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
| Jun 21, 2012
String of shattered glass balcony panels prompts call for code reform in Ontario
Since last summer, glass balconies have shattered at 13 different buildings in Toronto.
| Jun 21, 2012
California adds window film to building code
California is the first state to add window film into its building code. Window film, a polymer material, offers cost-effective energy savings.
| Jun 21, 2012
New ISO standard to improve environmental management of concrete
A new ISO standard will help the construction industry better manage the environmental impacts of concrete.
| Jun 21, 2012
On net-zero projects, Building Teams will be held accountable for energy-efficiency performance
The building team will be held accountable for how net-zero energy buildings perform two, five, and maybe ten years after completion.
| Jun 14, 2012
USGBC co-founder launches rating system for building product manufacturers
U.S. Green Building Council co-founder David Gottfried’s new venture, Regenerative Ventures, has established a rating system for building product manufacturers.
| Jun 14, 2012
Green standard set for single-ply roofing membrane
A sustainability standard has been established for single-ply roofing membranes used on commercial buildings.
| Jun 14, 2012
Minnesota Vikings stadium plan gets legislative go-ahead
Legislation that approved the construction of a new billion dollar stadium for the Minnesota Vikings passed the Minnesota legislature.
| Jun 14, 2012
Report alleges New York’s prevailing construction wages are miscalculated, costing billions
A miscalculation in how prevailing wages are calculated in New York reportedly costs the state $3 billion a year in public-infrastructure projects.
| Jun 14, 2012
AGC, other business groups oppose hiring rules for disabled
Business groups have asked the U.S. Department of Labor to reconsider a proposed hiring quota aimed at federal contractors pertaining to people with disabilities.