In this special co-branded episode of the ASHB Smarter Homes & Buildings Podcast and the Political Shadings Podcast, the discussion centers on innovations in window and door automation. The episode features Ralph Vasami, Executive Director of the Attachments Energy Ratings Council (AERC), who discusses AERC's role in developing energy performance ratings for window attachments, the significance of building codes, and the advancements in automated shading technology. Ralph elaborates on AERC's recent efforts on Capitol Hill to secure funding for energy efficiency projects and highlights the importance of AERC’s new status as a 501(c)(3) public interest organization. This episode offers valuable insights into how energy-efficient window attachments contribute to sustainability and the smart home ecosystem, while also emphasizing the evolving landscape of building codes and standards. Political Shadings is a podcast discussing the intersection of business, policy, politics, green building, energy efficiency, and common sense, sponsored by Somfy.