ASHRAE releases updated performance standard for existing buildings

ASHRAE has released the latest version of its energy efficiency standard for existing buildings, with an expanded focus to incorporate building decarbonization.

ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 100-2024, Energy and Emissions Building Performance Standard for Existing Buildings is a code-ready building performance standard that provides processes and procedures for reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions through improved energy efficiency and performance of all types of existing buildings, including residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial. The latest edition of the standard includes carbon emissions performance requirements for existing buildings, as well as emissions targets for dozens of building types.

“As the demand grows for reduced energy use and carbon emission in existing building, there has been heightened interest in Standard 100 within the past year for its potential to shape building regulations on an expanded level,” said 2023-24 ASHRAE President Ginger Scoggins, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE. “The development of this revised standard underscores our commitment to advancing sustainability measures and responding to the evolving needs of the industry.”

The updated standard introduces several key enhancements, primarily focusing on metrics for the establishment of greenhouse gas emissions targets, complemented by ongoing improvements in energy efficiency and performance within existing buildings. Building requirements have been expanded to include the formulation of an energy management plan, incorporating efficient, low-carbon equipment during capital replacement. Furthermore, the standard mandates the attainment of energy and emissions performance goals, accompanied by the implementation of a comprehensive operations and maintenance program to ensure sustained building performance. A streamlined compliance mechanism has been introduced for energy-efficient and low-emission buildings. Additionally, the standard outlines the necessity for an energy audit and decarbonization assessment, introducing a separate compliance process tailored for building types lacking specific energy or emissions targets. Notably, the updated standard also provides guidance for jurisdictions aspiring to develop their own energy consumption and/or greenhouse gas emissions targets.