P Marc LaFrance

Mr. LaFrance currently is the manager for Building Envelope and Windows R&D programs at the Department of Energy in the Office of Building Technology. The program portfolio has been funded approximately US$8 million annually and is attempting to development the next generation of technologies that will contribute to buildings that use zero net energy. Key activities include the development of the next generation of highly insulated windows, dynamic windows, attic/roof systems, high R walls with thermal mass effects (phase change material), and the next generation of materials development. In 2004, the window’s program received two 100 R&D Awards for electrochromic glazings.

Prior to his current assignment, he worked at the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre in Tokyo working on macro energy and economic analyses for the APEC region from 2000 through July 2002. Key activities included the formulation of alternative scenarios for electricity development, rural electrification, cataloging of Energy Efficiency Policies for APEC economies, and APEC Workshop for the security of crude oil transport to Northeastern Asia from the Middle East.

His initial positions at the Department of Energy began in 1993 where he worked on the Codes and Standards program and the ENERGY STAR program. He also managed the Emerging Technology program that was responsible for commercializing the least cost, smallest, compact fluorescent light bulbs. Other achievements included the formulation of a team that won a 100 R&D Award for a low cost heat pump water heater. He began his career with the Defense Department working on weapon systems and facility infrastructure at an R&D center in Newport, RI.

Mr. LaFrance received his BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1985 from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth and a MS Degree in Urban Systems Engineering in 1998 from George Mason University. He also is recognized as a Certified Energy Manager by the Association of Energy Engineers