ENERGY STAR^®
CANADA

The government directed ENERGY STAR Canada is one of the most demanding energy efficiency programs in the world.

Columbia has focused on sustainability and providing Canadian consumers the most energy efficient products since our inception, and has participated in the ENERGY STAR program since 2007.

The government directed ENERGY STAR Canada is one of the most demanding energy efficiency programs in the world.

Columbia has focused on sustainability and providing Canadian consumers the most energy efficient products since our inception, and has participated in the ENERGY STAR program since 2007.

Energy Star^® Canada Energy Star^® USA

ENERGY STAR Canada, one of the most demanding
energy conservation programs in the world

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The ENERGY STAR Canada symbol is recognized and trusted by Canadian consumers. Identifying tested high efficiency products that meet the current standards of Canadian government certification.

ENERGY STAR Canada is a voluntary partnership between the government and more than 1,000 organizations working to use our natural resources more wisely through greater energy efficiency run by Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN). Behind each ENERGY STAR Canada label is a product that is certified to use less energy, reducing emissions that contribute to climate change.

ENERGY STAR Canada Helps Canadians Buy Energy Efficient Products

ENERGY STAR Canada approves thousands of products available to Canadian consumers, if they pass the certification standards they are given the ability to use the ENERGY STAR Canada label and the tested ratings in the promotion of their products.
In 2020 alone, ENERGY STAR Canada-certified products saved enough energy to power over 392,000 homes for a year — the equivalent of removing about 825,000 cars from the road.

ENERGY STAR Canada qualified products include:

Skylights

Windows and Doors

Appliances

Electronics

Heating Equipment

Cooling and Ventilation

Lighting

Heat Pump

Office Equipment

Columbia Skylights & ENERGY STAR Canada

We are proud to be the only Canadian manufacturer to produce skylights
that meet the latest ENERGY STAR Canada Standards.

As a proud participant for over 15 years we support the ENERGY STAR Canada program and the benefits it brings to Canadian consumers and the environment.
Columbia is the only Canadian skylight manufacturing company with ENERGY STAR Canada certified products models – fixed and venting in standard and custom sizes.
Don’t be misled by companies that use the ENERGY STAR Canada on their packaging when it doesn’t apply to the product in the box. Some manufacturers who say they are ENERGY STAR Canada certified are using the pre-2020 ratings.
As a Canadian company we have the experience and manufacturing proficiency to build a skylight that can withstand the extremes of our climate.

Columbia is recognized by ENERGY STAR Canada for the second year in a row. Columbia is proud to be the only skylight supplier to the Canadian market to have been recognized by ENERGY STAR Canada.

As recognition of Columbia’s commitment, we were the recipient of the 2021 ENERGY STAR Canada Sustained Excellence Award, acknowledging our long term performance in producing the most energy efficient skylights in Canada.

We all need to do our part for a sustainable future

Reducing the impact of climate change through our actions as consumers has become a critical issue. There’s a social responsibility for us as individuals and companies to do the best for our planet – let’s all do our part.

At Columbia we are committed to this mission and have allocated resources to fulfilling the goal – across our research and development, manufacturing processes, and use of parts and materials.

We recycle all waste aluminum, glass, acrylic, corrugated cardboard and PVC, and employ sustainable practices throughout our manufacturing process, plant and warehouse.

Energy Efficient Home Plan

Plan to use ENERGY STAR Canada certified products when you build, renovate, or replace your home. ENERGY STAR Canada will help you evaluate products and options.
Work with your architect and/or contractor to specify ENERGY STAR Canada products, such as Columbia Skylights.

Skylights can be part of an entire energy efficient system for your home, combining current building products, technology and materials.
Think of your home as a complete integrated energy saving system, every element needs to be contributing to the home overall energy efficiency score.

Energy Efficient Wind Turbines

We all need to make energy efficient choices for the planet’s future. Both consumers and manufacturers must make the right energy efficient choices.
Columbia uses the latest materials and technology to help us produce the most energy efficient skylights in Canada.

