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
Energy Efficiency | Oct 28, 2015
San Francisco energy consumption benchmarking ordinance bears fruit
Efficiency has improved since 2011 law initiated.
Energy Efficiency | Oct 12, 2015
Renewables surging in mix of U.S. energy generation
‘Tectonic Shift’ as coal use plummets; wind and solar rise.
Energy Efficiency | Oct 2, 2015
New York City launches accelerator program for energy efficiency retrofits
Goal is 1,000 buildings a year.
Sponsored | Energy Efficiency | Sep 28, 2015
Nation’s first zero energy retail store features metal roof, composite panels
The building, a Walgreens made with metal and composite material from Petersen Aluminum Corp., includes enough sustainable features to attempt to earn LEED Platinum status.
Energy Efficiency | Sep 25, 2015
Federal renewable energy mandate prompts retrofits
Agencies must get 30% of electricity from renewables by 2025
Energy Efficiency | Aug 28, 2015
North American Passive House Network e-book explains Passivhaus, net-zero techniques
Free guide includes spotlight on individual projects
Energy Efficiency | Aug 24, 2015
Google develops Google Maps for solar energy
The tool offers high-resolution aerial maps, like the one used in Google Earth, to estimate the total sunlight a rooftop receives throughout the year.