ASHRAE releases proposed energy standard for historic buildings

ASHRAE released the proposed Guideline 34P, Energy Guideline for Historical Buildings, and is seeking public comment on the document.

Providing advice for energy efficiency and energy conservation improvements involving historic structures, the guide is meant to balance efficiency with preservation requirements.

“Many codes and standards exempt historical buildings from energy conservation requirements, based on an assumption that imposition of energy-saving measures may compete with preservation requirements,” said William Rose, a member of the Guideline 34P committee. “Nevertheless, preservationists generally wish to balance the mandate to maintain the integrity and authenticity of their buildings with growing needs for energy conservation. And some codes, notably the recent International Energy Conservation Code, have moved from a blanket exemption to a narrower provision-by-provision basis.”

The proposed standard is open for a second public comment until May 2, 2016. To comment or learn more, visit www.ashrae.org/publicreviews.