In 2016, Natural Resources Canada ("NRCan") released Amendment 18 to the Energy Efficiency Regulations, enhancing energy efficiency and water conservation. It introduces new product categories, updates existing requirements, and allows automatic adoption of future U.S. Department of Energy updates.
Building codes are becoming stricter, carbon targets are becoming law, and there’s more funding available for compliance. For those in plumbing and mechanical trades, system design now involves meeting emissions goals, leveraging incentives, and navigating changing regulations.
Throughout this period, global governments have been notably active on issues related to chemicals, household equipment, HVAC equipment, mechanical systems, plumbing products, protective equipment, and water heating appliances. I have curated the policy changes to save you time and keep you informed and ahead of the curve.
This order aims to help equip the future skilled trades workers of America with the training, knowledge and experience that is needed to increase the number of skilled trades workers and apprentices in the U.S, and to invest in the reindustrialization and economic growth of America.
This visit highlighted energy policy wins and job preservation in America.
May 5, 2025
In a high-profile visit underscoring the political tug-of-war over federal energy policy, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright toured Rinnai America's Georgia manufacturing facility last week.
The second United States Trump administration embarked on a deregulatory agenda, particularly in the water, environmental, and products sectors. President Trump started the release of executive orders, memos, and presidential actions in many areas that may be of interest to contractors, engineers, and manufacturers.
The water heater manufacturer Rinnai America Corporation has voiced its support for a resolution passed Thursday by the U.S. House of Representatives to reverse a Department of Energy ban on non-condensing instantaneous gas water heaters set to go into effect in 2029.