ENERGY STAR Canada Version 5 was released January 1st 2020, making Canada one zone

Make sure you choose a skylight that meets the current regulations. Since its inception, ENERGY STAR has continually increased its certification criteria, helping consumers to choose the most advanced energy efficient products.
Some skylight manufacturers still use the pre-2020 standards on their marketing and packaging. Make sure you are buying a product that meets the current standard.
Some fenestration companies have less than 10% of their products that qualify for ENERGY STAR Canada’s current certification. We recommend you check before you purchase.
If you are looking to buy Canadian manufactured products, support local industry and workers, Columbia skylights are the only Canadian made skylights on the ENERGY STAR Canada list, the rest are manufactured in other countries.

The History of ENERGY STAR Canada

The ENERGY STAR Canada has a long history of servicing Canadian consumers and helping them make energy efficient choices. The ENERGY STAR program was initiated in the United States, and has since been adopted in Canada, Japan, Switzerland, and Taiwan.

1992

ENERGY STAR established in USA

The ENERGY STAR program was established by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 and operates under the authority of the United States Clean Air Act.

2001

ENERGY STAR Canada launched

Canada introduced ENERGY STAR in 2001 as an international partner in the voluntary program led by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).

2003

First annual ENERGY STAR Recognition Awards

The first annual ENERGY STAR Canada Recognition Awards were presented in eight categories at the first Participants’ Meeting in Ottawa.

2005

Skylights included in the ENERGY STAR Canada program

The ENERGY STAR Canada for New Homes initiative is introduced, surpassing the regulations of regional building codes.

Skylights and entry doors become eligible, rounding out the fenestration category.

2010

4 Zone certification introduced

A new ENERGY STAR Canada standard for New Homes became effective 2010. Introducing 4 climate zones for Canada.

It required new homes to be 20 percent more energy-efficient than new homes that are built to provincial codes.

2012

Certification for window fenestration installers in the works

NRCAN worked with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to develop a certification program for installers of ENERGY STAR Canada qualified fenestration products, such as skylights, windows and doors.

2014

Canadian’s enjoy better energy savings

The latest report suggests energy efficiency in the residential sector has improved 47 percent since 1990, saving Canadians $12 billion in energy costs in 2014.

2015

3 Zone certification introduced

As of February 2015, ENERGY STAR updated its guideline, introducing 3 climate zones.

To qualify for a zone, a skylight must meet a lower more demanding U-Value specification.

2020

Version 5 - 1 Zone: The current tougher standards released

NRCAN made a major update to its ENERGY STAR Canada program which took effect on January 1^st.

It increased the requirements and simplified the program for consumers by making all of Canada one zone.

How to read Columbia’s ENERGY STAR Canada qualification label

Here is a guide on how to read the ENERGY STAR Canada label so you are able to choose the most energy efficient products for you and your family. On the label are all the test results and how your skylight performs.

Look for the official ENERGY STAR Canada logo
Canada only has one region.
Official NFRC Certification. Assurance that you product has been tested.
Product manufacturer, name and description.
U-Value and
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient rating. The lower the better.
Visible light transmittance rating – the higher the rating, the more light transmitted.
Manufacturers confirmation that the data is accurate.

The performance rating explained

The thermal evaluation and certification of skylights are based on a number of criteria. They are reviewed below.
All of these performance criteria have a different impact on your skylight’s energy efficiency and work in unison.

U Value Degree Of Heat Loss

U-Value – Degree of Heat Loss

U-Value is the measure of the insulating characteristics of the glass, or how much heat flow or heat loss occurs through the glass due to the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures.
How quickly heat from hot air (not direct sunlight) will pass through the glass.
U-Values generally range from 0.1 (very little heat loss) to 1.0 (high heat loss) BTU/h∙ft2F. The lower the U-Value the better the insulation.
The NRCAN utilizes U-Value to determine certification for the Canadian ENERGY STAR program.
Some ways to improve U-Values:
- Use double or triple glazed glass units.
- Argon gas in the cavity between panes of glass.
- Optimize the cavity size between panes of glass.
- Warm-edge spacers that create an effective thermal barrier.
- Use LoE³ coatings (coatings can be used on more than one surface).

