ASHRAE publishes its first green building standard

Predicted to “revolutionize” the building industry, Standard 189.1 for the Design of High-Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-rise Residential Buildings, has been published by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. The society announced the standard in conjunction with its annual Winter Conference in Orlando, Florida.

The standard is the first commercial green building standard in the United Sates that is designed to be adopted as part of local building codes. The standard was developed by ASHRAE in conjunction with the U.S. Green Building Council and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.

Building energy use levels in the standard are set considerably lower than those in ANSI/ASHRAE/ISNA Standard 09.1-2007. The standard also provides a broader scope of measures, similar to green building rating systems. It covers design aspects such as  site sustainability, water use, materials and resources, and also construction operations and practices.

“The far-reaching influence of the built environment necessitates action to reduce its impact,” Gordon Holness, ASHRAE president, said. “Ultimately, the aim is not just energy efficiency but a balance of environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, occupant comfort and well being and community sensitivity, all while supporting the goal of sustainable development.”