Simpler energy standard for low-rise residences

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers has published a new energy standard for low-rise residential buildings. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 90.2-2004, Energy-Efficient Design of Low-Rise Residential Buildings was produced in order to make calculations simpler and less onerous for the designers. The format was completely overhauled, including replacing 45 figures and tables with just two.
Another change is a provision to allow the omission of slab edge insulation in areas of the U.S. which are plagued by termites. Apparently insulation materials placed at the outside edge of slabs provide a means for termites to enter a building without their presence being readily detected.
The new ASHRAE standard also allows users to consider using high-albedo, reflective roofs in hot and humid climates to reduce air conditioning
www.ashrae.org