Energy Code Update

Yesterday the DOE issued a Notice of Preliminary Determination that ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2013 would achieve greater energy efficiency in buildings subject to the code than its predecessor, 90.1-2010. The preliminary analysis estimates national  energy savings of approximately 8.5% for commercial building energy consumption.

The evaluation of every new version of ASHRAE 90.1 is required by law.  Now that the DOE has determined the level of energy savings the analysis is available for public review.  A docket has also been established to accept public comments.  Feedback is requested by June 16, 2014.

If this determination is finalized, States would be required to certify within two years that they have reviewed the provisions of their commercial building code regarding energy efficiency and updated their codes to meet or exceed Standard 90.1-2013.  More information is available on the DOE website.

As much as I kick and scream about being strangled by tight LPDs, the recent climate related news, from the collapsing ice sheets in the Western Antarctic to atmospheric CO2 concentrations that are higher than ever recorded,  has given me a reason to embrace adoption of 90.1-2013.  I’ll have more to say on that soon.