ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, was established by the Department of Energy (DOE) as the commercial building reference standard for state building energy codes under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The 2001 standard also is included in the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the 2003 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code.

"Whether a state adopts the IECC, NFPA 5000 or Standard 90.1 directly, ASHRAE applauds their efforts for advancing energy efficiency," said Ron Vallort, ASHRAE president. "Inclusion of the standard in both codes and the act acknowledge that 90.1 is considered the professional standard of care for energy-efficient design of commercial buildings."

Recently, the IECC was adopted by the state of Illinois. Adoption of the 2003 IECC by Illinois, or by any state, makes Standard 90.1 a compliance option for all commercial buildings in those states.

ASHRAE said documents are in development that will result in 30 percent, 50 percent, and 75 percent more energy savings than Standard 90.1. The first of these documents is scheduled to be published later this year.

Publication date: 10/04/2004