Wednesday, November 30, 2011

ASHRAE - Extracurricular activity

This is something a little out of the ordinary!!!

To register go to: www.ashraenac.org/rsvp
Questions/Comments: curling@ashraenac.org

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

LIVING FUTURE - The UNconference


lf_2011_header_banner
programs and speakerssponsor and exhibittravelcontactregister

LF11 Sidebar
Call for Proposals & Peer Reviewers:
Deadlines are Approaching
The International Living Future Institute is now accepting proposals for education sessions and presenters / moderators / facilitators for its 2012 program.  We are looking for creativity, depth, and innovation in both session topics and format.  Out-of-the-ordinary learning and networking formats provide innovative design strategies, cutting-edge technical information, and the inspiration needed to achieve significant progress in pursuit of a future that is socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative.
To submit a proposal, download the Call for Proposals here.  The deadline for submittals is Friday, December 2, 2011 at 11:59 pm (PST).


The Institute is also seeking peer reviewers to evaluate session proposals.  Reviewers are eligible to present at the events and will be eligible to register at the Early Bird Registration Non-profit / Government rate ($500).
If you are interested in volunteering as a reviewer, click here to learn about the review process and complete the peer reviewer application.  Applications are due Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 4:59 pm (PST).

Cascadia's Government Confluence

The 'unconference' for implementing change in your jurisdiction.

Cascadia Green Building Council and Metro Regional Government are thrilled to co-host this third annual sustainability 'meeting of the minds' for the region's government staff and officials.  Scheduled for May 2nd, 2012, just prior to the opening night of Living Future 12, this day-long summit is a unique opportunity for collaboration and conversation about creating sustainable communities with nearby (and not-so-nearby) neighbors. 




Thank you to our current sponsors:

LF sponsor banner 2 centered


Follow Us On:
 logo_facebook_r

Monday, November 28, 2011

Seattle Energy Code Update


Now that the 2012 versions of the I-codes have been published by the International Code Council (ICC), the Washington State Building Code Council (WSBCC) is beginning to ramp up for the 2012 updates to the Washington State Codes.  
-          If the WSBCC process follows that of previous code update cycles: 
code change proposals due by 1 March 2012; WSBCC Technical Advisory Groups (TAG) review the proposals in the spring of 2012 and make their recommendations to the WSBCC by the end of May 2012;  the WSBCC considers the TAG recommendations at their June 2012 meeting and votes on a draft for public review in July 2012;  the draft published in August 2012;  public hearings in September and October 2012;  the WSBCC vote on the final wording for the codes in November 2012;  and the 2012 codes take effect on 1 July 2013.  (Note that the WSBCC will decide the actual schedule.)
-          For more information on the 2012 updates to the Washington State Codes, see the WSBCC website at:  https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/sbcc/default.aspx .
For the 2012 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC), several factors will come into play: 
(1) possible new format, (2) State law requiring additional energy savings with each WSEC update, and (3) Federal Energy Policy Act (EPAct).
  1. Possible new format:
    - The WSBCC has expressed an interest in using the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as the format for the 2012 WSEC.  Then, there would be Washington State amendments so as to bring the 2012 IECC into compliance with State and Federal laws. 
    - At a minimum, this would change the format of the Energy Code.
  2. State law requiring additional energy savings with each WSEC update:
    - SB 5854 (passed by the Washington State Legislature in 2009) provided direction for future updates to the Energy Code in effect in Washington State (RCW 19.27A.160) :  “residential and nonresidential construction permitted under the 2031 state energy code must achieve a seventy percent reduction in annual net energy consumption, using the adopted 2006 Washington state energy code as a baseline;  The council shall adopt state energy codes from 2013 through 2031 that incrementally move towards achieving the seventy percent reduction in annual net energy consumption …the council shall report its progress by December 31, 2012, and every three years thereafter.” 
    - To obtain a 70% reduction in energy consumption by 2031 (using the 2006 Washington State Energy Code as a base) would require a 14% improvement each cycle FROM THE CODE ADOPTED IN THE PREVIOUS CYCLE, therefore the energy consumption would be 86% of the previous code (e.g. the 2009 WSEC would have an energy consumption of 86% of the 2006 WSEC; the 2012 WSEC would have an energy consumption of 86% of the 2009 WSEC; etc).
  3. Federal Energy Policy Act (EPAct):
    - Federal law (1992 Energy Policy Act - EPAct) set baselines for state energy codes.  For “commercial” buildings (defined as all buildings other than low-rise residential buildings), ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, is specified.  The law provides that the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) must evaluate each update to ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 to see if it saves energy compared to the previous version. 
    - On 19 October 2011, USDOE issued their determination that ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2010 saves more energy than ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007 (“national source energy savings of approximately 18.2 percent of commercial building energy consumption; site energy savings are estimated to be approximately 18.5 percent”).   Per Federal law, this started the statutory clock where States have two years to revise their Energy Codes to be as energy-efficient as ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2010, and then to submit a certification to USDOE that they have achieved this. 
    - While the 2009 WSEC saved more energy than the 2007 version of ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1, it certainly did not save 18% more energy.  Consequently, the 2012 WSEC provisions will need to be revised so as to save at least as much energy as ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2010.
    - For further information, see:
    http://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2011/10/19/2011-27057/building-energy-standards-program-final-determination-regarding-energy-efficiency-improvements-in .

