April 8, 2008

ASHRAE develops tools to help designers create “net zero” energy buildings

PATRICIA WILLIAMS

staff writer

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is intent on development of tools to help designers create “net zero” energy buildings by 2020.

“They are really trying to be the point of the spear when it comes to helping the design and construction industry meet that lofty goal,” says Tim Wentz, an associate professor at the University of Nebraska who is active in ASHRAE circles.

A net zero energy building is defined as one that, on an annual basis, draws from outside sources equal or less energy than it produces on site from renewable energy sources.

Wentz said ASHRAE has adopted a multi-pronged approach, updating its flagship 90.1 energy standard for non-residential buildings, producing advanced energy design guides and funding research on economically viable applications of renewable energy systems.

“They have made a commitment to ensure that the designers and builders of the world are prepared by 2020 to start building these net zero energy buildings,” Wentz said in an interview.

Tim Wentz

ASHRAE standard 90.1 provides minimum requirements for energy-efficient design. The next edition, to be published in 2010, will be 30 per cent more stringent, Wentz said. “By 2020, the standard will be 70 per cent more stringent than it is today.”

The standard is widely used in North America.

The international nonprofit technical society has also published energy design guides for three categories of projects: elementary, middle and high-school buildings; small retail buildings; and small office buildings.

Intended for use by designers and contractors, the guides provide a menu of options for energy-efficient design. Guidance is offered in such areas as lighting, HVAC systems, windows, skylights and the building envelope.

“What ASHRAE is trying to do is make it easier for contractors and consulting engineers to not only comply with the requirements of standard 90.1 but beat them,” Wentz said.

Wentz, who gave a presentation on green buildings and sustainability at a recent Canadian Mechanical Contracting Education Foundation conference in Toronto, said ASHRAE also plans to allocate increased funding for research activities.

“In order to create net zero energy buildings, we need to develop some new and more advanced forms of renewable energy sources,” said Wentz, who has a degree in mechanical engineering as well as a master’s degree in business administration.

Founded in 1894, Atlanta-based ASHRAE has 55,000 members including consulting engineers, contractors, manufacturers and architects.

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