labs (ASL) may only use the NFRC accepted (# sign) shading materials to calculate complex glazing products. The ASL will submit a WINDOW database file and a data submission spreadsheet to LBNL. After a successful peer review, LBNL will publish an update of the CGDB “Shading Layer Library”. These complex glazing products are acceptable for NFRC simulations which are indicated by a # sign in the listing.
LBNL publishes a CGDB update four times a year, the schedule is available under the CGDB Schedule listed on the LBNL Submitting data webpage.
To submit a complex glazing material for testing, contact LBNL by email using the following address: . NFRC recommends reviewing the following LBNL websites to review processes, access submission files, and contact information about the CGDB submittal process: CGDB@lbl.gov.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Links to Specific Steps
NFRC Submittal Documents For IGDB and/or CGDB submittal, please download the following data forms below and send both completed forms to NFRC Staff:
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