John


John Hogan, AIA, P.E.
  LEED Accredited Professional
Seattle Department of Planning & Development (DPD)
700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2000
P.O. Box 34019
Seattle, WA 98124-4019

voice: 206-386-9145
fax: 206-386-4039

Seattle Energy Code website:

Wednesday, November 23, 2011


AIA Enews Header


Integrated Project Delivery
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is changing the construction industry. Architects, engineers and contractors are winning jobs based on their IPD skills and experience, including experience with both "pure" shared risk/reward contracts and collaborative teaming techniques.

Join experts from around the country and a variety of disciplines at this day-long conference for an interdisciplinary discussion about IPD, its merits and shortfalls, and its effect on the way we will design and build in the next decade.

Integrated Project Delivery: Take Ownership
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
8am-5pm
Mountaineers Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115
8LU/8HSW/8SD
Register online

Special member rates for AIA, AGC, ASHRAE, DBIA, and LCI members
Please note: prices increase 15% after December 5

Ted Sive, FSMPS, Program Chair 

Questions?
Program
Karoline Vass
206.448.4938 x101
Registration   
Danielle Henderson
206.448.4938 x107

Co-presented by: 


                                            

Many Thanks to our 2011 IPD Forum Sponsors
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor

BNBuilders
Carney Badley Spellman
Coffman Engineers, Inc.
GLY Construction
Hoffman Construction Company
Ideate
IMAGINiT
PPI Group
RWDI
Sellen
Sweeney Conrad, P.S.
ZGF Architects LLP
 


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

TEGA


You are invited to bring your lunch to the December ASHRAE TEGA presentation.
The event is free, but you will want to register via http://tegadecember.eventbrite.com to reserve a place.


Best Practices for Condensing Boilers
Piping, Venting, & Control

by Steve Bader

December 20, noon to 1:00

901 5th Avenue, Seattle
(not the Seattle Municipal Tower)
5th Floor Conference Room
(off the main lobby)

Why do boiler manufacturers’ recommendations not always work?
• Primarysecondary or parallel/reverse return piping?
• When are isolation valves and dedicated boiler bypass appropriate?
• What is true minimum flow for boilers?
• What effect does system flow have on boiler operation?
• How to avoid venting problems?
• Boiler Control—who is doing what to whom?


Steve Bader is vice president and partner with Proctor Sales, Inc. a manufacturer’s representative specializing in boilers, pumps and related equipment.  Steve has over 25 years in the HVAC industry working both as a contractor and as an applications engineer for the boiler industry.

Everyone is welcome.
TEGA:  Technical Energy & Government Activities Committee

Sunday, November 20, 2011

ASHRAE Research 2011-2012 Campaign










We would like to extend a very sincere THANK YOU to all of our donors. It is because of your dedication and generosity that we are able to support the research of tomorrow, TODAY!

