ATLANTA - As part of its work to make advanced energy efficiency guidance mainstream, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is developing a code-intended baseline sustainability standard for health care facilities.

Proposed Standard 189.2, Design, Construction and Operation of High-Performance Green Health Care Facilities, will prescribe the procedures, methods, and documentation requirements related to high-performance green health care facilities.

“ASHRAE has long understood the unique qualities that define the health care facility,” said Rick Hermans, a member of ASHRAE’s technical committee related to health care design. “High-performance green design, construction, and operation must recognize those unique qualities in order to be effective in the context of the health care environment. This standard will carefully comply with the requirements of health care givers while implementing the necessities of sustainability.”

It will apply to patient care areas and related support areas, including hospitals, nursing facilities, and outpatient facilities. The standard will also apply to new buildings, additions to existing buildings, and alterations to existing buildings.

ASHRAE currently is seeking members to form a committee to write the standard. In addition, public comment is being sought until Sept. 3 on the proposed title, purpose, and scope of the standard. For more information, visit www.ashrae.org/publicreviews.

Publication date: 08/20/2007