ASHRAE recently announced details regarding its new net-zero, energy-efficient global headquarters in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. A new web presence (ashrae.org/newhq) will provide updates on the design and renovation.

“We are excited to share up-to-date progress on our new ASHRAE global headquarters,” said ASHRAE President Sheila J. Hayter. “Through this web presence, we will share our design journey, and we will offer useful, informative, educational content for members, partners, the media, and other stakeholders to showcase sustainability in action, resiliency that exceeds the provisions of ASHRAE’s energy, comfort and indoor air quality standards, and cost-effective building integrated solutions.”

According to ASHRAE, the new, renovated building will become a showcase for the latest HVACR equipment and technology, providing a destination venue for industry visitors and members to experience. Some key project goals for the new building are:

    • To demonstrate how to transform older existing buildings from dated workplace environments to high-performance workplace environments;

    • To showcase an affordable, net-zero energy strategy;

    • To provide energy, demand, and environmental data from HQ building through web interface;

    • To be visible, when and where appropriate, within the building as an educational feature;

    • To provide additional sensors and monitoring capability in spaces such as conference rooms, so the data obtained can support investigations and experimental work for ASHRAE research. This includes electronic data storage and manipulation capability and a meteorological monitoring station;

    • To provide pro­visions for a BAS;

    • To showcase an ASHRAE Building EQ A+ rating; and

    • To provide a building environment that sets new standards for worker productivity and wellness through superior visual acuity, daylight, acoustics, thermal comfort, and air quality.

The purchased building, constructed in 1978, sits on 11 acres and is 66,700 square feet. The two-story building, including a partial basement, will be designed to provide space for approximately 125 occupants and will have a serviceable life of at least 50 years. Selected materials will be capable of withstanding Atlanta’s hot, humid weather conditions.

“ASHRAE’s global headquarters will inspire our industry to incorporate energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable practices that reflect an understanding of the high-performance building movement,” said Jeff Littleton, ASHRAE executive vice president. "The new web presence will provide a step-by-step look into this design project and give visitors an engaging view of ASHRAE’s vision and goals."

The renovation project is overseen by both a building ad hoc and technical committee comprised of ASHRAE volunteers. McLennan Design, Houser Walker Architecture, and Integral Group have been selected as the design team. The project team also includes Collins Project Management (project management), Skanska (construction manager at risk), and Epsten Group (commissioning agent).

ASHRAE will move to the new global headquarters in October 2020.