It is the research program that sets ASHRAE apart from other professional societies and associations of its kind. ASHRAE’s Handbook series, technical programs, standards, and special publications all utilize the results of Research.


























2010-2011 Donor Recognition
Honor Roll donors from last year’s campaign will be recognized at our December 14 Research Promotion theme chapter meeting. More than 50 donors from the Puget Sound Chapter contributed more than $29,000 to ASHRAE Research during last year’s campaign. Leslie Jonsson, 2010-2011 Research Promotion Chair, will be recognizing those individuals who contributed to our successful campaign at the Honor Roll level ($100 or greater for individuals; $150 or greater for organizations).

Make your contribution to the 2011-2012 campaign online today: https://xp20.ashrae.org/secure/researchpromotion/rp.html

Read the ASHRAE Research Strategic Plan 2010-2015 here: http://www.ashrae.org/File%20Library/docLib/Public/20100621_strategicnavigationbrochure.pdf

If you have questions regarding ASHRAE Research, Education (ASHRAE Learning Institute), ASHRAE Foundation, or General Fund for special projects and programs, please contact your 2011-2012 Chapter RP Chair: David Landers at 425-456-2381 or david.landers@pse.com.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

JOB POSTING - Interface Engineering


Mechanical Engineer/Designer

Interface Engineering - Seattle, WA 98101


We are currently looking for a Mechanical Engineer/Designer for our Seattle office whose responsibilities include systems design, specifications, project management and providing exemplary service to new and existing clients.

Qualified candidates should have a BSME and at least 5 years’ experience in a consulting engineering practice specific to HVAC systems for healthcare, commercial, and educational projects. Professional Engineering License and LEED Accreditation is preferred and proficiency in CAD and Revit is definitely a plus.

We offer a competitive salary and benefit package and a chance to work for a prominent industry leader.

Please apply online or send your resume to us directly at Interface Engineering, Inc., attention: Human Resources, 708 SW 3rd Ave, Suite 400, Portland, OR 97204.

If career growth, challenging work and a culture of fun works for you, you just might like it here.
Equal Opportunity Employer


Becky Kreger
Marketing Coordinator

INTERFACE ENGINEERING
email
beckyk@interfaceeng.com
direct 206.753.6027

www.interfaceeng.com

Monday, November 14, 2011

Seattle Energy Design


Reminder from:


Title:

SEDR Meeting: Modeling & Energy Design at zHome

Date:

Monday November 21, 2011
Time:

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Next reminder:

The next reminder for this event will be sent in 4 days, 4 minutes.
Location:

US Bank Center Building1420 Fifth Ave, 4th floor conference room
Notes:

Presenters: Tom Marseilles, WSP Flack & Kurtz
Tom will share his work on the recently completed zHomes project. zHomes is a new, net zero energy multi-family townhome development in Issaquah Highlands. WSP F&K were the energy consultants on this collaboratively designed project.

Get reminders on your mobile, Yahoo! Messenger, and email.
Edit reminder options

Friday, November 11, 2011

ASHRAE - NEWS RELEASE


For Release:
Nov. 10, 2011

Contact: Jodi Scott
Public Relations
678-539-1140

Call for Posters
Keynote Speakers, ALI Course Announced for ASHRAE High Performance Building Conference

ATLANTA – Application techniques, actual performance and policy issues for achieving high performance buildings with deep energy savings are addressed at ASHRAE’s upcoming High Performance Buildings (HPB) Conference. Registration is now open.

High Performance Buildings: A Focus on Deep Energy Savings, advances the industry’s efforts to change the energy-use aspects of the built environment. The conference takes place March 12-13, 2012, San Diego, Calif., and features 50 presentations in 16 sessions covering a broad range of HPB topics.  To register or for more information, visit www.ashrae.org/HPBconference.

“This is a must-attend conference for professionals, researchers and building owners involved in setting policy and applying best practices for energy efficiency in high performance buildings,” conference chair and ASHRAE Presidential Member Kent Peterson, P.E., said. “This specialty conference provides a great opportunity to network with the trend setters in building energy efficiency.”

With an attendance limited to 300, the conference allows an exchange of ideas and dialogue to facilitate understanding of current energy saving efforts, share best practices and to establish an action plan to substantially improve energy efficiency in buildings.

