October 4, 2004—Using Standard 90.1, with supporting educational and compliance materials, is the best way to ensure that commercial and high-rise residential buildings meet the Energy Policy Act, model building codes and the professional standard of care, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, has been established by the Department of Energy (DOE) as the commercial building reference standard for state building energy codes under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. In addition, the 2001 standard also is included in the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the 2003 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code.
“Whether a state adopts the IECC, NFPA 5000 or Standard 90.1 directly, ASHRAE applauds their efforts for advancing energy efficiency,” Ron Vallort, ASHRAE president, said. “Inclusion of the standard in both codes and the Act acknowledge that 90.1 is considered the professional standard of care for energy efficient design of commercial buildings. And while ASHRAE celebrates advancements of establishment of minimum requirements, we continue our work to encourage engineers, designers and others to increase energy efficiency by going beyond the requirements of the standard.”
Recently, the IECC was adopted by the state of Illinois. Adoption of the 2003 IECC by Illinois, or by any state, makes Standard 90.1 a compliance option for all commercial buildings in those states.
The Society also is developing documents that will result in 30, 50 and 75 percent more energy savings than Standard 90.1. The first of these documents, which will help achieve 30 percent savings for small office buildings, is scheduled to be published later this year.
“Designing and building structures that are energy efficient, that minimize harm to the environment and that benefit owners and occupants are goals that Standard 90.1 and ASHRAE can achieve,” Vallort said.
Standard 90.1 is referenced directly in Chapter 7 of the 2003 IECC, which states that commercial and high-rise residential buildings are in compliance with the IECC if in compliance with 90.1-2001.
The IECC also allows users to satisfy the requirements of the code using either provisions in Chapter 8 or the applicable provisions in Standard 90.1.
The NFPA uses the standard as its sole criteria for energy conservation.
