Energy Efficiency Revisions Made To Regulations for Windows
The BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources has recently approved revised energy efficiency regulations for windows, glazing, doors and skylights (manufactured fenestration products). The purpose of these BC Energy Efficiency Act regulations is to improve the energy efficiency of manufactured fenestration products for new and existing buildings. These products are a key component of a building’s exterior envelope that determines the energy usage required to heat and/or cool the conditioned space.
Revisions have been organized according to product types and are divided into:
- Windows, sliding glass doors and glazing for low-rise buildings (4 stories or less for residential, 600 m2 or less for non-residential) and skylights for all buildings;
- Glazing for doors;
- Door slabs; and
- Windows, sliding glass doors and glazing for high-rise buildings.
The Ministry has just posted an information circular that provides an overview of the requirements including scope, testing standards, minimum energy efficiency standards and effective dates, and exemptions. It is available online here.
The final regulation text will be updated in the coming weeks and will be available at: www.bclaws.ca.