The conference is presented by ASHRAE’s High Performing Buildings Magazine, which publishes articles on measured high performance buildings only. The conference features three HPB case study sessions that include natural ventilation, net zero energy implementation, building controls, Germany’s first LEED® Platinum building as well as schools, office buildings and a library.

In addition, a special HPB Magazine session features the editorial advisory board, sharing lessons they have learned from reporting on the experiences of the designers, contractors, suppliers and owners of buildings that have been featured in the magazine.  In addition, case studies of selected buildings are presented.

Keynote speakers are:
•       Jeanne Clinton, special advisor for efficiency at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), appointed by Governor Brown, speaking on “Energy Management Meets Economic Development.” Previously she was Governor Schwarzenegger’s Clean Energy Advisor at the CPUC, during which time she led the California Solar Initiative and guided California’s Long-Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan.
•       Eric Corey Freed, organicARCHITECT, San Francisco, will challenge attendees through his address, “Dodo-Sapiens: How Our Way of Life is Killing Us and the Need for Regenerative, Bio-Based Buildings.”
•       ASHRAE President Ron Jarnagin, who will discuss “ASHRAE's High Performance Building Initiatives: Sustaining Leadership in Sustainability.”

The Building Performance sessions address integrated measurement, operation and maintenance practices; thermal and visual performance; residential retrofits; design, operation and tenant behavior; and minimum ventilation rate procedure.

The Policy and Benchmarking sessions cover U.S. Army net zero policy initiatives; NSTAR – HPB as a part of the State of Massachusetts’ energy efficiency goals; and CALGreen – California’s green building standards code.

The Low Energy Techniques Sessions cover net zero district vs. net zero buildings; the 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small and Medium Office Buildings published by ASHRAE; biomimicry; and high temperature cooling techniques.

Bottom-line results are addressed in the Return on Investment Session with business case studies on net zero energy buildings in San Diego and Phoenix; financial metrics for comparing efficiency and renewables projects; Caltech’s Energy Conservation Investment Program; and life-cycle commissioning.

Other sessions cover envelopes, lighting/daylighting, plug loads, operations and integrated building design.

Registration cost is $650 ($550, ASHRAE, U.S. Green Building Council and American Institute of Architects members).  An “on-demand” Virtual Conference is included with the registration fee.  A Virtual Conference only registration is $149 ($99, member).  The conference will be approved for AIA LUs, PDHs and LEED AP credits.

Also being offered in conjunction with the conference is an ASHRAE Learning Institute seminar, Implementing Standard 189.1-2009 for High-Performance Green Buildings, which focuses on the minimum requirements for the design, construction and plans for operating high-performance buildings. The seminar takes place on March 11, and the cost is $485 ($395 ASHRAE, U.S. Green Building Council and American Institute of Architects members). Attendees can save $100 on the seminar cost if registering for both the seminar and the conference.

Call for Posters
Poster presentations are requested for high performance buildings that may be either in design or completed, and will be grouped in two categories:  those with one year or more of measured energy data and those relying on modeled energy use. Submissions are particularly encouraged for projects that:
•       Emphasize innovative strategies to dramatically improve energy efficiency
•       Demonstrate replicable strategies
•       Share valuable lessons learned
•       Have one year or more of measured energy data

Poster proposals are due Jan. 9, 2012, and decisions will be made as posters are submitted. Accepted posters will be displayed at the conference. Poster presenters receive a discounted registration rate of $500, ($400, members). To download the poster template or for more information, visit www.ashrae.org/HPBconference.

Friday, November 4, 2011

JOB POSTING - Bellevue Mechanical, Inc.


Bellevue Mechanical, Inc. is a Design/Build company serving the Puget Sound region from the Eastside.

We are seeking a Sales Engineer with the following qualifications:
  • HVAC engineering experience
  • Experience in HVAC design and construction sales
  • HVAC construction estimating skills
  • Mechanical project management experience
  • BSME preferred
  • Leadership and communication skills

We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a great environment for career growth. Please submit resume to elsa@bellevuemechanical.com or fax to 425-453-2142. 

