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 | Oct 26, 2021
Drownings during Hurricane Ida point out FEMA flood map flaws
Eleven people drowned in New York City in areas marked as low risk.
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2021
Dept. of Energy’s REScheck tool updated for the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code
Previous version incorporated 2018 code.
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2021
New York City passes overhaul of construction codes
Over 600 major changes along with thousands of smaller updates slated for 2022.
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2021
One-quarter of U.S. critical infrastructure at risk of failure due to flooding
Police and fire stations, hospitals, airports, and wastewater treatment facilities face threat.
Codes and Standards | Oct 19, 2021
Pittsburgh enacts first-in-the-nation “Dark Sky Lighting” law
Applies to all city parks, facilities, and streetlights.
Codes and Standards | Oct 15, 2021
New Calif. law mandates use of lead-free plumbing fixtures
Must meet NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2020 in 2023.
Codes and Standards | Oct 14, 2021
Building industry leaders urge governments to boost emissions reductions targets
Scores of large AEC firms and organizations sign letter to UN’s COP 26 group.
Codes and Standards | Oct 13, 2021
FEMA’s new flood insurance plan will sharply raise insurance costs for seaside properties
Risk Rating 2.0 will have more accurate assessment of flood risk.
Codes and Standards | Oct 12, 2021
Three new laws expected to spur more affordable housing in California
Trio of measures could aid carbon reduction in built environment.
Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2021
New program to promote mass timber construction launched in Boston
City’s planning and development agency to award grants for projects in early-stage planning.
