DOE: ASHRAE 90.1-2013 Saves 8.5% Source Energy

Preliminary research by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has shown that the ASHRAE 90.1-2013 energy efficiency standard would achieve greater energy efficiency than the 2010 standard. In a Notice of Preliminary Determination posted May 15, the DOE has taken the first step in issuing a ruling that will likely establish Standard 90.1-2013 as the commercial building reference standard for state building energy codes.

DOE’s findings estimate Standard 90.1-2013’s national source energy savings at about 8.5% above ASHRAE 90.1-2010. In its May 15 notice in the federal register, DOE attributed the greater energy savings to better lighting, fans, commercial refrigeration, boilers, and controls, which were the result of improvements to the standard, whose full name is ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2013, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings.

If DOE’s preliminary determination is finalized, states would be required to review and certify that the provisions of their commercial building codes regarding energy efficiency are updated to meet or exceed Standard 90.1-2013. Currently, states must meet or exceed the 2010 standard, although some states lag behind.

In total, the DOE noted 52 positive impacts on energy efficiency from 90.1-2013 that it incorporated into the analysis. Many of these impacts, such as control requirements for lighting alterations and reduction of fan energy use, were the result of changes made through a public review process.

For more information:

U.S. Department of Energy

energy.gov