ASHRAE - Government Affairs


Good day and welcome to ASHRAE's Government Affairs Update. Archives of previous updates are available from the Government Affairs Webpage (http://www.ashrae.org/advocacy).

If you have any recommendations regarding content, or have questions about or would like to participate in Washington Office activities, please contact ASHRAE Government Affairs staff at (202) 833-1830 or washdc@ashrae.org.
                                    
ASHRAE Government Affairs Update, 11/4/11
  • Faith Being Lost in Super Committee to Complete Work; Policymakers Threaten to Undo Fallback Automatic Spending Cuts
  • Congress Comes Closer to Passing DOE Funding Bill for 2012 Fiscal Year
  • ASHRAE and Penn State Sign MOU
  • High-Performance Buildings Congressional Caucus Holds GPIC Briefing on Capitol Hill
  • Washington, DC Engineering Public Policy Internship Seeks ASHRAE Student Applicants
Faith Being Lost in Super Committee to Complete Work; Policymakers Threaten to Undo Fallback Automatic Spending Cuts
The much promised – and feared – super committee (officially called the “Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction”) may follow the path of so many past deficit reduction attempts, and not amount to much after all.

Made up of House and Senate Democrats and Republicans, the super committee is charged with identifying at least $1.2 trillion in federal budget cuts over ten years, and has until November 23 to deliver recommendations and proposed legislation to Congress on how to achieve this target. Congress is then required to vote on this legislation by December 23, 2011. However, with Republicans and Democrats seemingly unable to reach compromise over revenue increases (such as taxes) and how much to cut defense and health care spending, it now appears likely that the Committee and Congress will fail to meet the November and December deadlines.

Unless Congress passes legislation that reduces the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion, automatic spending cuts (also known as "sequestration") are slated to start going into effect on January 2, 2013; however even this is now in doubt. A bipartisan groundswell of support is building among several House and Senate Members for legislation that would either reduce the size of the automatic cuts or eliminate them altogether, arguing that Congress should have more say over federal spending decisions.

Congress Comes Closer to Passing DOE Funding Bill for 2012 Fiscal Year
As early as next week, the Senate may seek to pass legislation that would provide funding to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), General Services Administration, and State Department for fiscal year 2012. This bill would provide $1.7 billion to DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (under which the Building Technologies, Building Energy Codes, and State Energy Programs fall), as well as $105 million for the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

EIA administers the Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS), and the $105 million for EIA would allow work to resume on CBECS (the last Survey is from 2003).

It is unclear what, if any amendments Senators may offer that would change these funding levels, however ASHRAE has learned that several prominent Republican and Democratic Senators do generally support this bill, as they wish to complete work on the funding bills for the 2012 fiscal year.

The federal government is currently operating under a continuing resolution (CR) that temporarily funds government programs through November 18, 2011. Congress will likely need to pass at least one more CR to give policymakers more time to come to agreement on spending priorities and pass the annual funding bills.

ASHRAE and Penn State Sign MOU
ASHRAE recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) to improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of buildings through the Greater Philadelphia Innovation Cluster (GPIC) for Energy-Efficient Buildings.

To view ASHRAE’s press release on this new partnership, visit http://bit.ly/vLQ9rV.

High-Performance Buildings Congressional Caucus Holds GPIC Briefing on Capitol Hill
The High-Performance Buildings Congressional Caucus held a Capitol Hill briefing on October 27 which sought to educate Members of Congress, their staff, and building community advocates on the work, goals, and purpose of the Greater Philadelphia Innovation Cluster (GPIC) for Energy-Efficient Buildings.

Below are the briefing description, speakers, and their presentation titles:

Briefing description: 
Selected last year as the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy-Efficient Building Systems Design Hub, the Greater Philadelphia Innovation Cluster (GPIC), is led by Penn State and tasked with improving energy efficiency and operability, and reducing the carbon emissions of our nation's buildings, as well as stimulating private investment and job creation. This briefing will cover the new and existing technologies that will be utilized and tested at the Hub along with program goals to transform commercial building retrofits and new construction processes across the United States and to demonstrate building operational energy savings of 50% within the next three years.

