Energy codes. ENERGY STAR. “Green” incentives.
And more.
Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead.
You’re busy making and selling windows. So let us help you keep track (and make sense) of all the latest code-driven requirements and voluntary programs regarding the energy performance of residential windows. In the U.S., ENERGY STAR standards will be more stringent by 2013. Having to deal with these new standards may seem like an inconvenience, but we believe they’ll be good for your business, especially if you start planning for them today.
Energy performance standards are getting more aggressive. Here’s why.
Policy makers at all levels of government want to reduce residential energy consumption, using both mandates and incentives. Why? Because buildings use more energy than any other sector of the U.S. economy, including industry and transportation. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, residential buildings account for 22% of all primary energy consumption, with commercial buildings accounting for an additional 18%. Approximately 4% — representing 4.1 quadrillion BTUs of energy consumption — is linked to fenestration.
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which many state and local building codes follow, calls for substantially more stringent window requirements for 2012 and beyond. These requirements include U-factor reductions in all climate zones and significant SHGC reductions in southern zones (1-3). For a summary of the proposed 2012 IECC requirements and comparison to the current IECC 2009 codes click here.
What’s happening at the federal (US) level?
With bipartisan support, the federal government is promoting higher standards for residential energy efficiency. For example, the Department of Energy seeks a 30% improvement in building energy efficiency by 2012, and a 50% improvement by 2016. Incentive programs, such as the 25C Home Energy Efficient Improvement Tax Credit, have been passed to help homeowners defer the cost of energy efficient home improvement projects and updates. Check back here often for the latest federal legislative updates.
What’s happening at the state level?
States differ in how they adopt and enforce building codes. Most states adopt the IECC model codes, often with amendments. Some states establish their own energy codes. And nearly a dozen states still do not have any state-wide energy code in force.
Be that as it may, all 50 states accepted federal funds conditioned on their commitment to adopt a building energy code for residential buildings that meets or exceeds the 2009 IECC criteria. And all 50 states have agreed to develop and implement a plan, including active training and enforcement provisions, to achieve 90% compliance with the target codes by 2017, including measuring current compliance each year. As a result, many states are updating their energy codes.
What’s the code in your state? The Building Codes Assistance Project is an excellent source: www.bcap-energy.org
What’s next with ENERGY STAR?
Just as the IECC and other codes are requiring higher performance standards, ENERGY STAR is moving in that direction as well. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (which runs the program with the Department of Energy) is widely expected to require lower U-factors in most or all climate zones — and to adjust SHGCs in some climate zones — when it publishes new ENERGY STAR criteria in 2012. These new requirements will take effect in 2013.
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The outlook is increasingly clear: Current double-glazed low-E configurations will not satisfy proposed ENERGY STAR criteria. Instead, window manufacturers should look to triple-glazed and thermally improved and reduced SHGC low-E configurations —including the entire ClimaGuard family of product solutions — to stay ahead of future energy codes and voluntary criteria.
Industry Affiliates
In addition to ENERGY STAR Guardian is also affiliated with other entities that work for a better tomorrow including, the National Fenestration Rating Council, Efficient Windows Collaborative, Glass Association of North America, Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance, Window & Door Manufacturers Association and the United States Green Building Council to name a few.
Guardian Sustainability
Producing safe and reliable products, operating a healthy workplace, and assuring the efficient use and preservation of natural resources are integral parts of Guardian's philosophy and business practices. Smart. Sustainable. Guardian Green.
Environmental sustainability | Focus |
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Regulations sustainability
- Proactively reduce emissions and waste
- Ensure full compliance for ROHS, REACH, CE, EPA, etc.
