CalMTA seeks to invest in advanced window solutions that offer an affordable alternative to full window replacements and lower energy costs
MADERA, CA — Alongside Mayor Cecelia Gallegos, local leaders, and school officials, CalMTA yesterday hosted a behind-the-scenes look at how advanced window solutions installed at James Madison Elementary School have unlocked lower energy costs and a more comfortable, quiet learning environment for students. As high costs currently prevent most building owners from replacing windows, alternative and more cost-effective window solutions such as commercial secondary windows (CSW) allow greater energy efficiency gains at a fraction of the cost of a full window replacement. CSW are window attachments that are mounted in a fixed or operable frame that is attached either on the interior or exterior of existing windows without replacing the primary glass or frame.
CalMTA, a program of the California Public Utilities Commission, is looking to make a significant investment to bring this technology solution to more of the state’s commercial buildings, projecting to deliver an estimated total system benefit (TSB) of $508 million over its 20-year lifetime. (TSB is the value of energy savings, contributions to electric grid health, and greenhouse gas reductions of energy efficiency programs.)
Data collected from a field study at the school, which is located in a disadvantaged community in Madera, shows that the window solutions reduced gas use by 39.4% over a two-month span from December 2025 to January 2026 and provided non-energy benefits such as greater indoor temperature control and classroom acoustics. These outcomes came at a cost that is up to 90% lower than full window replacements.
“Advanced window solutions installed at Madison Elementary School demonstrate the game-changing opportunity behind this technology,” said Lynette Curthoys, Vice President of Market Transformation at Resource Innovations, the administrator for CalMTA. “Retrofitting windows at a fraction of the cost of full replacement puts the benefits of these window solutions within reach for building owners. Improving the school building’s exterior envelope lowers energy costs for the school district and provides a more comfortable learning environment for students.”
Windows comprise only 15% of a building’s exterior surface, yet are responsible for 40% of HVAC losses, equivalent to 12% of a typical building’s overall energy use. Recognizing this opportunity, CalMTA’s Commercial Replacement and Attachment Window Solutions (CRAWS) Market Transformation Initiative will invest in low-cost, energy-efficient alternatives such as CSW to help commercial building owners upgrade their windows without tenant disruption or opening of the building facade.
“More than 50% of existing buildings across the United States suffer from significant energy loss driven by outdated, underperforming windows—a challenge that has remained largely unresolved due to the high cost, operational disruption, and weak ROI associated with traditional full window replacement,” said Adin Hamilton, Vice President & General Manager for Existing Building Solutions at Alpen. “Commercial secondary window systems are changing that equation, giving building owners a practical, high-impact path to improve energy performance, enhance occupant comfort, and unlock compelling financial returns across their portfolios. Alpen is proud to be leading this transformation with our advanced WinSert® technology — delivering a faster, smarter, and more cost-effective approach to building decarbonization and modernization.”
Replacing poor-performing windows is especially time-sensitive as California develops building performance standards (BPS) that will soon trigger large-scale HVAC retrofits. Enhancing a building’s energy efficiency through window upgrades before BPS are finalized and implemented can downsize the HVAC systems that will be installed in the future, helping reduce strain on California’s electric grid.
“The next few years will be transformative for California’s building sector as new performance standards come into effect,” Curthoys said. “To maximize the benefits of these new standards, the state must first ensure that buildings are updated with the latest energy-efficient measures, such as upgraded windows, which makes the proposed CRAWS initiative essential.”
In addition to increasing awareness and conducting in-field demonstrations of the window solutions, this initiative will engage manufacturers and supply chain partners to drive down installation costs. The initiative will also target Environmental and Social Justice (ESJ) communities that are disproportionately impacted by underperforming building envelopes, inefficient HVAC systems, and limited access to capital and financing.
“James Madison Elementary School serves students in a disadvantaged community located in the heart of California’s Central Valley,” said Todd Lile, Superintendent of Madera Unified School District. “Children at this school deserve a learning environment that supports their education and wellbeing. Every investment matters, even when they are not highly visible. That’s why we were proud to work with CalMTA to bring upgraded windows to the school, creating more comfortable classrooms that will help our children reach their full potential.”
Journalists may directly download photos from the event, and videos will be available soon. A short clip of the advanced window solutions being installed is also available. Please request interviews by contacting [email protected].
###
About CalMTA
CalMTA works to deliver cost-effective energy efficiency and decarbonization benefits to Californians through market transformation. CalMTA-developed market transformation initiatives also aim to advance State goals on demand flexibility, workforce development, and equity. It is a program of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and is administered by Resource Innovations.
About the California Public Utilities Commission
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians’ access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.
About Resource Innovations
Resource Innovations (RI) is a leading tech-enabled services company and strategic partner for utilities focused on impact. Building on our expertise in energy efficiency, we’re constantly expanding our portfolio of clean energy solutions to guide utilities through increasingly complex, connected challenges. We are a portfolio company of Morgan Stanley Capital Partners.
Rick Dunn addresses crowd in cafeteria at Madison Elementary in Madera, CA
CalMTA Program Manager Nick Fiore presents energy savings comparison in rooms with retrofitted windows.
Madera Mayor Cecelia Gallegos discusses the crowd regarding the importance of windows in classrooms.
Attendees gauge temperature differences in a demonstration window with a heat lamp.
Adin Hamilton demonstrates the installation of a custom secondary window in the Cafeteria.
