Industry Momentum Builds for AERC Ratings & Certified Products
Washington, D.C. (July 8, 2025) — This spring, the Attachment Energy Rating Council (AERC) continued to gain momentum across the energy efficiency, building and window covering industries with strong manufacturer support and growing visibility at key industry events.
AERC has continued identifying and prioritizing new opportunities to support utility programs and energy efficiency initiatives across the U.S., helping drive the adoption of AERC rated window attachments. This spring, AERC showcased its certified products at the National Home Performance Conference (NHPC) in New Orleans, April 7–10, and the International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE) in West Palm Beach, April 14–16.
Both events demonstrated increased interest and adoption around AERC’s certification program and its role in helping consumers and professionals identify high-performance window attachments that save energy and improve comfort.
“The level of industry engagement and promotion of AERC-certified products at these events signals a turning point,” said Ralph Vasami, AERC executive director. “Major manufacturers are not just certifying their products—they’re also highlighting them at major trade shows and bringing the AERC ratings message to their customers.”
At IWCE, AERC members delivered a well-attended educational session, “Cool and In Control: AERC Ratings for Automation,” which provided a comprehensive overview of how automation, when paired with AERC-rated products, can further boost energy savings. The presentation also walked attendees through the AERC certification process and gave insight into how consumers can choose products with verified performance.
One AERC member, Rollease Acmeda, featured four AERC-certified shades prominently in their IWCE booth. While Rollease does not manufacture shades directly, the company showcased the components, fabrics, and automation systems that enable customers to build over 40 different AERC-rated configurations. The booth also incorporated key AERC messaging—such as the BG&E pilot program’s reported 13% energy bill savings using certified products—which sparked meaningful customer conversations.
“We fielded several questions about energy efficiency,” said David Cross, Rollease Director of Business Development. “These types of events help build awareness and arms our sales teams with the knowledge to promote AERC-certified products confidently. We’re committed to delivering the message consistently.”
Meanwhile, at NHPC in New Orleans, AERC was onsite with a booth to reach the building performance and energy efficiency community. Attendees received printed materials and resources to learn about the value of rated window attachments and how AERC certification aligns with whole-home performance upgrades.
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About the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC)
The AERC is an independent, public interest, non-profit organization such as blinds, shades, shutters, and storm windows. AERC is made up of a diverse set of stakeholders, which include product and component manufacturers, non-profit organizations, government bodies, testing labs and utility companies. Partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), AERC provides accurate and credible information about the energy performance of window attachments, which helps the public–including homeowners, architects, and builders—make informed decisions when it comes to buying window attachment products. To learn more about AERC certification or the AERC Energy Improvement Program, visit www.aercenergyrating.org.