ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, has been established by the Department of Energy (DOE) as the commercial building reference standard for state building energy codes under the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
In addition, the 2001 standard also is included in the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the 2003 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code.
Recently, the IECC was adopted by the state of Illinois. Adoption of the 2003 IECC by Illinois, or by any state, makes Standard 90.1 a compliance option for all commercial buildings in those states.
ASHRAE also is developing documents that will result in 30, 50 and 75 percent more energy savings than Standard 90.1. The first of these documents, which will help achieve 30 percent savings for small office buildings, is scheduled to be published later this year.
Standard 90.1 is referenced directly in Chapter 7 of the 2003 IECC, which states that commercial and high-rise residential buildings are in compliance with the IECC if in compliance with 90.1-2001.
The IECC also allows users to satisfy the requirements of the code using either provisions in Chapter 8 or the applicable provisions in Standard 90.1.
The NFPA uses the standard as its sole criteria for energy conservation.
For more information, go to www.ashrae.org.
