The proposed Thailand Test and Simulation Facility will enable improved building energy efficiency policies and programs, reduce trade barriers, and directly support Energy Smart Communities Initiative (ESCI), Smart Buildings-Materials Testing and Rating Center activity (SB-2). The facility is directly focused on test standard development and harmonization to foster economic growth of energy efficient technologies and to reduce trade barriers.

This project will build upon the National Fenestration Rating Council’s (NFRC) recent APEC-supported research titled Energy Saving Windows- Survey of Policies and Programs to Promote Advanced Window and Glazing Technologies in APEC Economies, which highlighted the need for improved building energy policies and programs, specifically with regards to energy-saving windows.

Thailand hosted a workshop for APEC economies in March 2012 that will provide expert training for policy implementation, and building envelope component testing and simulation, in support of its effort to establish the regional APEC Test and Simulation Facility. Additionally, it has applied for funding to hold a second workshop in November 2012. The proposal for both workshops can be found attached at right.