ASHRAE Publishes Updated Version of Energy Efficiency Standard - ASHRAE 90.1

January 31, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS

The 2007 version of American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1 - Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings provides minimum requirements for the energy-efficient design of buildings except low-rise residential buildings.

The standard contains changes made through 47 addenda to the 2004 standard.

"One of the best ways to reduce building energy consumption is to reduce, or eliminate, the cooling or heating loads," Mick Schwedler, Standard 90.1 committee chair, said.

"By doing so, the systems installed in buildings become smaller and use less energy. For example, on a hot, sunny day, having more insulation in the roof and better glass on the southern and western façades of a building reduce the air conditioning necessary as well as its resultant energy use.

"Two of the addenda do this by enhancing the insulation and fenestration (or window) requirements for the building exterior," he said.

The standard also addresses reduction of electrical and cooling loads and thus electricity by allowing less power for lighting. An addendum revised lighting allowances for retail displays.

"We know that many projects are achieving considerable energy savings at reasonable costs and ask the entire design, operation and owner communities to share these project ideas and contribute toward future energy and energy cost savings," Schwedler said.

For ordering information, visit http://www.ashrae.org/bookstore.

Source: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Inc. (ASHRAE).