Exam EDGE-Expert Topic 1 Question 1 Discussion

In the CBCI EDGE curriculum, glazing performance is characterized using properties that directly influence solar heat gains through windows, because this is a major driver of cooling energy demand in many climates.
The EDGE software uses Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, which represents the fraction of incident solar radiation that enters the building as heat through the glazing system. A lower SHGC reduces solar heat entering the indoor space, lowering cooling loads and improving the project's energy savings in the improved case.
Shading Coefficient is an older metric that is sometimes referenced in market literature, but EDGE standardizes the glazing solar performance input using SHGC for consistency across regions and products.
Solar Heat Loss Coefficient is not a standard glazing metric used in EDGE; heat loss through glazing is addressed using thermal transmittance measures such as U-value rather than an SHLC parameter. Solar Reflectivity may be relevant for certain roof or surface materials, but it is not the primary glazing property used in EDGE to quantify solar heat admitted indoors. Therefore, the correct glass property used in EDGE among the options provided is SHGC.