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Fenestration Manufacturers' Guide to Applying for ENERGY STAR® in Canada
- Introduction
- Applying for ENERGY STAR
- Steps towards ENERGY STAR qualification
- What is the cost?
- Benefits of being a Participant
- Requirements comparison table
- Fenestration qualifying levels
- Sample ENERGY STAR fenestration qualification labels
- Contact information
- Consultants
Introduction
This guide provides an overview for fenestration manufacturers about how to apply to use the ENERGY STAR® symbol in Canada, including product testing and certification requirements. The guide is intended for information purposes only.
Companies that want to qualify products for ENERGY STAR must contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) or consult a recognized certification organization for complete details. Manufacturers that want to use the ENERGY STAR symbol in the United States (U.S.) must also apply to the U.S. ENERGY STAR program.
ENERGY STAR is the international symbol for energy efficiency. Every day, consumers in Canada, the U.S. and many other countries use the ENERGY STAR symbol to identify products that perform at premium levels of energy efficiency without sacrificing appearance, features or quality. According to a recent national survey, consumer awareness of the ENERGY STAR symbol has increased dramatically in Canada. Almost 90 percent of respondents who had seen the ENERGY STAR symbol were aware that it represents energy efficiency, and 70 percent said they prefer to buy ENERGY STAR qualified products when possible.
The qualifying criteria and levels for ENERGY STAR were primarily developed for fenestration products installed in low-rise residential and small commercial buildings as defined by Part 9 of the National Building Code of Canada 2005. Most fenestration products installed in high-rise residential units or for institutional and large commercial buildings are also eligible for qualification and labelling but may not be able to meet the levels for ENERGY STAR. Products that are not eligible for qualification and labelling are revolving doors, overhead doors, storm windows, storm doors, films, blinds and curtains, as well as component parts such as doorlites, glazing units, extrusions and spacer bar systems.
To qualify for the ENERGY STAR symbol, fenestration products must be independently tested to ensure they meet strict technical specifications. Production processes, quality control procedures and thermal performance test results must also be certified by an approved certification organization.
When certification is complete, the manufacturer is eligible to enrol as an ENERGY STAR Participant with NRCan, which administers and promotes ENERGY STAR in Canada. Participants and their registered product models are listed on the NRCan Web site. Participants also receive valuable marketing materials and are able to take part in joint marketing and networking activities with government, utilities and other organizations.
ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is administered and promoted in Canada by Natural Resources Canada.
Applying for ENERGY STAR
All product models must be certified for their thermal performance to be eligible for ENERGY STAR.
Heat loss through a material, such as glass, is calculated as a U-value. The unit of measure is watts per square metre times kelvin (W/m2oK), or British thermal units per hour per square foot times degree Fahrenheit (Btu/h•sq. ft.•°F).
To qualify for ENERGY STAR in Canada, all skylights must have a U-value of 3.10 W/m2•K (0.54 Btu/h•sq. ft.o°F) or lower. All other fenestration products must have a U-value of 2.00 W/m2•K (0.35 Btu/h•sq. ft.•°F) or lower. Windows and sliding glass doors must also have an airtightness rating of 1.65 cubic metres per hour per meter (m3/h/m) or 1.5 litres per second per square metre (L/s/m2) or lower.
For each of the four qualifying climate zones in Canada, there is a U-value compliance path and an Energy Rating (ER) compliance path. For more information, see "Fenestration qualifying levels" on page 14.
To apply to use the ENERGY STAR symbol in Canada, a manufacturer must
- review the ENERGY STAR symbol guidelines, fenestration labelling and promotional guidelines, and the technical specifications
- register at least one qualifying product model with NRCan by using the Product Entry Form
- submit two copies of a completed and signed Administrative Arrangement to NRCan
For more information about the ENERGY STAR initiative for fenestration products, go to energystar.gc.ca/windows. At the bottom of the Web page, click How To Participate to find the symbol, label and promotional guidelines and to send a request for an application kit.
Note: To market fenestration product models as ENERGY STAR qualified in the U.S., manufacturers must apply to the U.S. ENERGY STAR program. See "Contact information" on page 17.
Steps towards ENERGY STAR qualification
A manufacturer may need to take all or some of the following steps to become an ENERGY STAR Participant in Canada.
Step 1: Choose the product models for ENERGY STAR qualification
Manufacturers should carefully consider what models they want to be ENERGY STAR qualified in Canada. It is normally advantageous for a manufacturer to offer a suite of product models to give consumers a choice in purchasing an energy-efficient product.
