ATLANTA - To ensure that commercial and high-rise residential buildings meet the Energy Policy Act, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is encouraging the use of Standard 90.1 along with supporting educational and compliance materials.

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."