ASHRAE 90.1 refers to the energy standard developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) for commercial buildings. ASHRAE Standard 90.1 provides guidelines and requirements for the design, construction, and operation of buildings to achieve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Here are the key aspects of ASHRAE Standard 90.1:
Building Envelope: The standard includes requirements for the building envelope, such as insulation levels, fenestration (windows and doors) performance, and air leakage control. It sets standards for thermal resistance, solar heat gain coefficients, and other parameters to optimize energy performance.
Lighting Systems: ASHRAE 90.1 addresses lighting efficiency by specifying requirements for lighting power density, lighting controls, and daylighting strategies. It promotes the use of energy-efficient lighting technologies and control systems to minimize energy use while maintaining adequate lighting levels.
HVAC Systems: The standard provides guidelines for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including equipment efficiency requirements, system design, and controls. It covers aspects such as equipment efficiency ratings, ventilation rates, economizer operation, and energy recovery.
Energy Modeling and Compliance: ASHRAE 90.1 requires energy modeling and compliance verification to demonstrate that a building meets the prescribed energy performance criteria. Energy modeling helps assess the overall energy consumption of the building and identify potential energy-saving measures.
Commissioning and Maintenance: The standard emphasizes the importance of commissioning, testing, and verifying the proper installation and operation of building systems. It also encourages regular maintenance and performance monitoring to ensure ongoing energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
ASHRAE Standard 90.1 is regularly updated to reflect advancements in technology, energy codes, and industry best practices. It serves as a basis for energy codes and regulations in many jurisdictions and is widely adopted for new construction, major renovations, and retrofit projects in commercial buildings.
It’s important to consult the specific version of ASHRAE 90.1 applicable to your project and consider any local amendments or requirements that may be in place, as building codes and regulations can vary by region.