If design changes are planned for the models under consideration, or if a completely new product line is being developed, finalize the details before submitting the product for testing and certification. Product testing and certification require a significant investment of time and money. You may want to choose and contact a certification agency (see Step 2) if you want to test or simulate a product before you begin the certification process.
Step 2: Certify the product models
Manufacturers must have their product models certified for their thermal performance by an accredited certification agency before the products can be registered for ENERGY STAR.
The certification process involves an initial plant audit and then on-going plant audits to verify that the product models are being produced the same way as the tested model was and that quality control procedures exist. All certification and testing requirements are determined by the certification agency. Manufacturers may need to provide up-to-date drawings, a list of components and any test or simulation reports for each product line that is submitted for certification.
Certification of a product's structural performance for ENERGY STAR qualification is currently optional. However, to protect the integrity of their certification mark, many agencies require certification of all structural ratings (including the insulated glazing unit) before they will certify the thermal performance.
NRCan does not certify products. However, data from the following accredited certification organizations are accepted for ENERGY STAR in Canada:
- CSA International (CSA)
- Intertek Testing Services
- National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)
- Quality Auditing Institute (QAI)
Note: Manufacturers who plan to market product models in the U.S. as ENERGY STAR qualified must certify these products through NFRC.
Initial plant audit
After you choose a certification agency, the agency will normally conduct an initial audit in the manufacturing plant. This audit reviews the manufacturing process, verifies that appropriate quality control measures exist and makes recommendations to correct any gaps in quality control. The auditor may also confirm that you are still producing the same product as those in test reports you submit and may witness the fabrication of test samples. Audits are normally conducted in each factory where the products are made.
Testing phase
The testing phase of the certification process normally takes the most time and may involve physical testing, thermal simulation, or both, depending on what testing and simulation has already been done on the product.
Assessing a product's structural performance requires the physical testing of product samples by an accredited test laboratory. Your certification agency can provide a list of accredited laboratories. Thermal simulations are done by computer by using the design specifications provided to an independent thermal simulator. Your certification agency can provide a list of approved simulation facilities. If your products have already been tested for structural performance under CSA A440 (a requirement for new construction under the National Building Code of Canada 2005), you may be able to use the test results for the purposes of ENERGY STAR qualification.
For ENERGY STAR qualification in Canada, windows and sliding glass doors must also be tested by a laboratory for their airtightness. Testing airtightness is not currently a requirement for swinging doors and skylights. This testing may be completed as part of the certification process, or the manufacturer may already have test data that can be submitted directly to NRCan on the Product Entry Form.
After reviewing the test and simulation results, the manufacturer gives permission for the results to be forwarded to the certification organization.
Canadian certification agencies normally require testing to one or more of the following standard specifications:
- CSA A440.0-00 Windows
- AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-05 Windows, Doors and Unit Skylights
- CGSB 82.1-M89 Sliding Doors
- CGSB 82.5-M88 Insulated Steel Door
- CSA A440.2-04 Energy Performance of Windows and Other Fenestration Systems
- CSA A453.0-95 Energy Performance Evaluation of Swinging Doors
For the U.S. NFRC certification program, testing and simulation to the following standards is required:
- NFRC 100* Procedure For Determining Fenestration Product U-factors
- NFRC 200* Procedure For Determining Fenestration Product Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence
*NRCan does not accept data tested to the 1997 version or earlier versions of these standards.
NFRC certification also requires validation testing to ensure that the thermal simulations are accurate. A test laboratory must validate the simulated U-value rating using a "guarded hot box" test.
For the purposes of ENERGY STAR qualification, an ER is normally calculated for all product models if a valid airtightness value is submitted. This process allows NFRC-certified products to use either the U-value or ER compliance path. The only exception is skylights, because the ER formula does not currently apply to sloped glazing.
Final phase
In the final phase of the certification process, the certification agency reviews the test and simulation results received from the test laboratory and thermal simulator. After the agency's fees are paid and all other requirements have been satisfied, certification will be granted.
Some agencies may complete an ENERGY STAR Product Entry Form and submit it on behalf of their clients, either before or after final certification has been granted. Early submission of the form is acceptable if NRCan is informed of any changes to the client's certification application.
Ongoing certification requirements
Some certification agencies require mandatory labelling of each model of a certified product using the agency's official certification mark. This may be a temporary or permanent label. Manufacturers must be aware of these labelling requirements, which are separate from the requirements for using the ENERGY STAR symbol, before signing a contract with the certification agency.
