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 | Nov 7, 2019
Group focused on using AI for construction safety gains key members
Major contractors join partnership to share data to predict hazards, incidents.
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2019
Undisclosed ICC agreement with NAHB alleged to thwart more stringent efficiency codes
Homebuilders’ seats on ICC made it easier to block new provisions, report alleges.
Codes and Standards | Nov 4, 2019
ASHRAE releases new version of energy efficiency standard for buildings
Standard 90.1 includes revisions of envelope, lighting, HVAC provisions.
Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2019
Resiliency of a community’s housing stock can be measured according to new benchmark
Metric can help municipalities prepare for disasters.
Codes and Standards | Oct 31, 2019
FEMA, ICC release updated guide on integrating I-Codes into floodplain management regulations
Provides advice on satisfying requirements for the National Flood Insurance Program.
Codes and Standards | Oct 30, 2019
ILFI releases new version of Living Building Challenge Framework for Affordable Housing
Document includes updated findings, case studies, new strategies for financing, designing, building affordable housing.
Codes and Standards | Oct 28, 2019
U.S. military demands landlords address health hazards in troop housing
Air Force threatens formal dispute process.
Codes and Standards | Oct 24, 2019
ASHRAE design contest winners demonstrate building resilience
Model building, a city hall, could operate without utility service for two weeks.
Codes and Standards | Oct 22, 2019
Efficient material design, low-carbon concrete are critical to cutting GHG emissions in construction
Enhancing building utilization and reusing materials also aid carbon reduction.
Codes and Standards | Oct 21, 2019
Historic properties not exempt from Americans With Disabilities Act
Some exceptions do apply.