New Legislation Pushes Net-Zero Energy Use in Buildings
By CP Editorial Staff - June 2007 - Energy Efficiency
The Senate is expected to vote next week on legislation that would amend the Clean Energy Act of 2007 to increase energy efficiency standards in commercial buildings.
The proposal, introduced by Sen. Charles Schumer’s (D-NY) includes ASHRAE guidance in the amendments, specifically future versions of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1, ASHRAE’s flagship building energy standard.
Schumer’s plan calls for a 30 percent increase in energy efficiency in Standard 90.1 over the 2004 version by 2015 and 50 percent improvement by 2022. ASHRAE’s current goal is to achieve 30 percent energy savings by 2010. Standard 90.1 is currently the basis for buildings codes across the United States.
“ASHRAE has been involved in creating standards for more efficient buildings since the energy crisis of the 1970s,” says Terry Townsend, ASHRAE president. “We appreciate the recognition of the importance of Standard 90.1, and we will continue on our mission of moving toward achieving net-zero-energy buildings. We welcome this topic being discussed in the national spotlight.”
