The Department of Energy’s recently released new energy efficiency standards for federal buildings.
Starting in April 2023, all new federal building projects and major retrofits will be constructed to meet 2021 International Energy Conservation Code and the 2019 ASHRAE Standard 90.1 codes. The new standards are expected to save $4.2 million in operating costs in the first year.
The federal government is the largest building owner and manager in the U.S., with a portfolio of more than 350,000 buildings. Those structures contain more than 3 billion sf of space.
The 2019 edition of Standard 90.1 includes more than 100 energy-focused updates of the previous edition published in 2016. The 2021 IECC incorporates significant changes the 2018 edition, including:
· Increased insulation requirements and reduced fenestration U-factors and solar heat gain coefficients.
· Updated mechanical equipment efficiency requirements, new provisions for data centers, and plant growth lighting.
· Increased lighting efficacy and decreased lighting power density requirements.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2018
L.A. mayor proposes mandatory seismic retrofits for steel buildings, daycare centers, private schools
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has proposed a seismic retrofit requirement for vulnerable steel buildings built before the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2018
Net zero commercial building trend shows strong momentum
Almost 50% more zero energy commercial buildings under construction in 2017.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2018
Dept. of Energy says 2016 ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 would save 8.2% of energy costs
Favorable comparison to 2013 standard for commercial buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2018
Well Living Lab launches extensive study on how indoor environments affect people’s lives
Factors that impact health, performance, stress and resiliency, sleep, and comfort to be scrutinized.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2018
New guide helps planners assess innovation districts
The document is designed to aid in targeting resources toward innovative and inclusive economic development based on an area’s unique strengths and challenges.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2018
Net zero commercial building trend shows strong momentum
Almost 50% more zero energy commercial buildings under construction in 2017.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2018
AEC industry reported high levels of fraud, cyber breaches, and security incidents in 2017
83% experienced at least one fraud incident.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2018
Smart surface solutions can improve disaster resilience, health and comfort in cities
Stormwater management, water quality, and heat island effect could all be impacted.
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2018
Bolstering energy efficiency would produce significant health benefits, ACEEE study says
Reducing energy consumption by 15% would save six lives a day.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2018
GBCI will certify underwriting standard for energy efficiency projects
Investor Ready Energy Efficiency (IREE) certification aims to boost confidence in predicted energy and financial savings.
