High-performance windows are critical to achieving airtight, thermally robust buildings, but for many project teams, the process of specifying, procuring, and installing them remains unnecessarily complex. In our recent Component Spotlight, the team from Source 2050 invited the Passive House Accelerator community into a candid, working-session-style conversation about how they are rethinking the window procurement process from the ground up. Speakers included Source 2050 Co-Founder John Knapp, Director of Design & Materials Strategy Shannon Pendleton, and Director of Building Systems & Performance Kevin Brennan.

Rather than focusing on a single product or system, the session explored how Source 2050 evaluates vendors, compares competing quotes, and supports installation strategies that reduce risk while improving performance outcomes. True to form, things got technical quickly, with plenty of room for questions, live discussion, and shared problem-solving. You can watch the full video below!

From Product Selection to Project Outcomes

The Source 2050 team framed the challenge clearly: even experienced teams can struggle to compare window options apples-to-apples, especially when performance data, detailing requirements, lead times, and pricing structures vary widely between manufacturers. These gaps can create downstream issues, from installation challenges to compromised airtightness or unexpected thermal bridges.

By walking through their internal evaluation process and noting the many brands they carry (including European and North American options), Source 2050 offered transparency into how they assess potential vendors and quotes. The discussion emphasized the importance of aligning performance metrics with constructability, ensuring that what looks good on paper can actually be installed correctly in the field. For many attendees, this behind-the-scenes look was one of the most valuable aspects of the session, revealing how procurement decisions directly shape project success.

Designing for Airtightness and Thermal Continuity

A recurring theme throughout the conversation was the relationship between window selection and enclosure detailing. Rather than treating windows as isolated components, the presenters emphasized the need to integrate them fully into the surrounding assembly. This includes careful attention to installation sequencing, interface detailing, and coordination between design and construction teams.

By prioritizing airtight, thermal-bridge-free installations, Source 2050 aims to reduce common failure points while simplifying the process for project teams. The session highlighted how clearer documentation, better comparison tools, and upfront coordination can significantly reduce uncertainty and rework later in the project lifecycle.

A Peek at What’s Next: Tool Development and Beta Testing

In addition to unpacking their current approach, the Source 2050 team offered an early preview of a new tool currently in development. Designed to further streamline window comparison and decision-making, the tool is intended to help teams navigate complex options with greater clarity and confidence.

Attendees were invited to participate directly in shaping this next phase by joining the beta testing cohort. The invitation underscored the collaborative spirit of the session and reflected Source 2050’s broader approach: building tools alongside practitioners, not just for them.

A True Working Session

The session maintained an intentionally informal, workshop-style tone, with ample time for questions and direct dialogue. Attendees engaged deeply with the presenters, probing real-world scenarios, edge cases, and lessons learned from active projects. As promised, things got geeky, and the conversation benefited from it.

A Huge "Thank You!" to Source 2050

We extend our sincere thanks to Source 2050 for their continued support of Passive House Accelerator and for sharing their expertise so openly with our community. Their commitment to improving how high-performance components are specified, procured, and installed helps move the industry toward more reliable, scalable outcomes. We’d also like to thank John, Shannon, and Kevin. We're grateful for the time and expertise, as well as their willingness to explain the details of their processes to the Accelerator community.