Codes
Discussion at FGIA Virtual Western Region Summit
by Florica Vlad, Events Manager, FGIA
(Florica Vlad is the FGIA Events Manager and a Certified Event Planner. She has more than a decade of experience in planning events and developing corporate relationships. She can be reached at fvlad@fgiaonline.org.)
The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) is known for its high-quality content at its regional meetings, and the July 16 FGIA Virtual Western Region Summit was no exception. This summit served as a unique opportunity to connect virtually with expert speakers and gain the latest information and insight about topics relevant to those who engage with the Western Region. Here is a rundown of what was covered:
Speakers from key western states discussed critical legislative and code topics, including the proposed changes to California Title 24’s U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) requirements in the next version of the building energy efficiency standards.
• One of the sessions highlighted Colorado’s potential decision to shift from ENERGY STAR®, as mandated in current state law, to perhaps instead align with the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code.
• In another session, The Circular Action Alliance (CCA), an approved organization to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for paper and packaging in California and Colorado, discussed compliance with extended producer responsibility laws for packaging in the Western states.
• The afternoon session shifted to a consultation with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) chief, during which participants learned about potential changes ahead for California’s Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Codes and International Wildland-Urban Interface codes (IWUIC).
• We wrapped up the day by discovering more about increased chemical regulations for Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), and how manufacturers can reduce the potential risks.
Western Region Code & Regulatory Roundup
The day kicked off with a slew of updates on various state efforts, such as California Title 24’s U-factor and SHGC requirement changes for the 2025 building energy efficiency standards for the California Energy Code, and to Colorado’s legislation regarding ENERGY STAR for residential fenestration and updates. This session was led by Jen Hatfield, the FGIA Codes Consultant, and Kathy Krafka Harkema, the FGIA United States Technical Operations Director.
“Increasingly, states and municipalities across FGIA’s Western Region and throughout the United States are adopting more recent editions of building and energy codes,” Harkema said. “In addition, with the threat of wildfires continuing to spread, many states are also adopting the International Wildland Urban-Interface Code.” Highlights of latest codes adoptions, trends, and key milestones were explained during the Western Region session.
Understanding Fire & WUI Codes & Proposed Changes
During the virtual session, participants learned about key differences in current California fire and building code language with that of the IWUIC.
In this panel discussion, participants heard what is essential for windows, doors, skylights, tubular daylighting devices, and glazing manufacturers to know about complying with California’s International Residential Code and International Building Code. Panelists also described how the adoption of the IWUIC would determine where those requirements will be found in the future. Featured panelists were FGIA’s Hatfield, CAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal’s Code Development and Analysis Division Chief, Crystal L. Sujeski, and FGIA’s Western Region President and Marvin’s Code and Regulatory Affairs Specialist, David McDonald.
EPR Laws for Paper & Packaging in the Western Region
CAA has become the single United States Producer Responsibility Organization for paper and packaging and has been working across states that have EPR laws. CCA is tracking regulatory developments, building stakeholder relationships and preparing for program implementation, from needs assessments to program planning. This session taught participants about CAA’s implementation efforts, its next steps in California, Colorado, Maine, and Oregon, and what producers need to do today to prepare for EPR compliance. It was led by John Hite, the regulatory and stakeholder engagement advisor with CAA.
Tackling PFAS Water Quality Challenges
This presentation provided participants with an understanding of the current federal, state, and local government actions to address the family of synthetic chemicals in use since the 1940s known as PFAS. It focused on local wastewater utility efforts to characterize and prevent discharges of PFAS to waterways. Attendees learned about ongoing efforts to identify industrial sources of PFAS in wastewater and the key findings from those efforts. They also received an overview of the PFAS pollution prevention tools and resources for individuals, governments, and businesses that focus on upstream reduction strategies and collaborative partnerships. This session was led by Kevin Masterson with Stony Creek Consulting.
