The energy audit industry has been largely unstructured, and ASHRAE and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) want to bring order to what they call the “Wild West” of the industry.
While energy audits are vital to ensuring energy efficient buildings, many vary greatly in scope, rigor, and quality, the associations contend. ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 211P, Standard for Commercial Building Energy Audits, will establish consistent practices for conducting and reporting energy audits for commercial buildings.
“Currently there is no standard that defines what constitutes an energy audit,” said Jim Kelsey, chair of the Standard 211P Committee. “Most practitioners in the energy audit industry are trying to do the right thing for their clients by finding projects and quantifying energy and cost savings in energy audits. However, without a consistent standard, we have seen the quality and approach to energy auditing vary widely throughout the industry. The standard has the potential to make a huge impact on completing energy saving projects in existing buildings.”
Standard 211P is open for public comment until Jan. 4, 2016. To comment or learn more, visit here.
Related Stories
Sustainability | Oct 9, 2017
New Arizona State University building will reach triple net-zero performance
The science and research complex will include an atrium biome filled with plants and water.
Energy Efficiency | Sep 15, 2017
To reach ambitious energy targets, firms must dig deeper
The number of firms involved in AIA’s voluntary pact to slash energy consumption in buildings grew to more than 400 in July.
Green | Jul 18, 2017
Garden of the Four Seasons lets you experience all four seasons at once
Carlo Ratti Associati designed the garden with an innovative net-zero energy climate control system.
Sustainability | Jun 28, 2017
Mohawk College will have one of the region’s first net-zero energy institutional buildings
The project’s net-zero goals led to the development of a new curtain wall system.
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2016
What top-ranked energy efficiency states are doing right on codes, utility mandates
Calif., and Mass., use aggressive targets to lead nation.
Sustainability | Sep 19, 2016
Brussels’ Botanic Center apartment block looks to live up to its name with the addition of 10,000 plants and a rooftop “Chrysalis”
The project, which has been commissioned and is in the design phase, would eliminate CO2 and produce its own energy.
Energy | Sep 13, 2016
Oberlin College to hold conference on post-fossil fuel economy
The gathering will address climate change and new sources of energy.
Codes and Standards | Sep 1, 2016
Overuse of air conditioning hurts office productivity
A study found temperatures in the low 70s reduce worker performance.
Sustainability | Aug 30, 2016
New federal project plans must include climate impacts
Agencies must quantify the specific impacts when possible.
