ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2010, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, was published in November 2010.
The results are here – without plug loads, site energy savings are 32.6% and cost savings 30.1%. Including plug loads, the site energy savings are estimated to be 25.5% and the cost savings 24%.
“Three years ago, the 90.1 project committee set an aggressive goal of 30 percent savings for the 2010 version,” says ASHRAE President Lynn G. Bellenger . “That the target was met and exceeded is a testament to the talent and dedication of the men and women from ASHRAE and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) who developed and evaluated over 119 change proposals to increase the stringency of our flagship energy conservation standard. At the 35th anniversary of Standard 90.1, it continues to lead the way in our industry as the minimum standard for energy efficiency.”
A few key highlights of how the new energy standard was implemented and achieved under 90.1:
- The Scope was expanded so that 90.1 covers receptacles and process loads, including data centers. This allows future addenda to the standard to address energy consuming equipment and systems previously outside its scope.
- Building Envelope: Continuous air barrier and cool/high albedo roof requirements were added.
- Lighting: Most interior Lighting Power Densities were lowered, and additional occupant sensing controls and mandatory daylighting requirements were added for specific spaces, along with a new five-zone exterior Lighting Power Density table.
- Mechanical: Most equipment efficiencies are higher, energy recovery is required in more applications, economizers are required in more climates and more energy-conserving controls are required.
- Modeling requirements have been clarified and expanded so that building modelers can more accurately compare energy cost of their building project with an appropriate baseline building as defined by the standard.
The standard is written in mandatory code language and offers code bodies to make a significant impact in the energy efficiency of both new buildings and major renovations.
ASHRAE’s New Sustainability Reference GreenGuide