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient Shgc

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, SHGC

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is the amount of solar radiation passing through a skylight — either transmitted directly and/or absorbed, and subsequently released as heat inside a home.
The amount of Solar Heat Gain is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a skylight’s Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, the less solar heat is transmitted.
Objects (such as glass) impacted by sunlight absorb its visible and short-wave infrared components, increase in temperature, and then re-radiate that heat at longer infrared wavelengths.
Solar gain is used as a standard way of reporting the thermal properties of skylight and window assemblies

Visible Transmittance Vt

Visible Transmittance, VT

Visible Transmittance is the amount of light in the visible portion of the light spectrum that passes through the glass and into your home.
VT – expressed as a number from 0 to 1. The higher the number, the greater the amount of light that is passing through the glass.
High-performance skylights with LoE³ coatings can allow relatively high amounts of visible light to pass through the glass while repelling the solar heat gain – the more solar heat gain being filtered out, the less light transmittance.
Some examples:
- VT .5 would be 50% of the light is entering the home.
- VT .80 would be 80% of the light is entering the home.

ENERGY STAR Canada, part of a complete
sustainable home system

Using ENERGY STAR Canada certified products can turn your home into an energy saving system. By choosing skylights, windows, and doors with the superior energy rating, you create a consistent barrier against energy loss and are able to regulate the interior climate – increasing your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.

It is important to utilize all the components of your house in the battle against energy loss, such as insulating the walls and roof with the latest ENERGY STAR^® Canada rated materials.
Venting skylights can naturally cool your home in the summer by releasing hot air that has collected in your living space, reducing your reliance on air conditioning.

Choose ENERGY STAR Canada certified skylights, doors, windows - and the materials that make up your building envelope

Energy Efficient Home Windows Skylights And Insulation

For maximum energy efficiency, don’t mix double and triple glazing, and properly insulate your walls and ceilings

When specifying your renovation or new build, it is not recommended to try and save money by not using the same rating of ENERGY STAR Canada glazing throughout the home.
If you’re investing in triple glazing, it is optimal to use it for all skylights, windows, and doors. Creating a consistent barrier against energy loss.
The greatest impact on your home’s energy efficiency is to properly insulate your walls, ceiling and roof space.

Hot air rises – naturally cool your home and save money in the summer with venting skylights

Venting skylights allow you to moderate interior temperature caused by solar heat gain, cooking, laundry and human activity. Enjoy the benefits of cross ventilation to cool your home.
LoE³ coated glass reduces Solar Heat Gain from the more intense and higher summer sun.

Solar panels and skylights - perfect partners

When you are replacing your roof consider installing solar panels and skylights, they can work in unison to create a more comfortable and energy efficient home.
Reduce the reliance on costly energy consuming air conditioning.
Solar panels generate electric energy to run your home, and venting skylights expel hot air in the summer, and provide ventilation year round.
Plus, you get the added health benefit of letting fresh air into your home and releasing dust, doors and airborne pollutants.

Solar Panels And Skylights Rooftop

Columbia provides more energy efficient options than just
ENERGY STAR Canada

In 2020 Columbia became the Canadian distributor of FAKRO premium European skylight and roof windows, a product range of exceptional quality that often exceeds the requirements of ENERGY STAR Canada. Many of the FAKRO products are new to Canada and conform to the stringent European standards, providing outstanding energy efficiency and quality. As such, Columbia identifies these exceptional products with its own Eco-Select specification. Have your architect or contractor review the FAKRO specifications.

VISIT FAKRO’S WEBSITE

We suggest you review the following pages on the ENERGY STAR Canada website - Choose ENERGY STAR, List of ENERGY STAR Participants, Awards Section 2021, Winners.

Visit the NRCAN website to review the energy efficiency rating of skylights available in Canada. Columbia is the only Canadian manufacturer on the list.

ENERGY STAR^® CANADA WEBSITE VISIT NRCAN WEBSITE

ENERGY STAR® CANADA

ENERGY STAR Canada, one of the most demanding energy conservation programs in the world