Complex Glazing Database

The Complex Glazing Database (CGDB) is a database, developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), which stores thermal and optical performance information about materials used in window attachments as well as the geometry of window attachment products.

CGDB Materials Library

The CGDB Materials Library houses thermal and optical property data on materials used in window attachment products (other than storm windows and window panels). Storm windows and other attachment products using glazing materials must have those materials measured and submitted to the IGDB through the National Fenestration Rating Council. All other materials (e.g. fabrics, PVC, wood) are submitted to the CGDB Materials Library through AERC using the steps described below. The data are measured in accordance with AERC standards by test labs approved through the LBNL Inter-laboratory Comparison (ILC).

Submitting Materials to CGDB Materials Library   

Please review all CGDB policies on this page when completing a submission for any material listings to ensure you are following proper procedures.

An approved test lab must conduct measurements for submission to the CGDB Materials Library.

The material manufacturer determines who will submit data to AERC for listing in the Materials Library. However, the individual selected to submit material properties data on behalf of manufacturers must submit a CGDB Data Submiter Registration Form to [email protected]. Only registered data submitters are permitted to submit data to the CGDB Materials Library.

New Primary Listing Submissions
  1. Determine listing type. Manufacturer determines whether to submit temporary or full material listings based on guidance in AERC 1.1.
    • A material must have 3 manufactured lots available to sample for a full listing.
  2. Conduct measurements. Manufacturer performs AERC 1.1 sample selection procedure and ships samples to test lab. Test lab performs measurements according to AERC 1.1 procedures and sends results to manufacturer for review.
  3. Submit materials for listing. The manufacturer’s designated submitter submits the following items to [email protected]:
  4. AERC review and manufacturer payment. AERC staff reviews the submission for completeness and issues invoice to manufacturer based on AERC membership status (Invoice = number of material library listings * new submission fee for appropriate bin*). Manufacturer pays invoice to AERC by credit card, wire, or check.
  5. Technical and peer review. Upon payment of fees, the submission undergoes technical review by LBNL and then is included in the next peer review, in which relevant stakeholders review the performance information and submit questions to LBNL.
  6. Materials listed. Once the submission passes the technical and peer review, the material listing(s) are publicly released in the next version of the CGDB (see CGDB Release Schedule).
  • If submitted listings were temporary, manufacturer must submit complete data within the time period identified in AERC 1.1. Submission of new data at a later date will result in additional new submission fee charge.
New Secondary Listing (Re-branding or Private Label) Submissions

For more information and the required forms please contact AERC Staff at [email protected].

Performance-Affecting Changes to Listings
  1. Submit updated data. A manufacturer who intends to edit existing CGDB listings to change performance affecting data (e.g. Tvis) must submit updated versions of the following to [email protected]:
      • General Information
      • New-Replacement-Delete
      • Material or ‘Shadescreen
  2. Data file (see formatting guidance)Submit updated data. A manufacturer who intends to edit existing CGDB listings to change performance affecting data (e.g. Tvis) must submit updated versions of the following to [email protected]:
  3. AERC review and manufacturer payment. AERC staff reviews the submission for completeness and issues invoice to manufacturer based on AERC membership status (Invoice = number of material library listings to update * new submission fee for appropriate bin*). Manufacturer pays invoice to AERC by credit card, wire, or check.
  4. Technical and peer review. Upon payment of fees, the submission undergoes technical review by LBNL and then is included in the next peer review, in which relevant stakeholders review the performance information and submit questions to LBNL.
  5. Materials listed. Once the submission passes the technical and peer review, the material listing(s) are publicly released in the next version of the CGDB (see CGDB Release Schedule).
Editorial Changes to Listings
  1. Submit editorial changes. A manufacturer who intends to edit existing CGDB listings to change the manufacturer name, product name, or other editorial (non-performance affecting) data must submit a new CGDB Data Submission Spreadsheet that clearly identifies information to revise by filling out the following tabs:
    • General Information
    • New-Replacement-Delete
  2. AERC review and manufacturer payment. AERC staff reviews the submission for completeness and issues invoice to manufacturer based on AERC membership status (Invoice = number of material library listings to update * editorial change fee for appropriate bin). Manufacturer pays invoice to AERC by credit card, wire, or check.
  3. Technical and peer review. Upon payment of fees, the submission undergoes technical review by LBNL and then is included in the next peer review, in which relevant stakeholders review the performance information and submit questions to LBNL.
  4. Materials listed. Once the submission passes the technical and peer review, the material listing(s) are publicly released in the next version of the CGDB (see CGDB Release Schedule).

CGDB Shading Library

The CGDB Shading Layer Library houses simulation files that model the geometry of window attachment products along with the associated material. The material used in the shading layer must be listed in the latest version of the CGDB or IGDB. Upon certification of a window attachment product, ACEs should submit the shading layers to the CGDB Shading Layer Library.

AERC CGDB Policies

Materials Policy. Materials used for simulations must be tested in accordance with AERC 1.1, comply with all AERC policies and procedures, and carry the AERC mark (“@”) in the CGDB or must be listed in the IGDB if a glazing material. All materials listed in the IGDB are eligible for use in attachment products submitted for AERC certification.

Manufacturer Policy. Materials listed in the Complex Glazing Database (CGDB), if carrying the AERC mark, @, must be listed under the name of the original manufacturer of the product. No product in the CGDB may be re-branded under a company name different from that of the original manufacturer without the express permission of the original manufacturer. If a secondary company wishes to have a product they do not directly manufacture listed under their name, they must submit a letter signed by an authorized representative from the original manufacturer and the secondary company and clearly listing the original model numbers and the equivalent secondary model numbers that will appear in the CGDB. Any product found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to suspension or removal from the AERC Product Certification Program.

Other Resources

LBNL’s software tools:

Questions? Contact [email protected].