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 | Jun 3, 2019
Florida may eliminate certificate of need requirement for new hospitals
Bill could boost specialized facilities.
Codes and Standards | May 31, 2019
RELi 2.0 standard for sustainability, resilience being piloted
Will be open to LEED-registered or -certified projects, with introductory pricing and support.
Codes and Standards | May 31, 2019
Pankow Foundation releases report, tools for embodied carbon impacts
Focus is on MEP and tenant improvements.
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2019
USGBC receives funding for LEED for Cities and Communities Program
Bank of America provides $500,000 grant to certify 15 U.S. cities.
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2019
AIA updates Interiors Contract Documents
Six revised documents available for interior construction projects.
Codes and Standards | May 23, 2019
Northern California casino offers a template for resilient microgrids
Solar power with batteries and backup generators provide weeks of self-reliance.
Codes and Standards | May 23, 2019
Austin creates innovative plan to boost affordable housing
Approach includes loosened zoning, incentives for higher density in lower-cost and mixed-income developments.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2019
Effort launched to develop better process for zero-carbon retrofits in multifamily sector
Rocky Mountain Institute, Dept. of Energy, California Energy Commission join forces.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2019
Property lenders shouldn’t invest for 30 years in most of Florida, expert warns
Climate ignorance driving some ‘insane’ deals.
Codes and Standards | May 17, 2019
NIMBYism is the biggest multifamily construction barrier
National Apartment Assn. report assesses reasons for difficulty in creating more apartments.