Most innovative commercial window

Renovate by Berkowitz is a commercial window retrofitting system that combines existing nonoperable single-pane units and insulating glass manufactured by JE Berkowitz, Pedricktown, N.J., to create an energy efficient triple-pane system. The single and double-paned units are joined together using a custom version of Super Spacer TriSeal from Edgetech I.G., Cambridge, Ohio. Installation takes place from the inside of the building.

RbB is a one-time, permanent installation with no maintenance required. The system is designed specifically for commercial retrofit applications, including office buildings, schools, hospitals and government buildings. Renovate by Berkowitz can also be used in historic applications, because there is no change to the exterior appearance. The estimated return on investment period due to energy savings is about five to six years, according to JE Berkowitz officials. Utility rebates, which vary by utility provider, will improve payback. RbB enables building owners to turn R1 units into R5 units, according to third-party testing, at up to half the cost of a full tear-out and replacement of windows, company officials report.

The units also can help contribute to a minimum of six points from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program and can help building owners take advantage of government tax credits for energy use reduction. Additionally, the flexible foam design of TriSeal contributes to the energy efficiency and long-term durability of the systems because of its non-conductive characteristics and ability to expand and contract with changing temperatures and barometric pressure.

“Renovate is a perfect solution for the increasing restoration market, which will be a major focus over the next decade as owners look for new ways to retrofit their existing buildings under the current market conditions,” says Crystal Achievement Award Judge Les Young, project manager, W&W Glass, Nanuet, N.Y. “Design professionals who push to achieve LEED certifications in their designs will look to a system such as this to achieve the desired results.”

Renovate by Berkowitz can help retain and attract tenants, according to company officials. It creates a more comfortable indoor environment because it enables warmer center and edge of glass temperatures and improved U-values of approximately 0.18, based on third-party testing. Renovate installation is typically done after hours with no need for temporary closure, demolition or dumpsters, for minimal disruption of tenants. Other notable benefits include: noise reduction/better acoustics, increased security and a certified network of installers trained by JE Berkowitz.