In addition, the certification agency requires periodic in-plant audits after certification is granted, to monitor production processes and quality control measures. Any significant changes to the product or to production processes will require re-certification.
Step 3: Become an ENERGY STAR Participant in Canada
To complete the process of becoming an ENERGY STAR Participant in Canada, the manufacturer must forward two copies of a completed and signed Administrative Arrangement and one or more Product Entry Forms to NRCan. In some cases, the certification agency will submit the Product Entry Forms on behalf of its client.
After these documents have been reviewed and accepted, you are notified of your acceptance into the ENERGY STAR program in Canada. Your company name is posted on the NRCan Web site, along with the submitted data on all registered product models. The registration process takes four to six weeks.
Note: If the manufacturer sells its products under a brand name other than the name of the manufacturer (sometimes referred to as a private label brand), these models must also be registered with NRCan under the private label brand name in order for them to be ENERGY STAR qualified.
What is the cost?
Natural Resources Canada does not charge any fees to be a Participant in the ENERGY STAR Initiative; however, there are certification and testing fees set by each of the certification agencies, testing laboratories and simulators. The cost to certify will depend on: 1) the certification agency that you choose; 2) the type of product and the number of model options that you are certifying; 3) how many product lines and options that you wish to certify at one time; and, 4) your location. You should contact the certification agencies to determine what the costs will be for you.
Benefits of being a Participant
Participants benefit from being a part of a government-backed initiative that promotes energy efficiency to Canadians in a simple and straightforward manner. The symbol is used on many energy?efficient products and new homes in Canada, the U.S. and internationally. This helps to give ENERGY STAR a high level of market exposure, and the symbol is gaining brand recognition with consumers every year. A number of rebate and incentive programs across Canada also use ENERGY STAR as a basis for their own energy efficiency programs.
Participants must use the technical specifications for fenestration products, must use the ENERGY STAR symbol and name according to the guidelines set out by NRCan, and should train their staff about ENERGY STAR and include ENERGY STAR in their promotions and on their Web sites. Participants are also expected to complete an annual survey that allows NRCan to collect statistics on the success of the initiative and to receive comments on possible changes or improvements.
Requirements comparison table
| Item | ENERGY STAR in Canada | Certification organizations | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSA | Intertek | NFRC | QAI2 | ||
| Scope | Windows, sliding glass doors, swinging doors, skylights. | Windows, sliding glass doors. | Windows, sliding glass doors, swinging doors. | Windows, sliding glass doors, swinging doors, skylights. | Windows, sliding glass doors, swinging doors. |
| Structural performance | Airtightness test only required for windows and sliding glass doors. | Full structural certification is required. | Full structural certification is optional. | Not applicable. | Full structural certification is optional. |
| Thermal performance | Certification and testing or simulation are required. | Certification and testing or simulation are optional. | Certification and testing or simulation are optional. | Certification required. Validation testing of simulations is required. | Certification and testing or simulation is optional. |
| Insulating glass unit | No certification or testing is required. | IGMA1 certification is required. | IGMA certification is required. | Only a valid test report is required. No certification is required. | IGMA or QAI certification is required. |
| Acceptance of test results from extruders and system designers for certification | No specific requirement. Model data is accepted if it is certified. | Testing and audits are required for each manufacturing location. | Testing and audits are required for each manufacturing location. | Test reports may be accepted. Audits required for each manufacturing location. | Testing and audits are required for each manufacturing location. |
| Retesting | Retesting may be required if there are changes to a standard or product model. | Retesting may be required if there are changes to a standard or product model. | Retesting may be required if there are changes to a standard or product model. | Retesting is mandatory every four years. Retesting may also be required if there are changes to a standard or a product model. | Retesting may be required if there are changes to a standard or product model. |
| Temporary label | A qualification label is recommended. | A certification label is required. | A certification label is required. | A certification label is required. | A certification label is required. |
| Permanent label | Not required. | Required. | Required. | Required. | Required. |
| Product model registration | Registration is required by ENERGY STAR in Canada. | The manufacturer must submit a Product Entry Form. | The agency will submit a Product Entry Form for the manufacturer on request. | The manufacturer must submit a Product Entry Form. | The agency will submit a Product Entry Form for the manufacturer on request. |
1 Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance
2 Quality Auditing Institute
Fenestration qualifying levels
The technical specifications for ENERGY STAR qualification of fenestration products vary from one part of Canada to another based on climate conditions: the colder the climate, the more stringent the specifications. The tables below outline the ENERGY STAR qualifying levels for each of four climate zones, with Zone A being the warmest and Zone D the coldest. (See the climate zone map on page 15.)
