The National Glass Association recently closed out its successful NGA Glass Conference: Tacoma with a presentation from Robert Hart, principal scientific engineering associate, Energy Technologies Area, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, on emerging high-performance technologies—specifically thin triples, and how there are more thin glass products entering the market, with multiple manufacturers and component and equipment suppliers.
The Pembina Institute has used the Energy Policy Simulator to develop an illustrative policy scenario, “Path to 2050,” to show one possible pathway to achieving net-zero in Canada. Net-zero means cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, with any remaining emissions re-absorbed either by natural means or technological solutions.
Canada’s governments are addressing two intersecting crises: climate and housing. The solution to both is constructing new housing with highly efficient energy systems that use less heating energy and updating existing housing to waste less energy. Truly affordable housing extends beyond just lower monthly mortgage payments or reasonable rent. It encompasses a fundamental aspect that often goes unnoticed: energy efficiency.
Canada’s national housing agency says progress is being made on building enough housing to fix the country’s affordability gap, but almost 3.5 million new units will still have to be built by the end of the decade, over and above what’s already in the works.
Energy Star, a voluntary labeling program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, creates opportunities for residential window, door and skylight manufacturers.
The recent changes to the Province’s building code ensure cleaner, more efficient buildings are now built in line with B.C.’s commitment to zero-carbon new construction by 2030.
By making the declaration, British Columbia has formally decided to shift its economy away from additional LNG expansion and towards one based on clean energy and green products. It is one that makes use of the province’s capacity to produce a sizable amount of renewable electricity and guarantees that projects in the oil and gas sector are in line with B.C.’s climate goals.
Have you ever wondered about the process of making a window that is completely smooth and clear? Many are unaware of the complex procedure to create the gorgeous windows that are frequently look through in homes, and residential buildings. Glass is produced in a factory through a rigorous process that can reach temperatures of up to 1500 degrees Celsius!
These building code changes enable 20% better energy efficiency and provide an opt-in Zero Carbon Step Code (formerly known as the Carbon Pollution Standard), and were signed by the Minister of Housing last week.
Not every net-zero home is the same, but they all include their own sources of renewable energy. Many use solar photovoltaic panels that can typically produce energy for lighting, heating and cooling systems, hot water and appliances and windows with high performing thermal values.