Presentations:
The GPIC Concept: Approach and Expectations
Richard Karney
ENERGY STAR Product Program Manager, U.S. Department of Energy

The Science and Market Drivers Behind GPIC
Jim Freihaut
Associate Professor of Architectural Engineering, Penn State University

Industrial and Economic Aspects of GPIC
Bill Sisson
Director, Sustainability at United Technologies Research Center

The GPIC/ASHRAE Partnership
Bill Bahnfleth
Treasurer, ASHRAE
Professor of Architectural Engineering and Director of the Indoor Environment Center
Penn State University

Washington, DC Engineering Public Policy Internship Seeks ASHRAE Student Applicants
ASHRAE is now accepting applications for the 2012 Washington Internship for Students of Engineering (WISE) program. The WISE program provides selected participants with a unique opportunity to interact with and learn from government officials, professional societies, and others who are involved with crafting national public policy that affects the engineering profession and building industry.

Applicants must be ASHRAE student members. Applications are available at http://www.ashrae.org/advocacy/page/1226, and must be postmarked or emailed by December 31, 2011.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

ASHRAE - News Release


For Release:
Nov.1 , 2011

Contact: Jodi Scott
Public Relations
678-539-1140

DOE Updates National Reference Standard for Commercial Buildings to 90.1-2010

ATLANTA – Following preliminary analysis that ASHRAE/IES’s 2010 energy efficiency standard contains significant energy savings over the 2007 standard – 18.2 percent source energy savings and 18.5 site energy savings – the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a ruling that establishes the 2010 standard as the commercial building reference standard for state building energy codes.

In an announcement in the Oct. 19 edition of The Federal Register, DOE attributes the greater energy savings to improvements in ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2010, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, related to better lighting, daylighting, controls and building envelope and better mechanical systems and application to more systems.

With the Oct. 19 ruling, Standard 90.1-2010 serves as the commercial building reference standard for state building energy codes under the federal Energy Conservation and Production Act.  As a result, states are required to certify by Oct. 18, 2013, that they have updated the provisions of their commercial building code regarding energy efficiency to meet or exceed 90.1-2010.

“The foundation of energy efficient buildings continues to grow stronger with the news that DOE is now referencing the 2010 standard,” Ron Jarnagin, ASHRAE president, said. “ASHRAE hopes to make that foundation even stronger through our current work with IES developing the 2013 standard.”

“The DOE has determined that the quantitative analysis of the energy consumption of buildings built to Standard 90.1-2010, as compared to buildings built to Standard 90.1-2007, indicates national source energy savings of approximately 18.2 percent of commercial building consumption,” according to DOE. “Additionally, DOE has determined site energy savings are estimated to be approximately 18.5 percent.”

The DOE noted that the newer version of the standard contains 19 positive impacts on energy efficiency. These impacts included changes made through the public review process in which users of the standard comment and offer guidance on proposed requirements. Specifically the positive impacts include:
•       Requirements for daylighting controls under skylights and commissioning of daylighting controls; increased use of heat recovery; cool roofs in hot climates; lower illuminance in certain exterior zones; skylights and daylighting in some building types; reduced ventilation energy; supply air temperature reset for non-peak conditions; efficiency requirements for data centers; lower lighting power densities; control of exterior lighting; occupancy sensor for many specific applications; daylighting control requirements for side-lighted spaces; and daylighting controls in more spaces.
•       Updated chiller efficiency requirements.
•       Extension of VAV fan control requirements.
•       Expansion of new lighting power densities to more retrofits and automatic damper requirements and use of economizers
•       Minimizes exceptions to switched receptacle requirement.

The ruling comes on the heels of a July announcement that established the 2007 standard as the as the commercial building reference standard for state building energy codes. The DOE noted that because the 2010 determination was published prior to the two-year deadline states have to demonstrate that their energy code meets or exceeds the stringency of the 2007 standard, states are allowed to file just one certification to address both determinations.

Since being developed in response to the energy crisis in the 1970s, Standard 90.1 now influences building designs worldwide. It has become the basis for building codes, and the standard for building design and construction throughout the United States. ASHRAE and IES publish a revised version of the standard every three years.