Windows and Doors
| Zone | Heating degree- day range |
U-VALUE PATH | OR | ENERGY RATING PATH | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum W/m2•K (Btu/h•sq. ft.• ° F) | SHGC* |
Minimum ER (dimensionless) Maximum U-value 2.00 W/m2•K or 0.35 Btu/h•sq. ft.• ° F) |
||||
| Windows with sashes and doors | Windows without sashes | |||||
| A | ≤ 3500 | 2.00 (0.35) | Any | or | 17 | 27 |
| B | > 3500 to ≤ 5500 | 1.80 (0.32) | Any | or | 21 | 31 |
| C | > 5500 to ≤ 8000 | 1.60 (0.28) | Any | or | 25 | 35 |
| D | > 8000 | 1.40 (0.25) | Any | or | 29 | 39 |
* Solar heat gain coefficient
Skylights
| Zone | Heating degree-day range | Maximum U-value* | SHGC** |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | ≤ 3500 | 3.10 (0.54) | Any |
| B | > 3500 to ≤ 5500 | 2.80 (0.50) | Any |
| C | > 5500 to ≤ 8000 | 2.60 (0.46) | Any |
| D | > 8000 | 2.38 (0.42) | Any |
* Skylights must be tested or simulated for their thermal performance in a sloped position of at least 20 degrees.
** Solar heat gain coefficient
Windows and sliding glass doors must have an air leakage rate of less than or equal to 1.65 m3/h/m or 1.5 L/s/m2. Skylights and swinging doors are not required to meet an air leakage requirement at this time.
ENERGY STAR climate zone map for Canada
Sample ENERGY STAR fenestration qualification labels
The following samples show the various types of labels and some of the designs available for ENERGY STAR qualified fenestration products. In these samples, the product qualifies for ENERGY STAR in Zones A, B and C. The Canada/U.S. sample label also includes the U.S. ENERGY STAR Northern Zone.
Contact information
ENERGY STAR in Canada:
Steve HopwoodNatural Resources Canada
1 Observatory Crescent, 2nd Floor
Ottawa ON K1A 0E4
Canada
Tel.: 613-995-6741
Fax: 613-947-5286
Web site: www.energystar.nrcan.gc.ca
Certification Organizations
CSA International
Damtew TesfayeCSA International
178 Rexdale Boulevard
Toronto ON M9W 1R3
Canada
Tel.: 416-747-2509
Fax: 416-747-4149
Web site: www.csa-international.org
Intertek Testing Services
Bob DavisonIntertek Testing Services
6225 Kenway Drive
Mississauga ON L5T 2L3
Canada
Tel.: 905-678-7820, ext. 4220
Fax: 905-678-7131
Web site: www.intertek.com
Quality Auditing Institute
Kent AdamsonQuality Auditing Institute
2825 Murray Street
Port Moody BC V3H 1X3
Canada
Tel.: 604-461-8378
Fax: 604-461-8377
Web site: www.qai.org
U.S. National Fenestration Rating Council
Toni StroudNational Fenestration Rating Council
8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 320
Silver Spring MD 20910
USA
Tel.: 301-589-1776 ext. 211
Fax: 301-589-3884
Web site: www.nfrc.org
ENERGY STAR in the United States:
Emily ZacharyENERGY STAR
c/o D&R International, Ltd.
Attn: Windows, Doors, and Skylights
1300 Spring Street, Suite 500
Silver Spring MD 20910
USA
Tel.: 301-588-9387
Fax: 301-588-0854
Web site: www.energystar.gov
Consultants
The following consultants are available to help fenestration manufacturers prepare their application for the Canadian ENERGY STAR initiative.
David BruceBurnaby BC
Tel.: 604-946-4048 (tel)
E-mail Pierre Forget
Gestion PIF inc.
Montréal QC
Tel.: 514-235-8704
Fax: 514-624-7305
E-mail Jean-Francois Kogovsek
Maxam Marketing Inc.
Saint-Bruno QC
Tel.: 450-723-1257
Fax: 450-723-1258
E-mail David Nunn
Manufacturing Personnel Services
Toronto, ON
Tel.: 905-450-6214
Fax: 905-450-6416
E-mail Luc Tessier
PDG Conseil
Ste-Croix QC
Tel.: 418-926-2730
Fax: 418-926-2732
E-mail Kira Kuperman
Pro-Active Fenestration Solutions
Toronto ON
Tel.: 416-804-1985
Fax: 416-628-4155
Web site: www.proactivefenestration.com
