Transforming the Window and Glazing Markets in BC through Energy Efficiency Standards and Regulations

This paper provides an overview of a collaborative market transformation strategy led by the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources to promote and improve the energy efficiency of windows and glazing assemblies for new and existing buildings in British Columbia (BC). This included regulations under the BC Energy Efficiency Act, applying to products for new and existing buildings, and a reference to the ASHRAE standard 90.1-2004 in the BC Building Code, applying to new high-rise and large building construction.

Analytical work illustrated the energy impacts of the regulations for various window product types and percentage of building glazing for high-rise, multi-unit residential buildings. The estimated energy savings from the Energy Efficiency Act standards for metal-framed windows in the sample building is about 2.2% of the total building energy demand. This can increase to 4.4% if non-metal framed windows are installed.

The paper presents findings from surveys of window manufacturers and building officials on the effectiveness of the market transformation strategy to improve energy efficiency of windows and glazing assemblies. The results of the surveys confirm success of the adopted strategy, while also identifying the need for further improvements around overall compliance and testing costs for small manufacturers.

This paper was presented at the 2011 ASHRAE Winter Conference.