flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Regulations on hydrofluorocarbons reduce roof insulation options

Codes and Standards

Regulations on hydrofluorocarbons reduce roof insulation options

Canada, some U.S. states ban HFC blowing agents used in closed-cell foam.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | July 12, 2021

Early this year, Canada and several U.S. states enacted new regulations eliminating the use of blowing agents containing hydrofluorocarbons with high global warming potential.

The regulations apply to extruded polystyrene insulation and other closed-cell foam insulations that use HFC blowing agents. This material is used in low-slope roof systems to support thermal performance, provide moisture control, and deliver compressive strength.

The new HFC regulations are being implemented on a state-by-state basis and are currently effective in California, Colorado, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and Washington. Delaware, Maryland, and Massachusetts have finalized similar regulations.

The regulations generally prevent the sale of non-complying products into a state and allow a grace period for sales of existing materials after which non-compliant products cannot be sold. The new regulations have hastened the pace of innovation for manufacturers to develop blowing agents with less global warming potential.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2019

Initiative will introduce open-source software for commercial and public building retrofits

Energy analysis tool will identify energy efficiency opportunities.

Codes and Standards | Jan 18, 2019

Texas city sues developer over changes in $1 billion mixed-use project

Revised plan eliminated 8-acre lagoon, trolley, show fountain, and reduced retail space.

Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2019

First resilience benchmarks for U.S. communities released

Provides way to evaluate current state of resilience and guidance for areas of improvement.

Codes and Standards | Jan 16, 2019

California mass timber building competition kicks off January 15

Competition will award $500,000 in grants to teams who design innovative buildings.

Codes and Standards | Jan 15, 2019

Hazard mitigation provisions in codes save lives and protect property

New NIBS study finds that adopting 2018 Intl. Codes generate $11 benefit for every $1 invested.

Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2019

Ontario building first to achieve zero-carbon designation by Canada GBC

Geothermal heating, living wall among notable features.

Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2019

Policymakers need to act to alleviate affordable housing crunch

Moody’s economist says costs including mortgage rates worsening situation.

Codes and Standards | Jan 7, 2019

Program uses low-cost sensors to monitor impact of stormwater mitigation systems

University/municipal partnership in Philadelphia aims to improve green infrastructure design.

Codes and Standards | Jan 7, 2019

Washington, D.C., to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2032

Includes measures to reduce emissions from buildings and transportation.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category

Reconstruction & Renovation

Movement to protect historic buildings raises sharp criticism

While the movement to preserve historic buildings has widespread support, it also has some sharp critics with well-funded opposition groups springing up in recent years. Some opponents are linked to the Stand Together Foundation, founded and bankrolled by the Koch family’s conservative philanthropic organization, according to a column in Governing magazine.




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021