ASHRAE, the U.S. Green Building Council, and the Illuminating Engineering Society are exploring the development of biomass requirements for inclusion in their co-sponsored green building standard.
ASHRAE/IES/USGBC Standard 189.1, Standard for the Design of High Performance Green Buildings, contains requirements for the use of renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, and geothermal. The Standard 189.1 Committee recently considered a proposal to add biomass to the definition of renewable energy systems.
The proposal defines biomass as organic material, such as wood and crop waste, that can be burned to generate thermal energy. At ASHRAE’s recently held 2015 Winter Conference, the committee voted not to accept the proposal to simply add the word biomass to this definition. But the committee said that it intends to work on a definition of biomass as well as requirements on the use of biomass.
The standard currently has no restrictions on biomass as an energy source. However, it does not allow it to be used to meet the renewable energy requirements.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2017
AIA releases updated edition of its A201 flagship documents
These core documents are updated once a decade.
Codes and Standards | May 16, 2017
Trump’s proposed corporate tax rate changes said to stifle funding for affordable housing
Banks reluctant to commit to specific deals with tax credit status uncertain.
Codes and Standards | May 15, 2017
New IoT-Ready Alliance to establish standard for IoT sensors in LED light fixtures
It aims to make installation of technology easier.
Codes and Standards | May 10, 2017
OSHA increases penalties on South Dakota contractor after fatal building collapse
Agency issues over $300,000 in fines for ‘willful’ safety violations.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2017
Potential shade on Boston Common from proposed high-rise raises public ire
The Mayor is among those who want to change 1990s anti-shadow law.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2017
Method of estimating amount of CO2 by building occupants may be inaccurate
New research suggests current estimates may be off by as much as 25%.
Codes and Standards | May 8, 2017
National Fenestration Rating Council’s new U-factor standard open for public comment
Member-approved ballot change to NFRC 100 comments to close on May 28.
Codes and Standards | May 4, 2017
Millennials’ views on sustainability could influence the workplace
Nine out of ten say it is important that they work for a company committed to sustainability.
Codes and Standards | May 3, 2017
New York State extends design-build authority
The legislation includes eight additional projects.
Codes and Standards | May 2, 2017
U.S. announces preliminary tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber
The rates range from 3% to 24% per producer.