ASHRAE Meeting Highlights Existing Buildings

The need to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings was highlighted at the ASHRAE 2009 Annual Conference held in Louisville.

At the meeting, ASHRAE launched the prototype of its Building Energy Quotient building energy labeling program, introduced a year-long focus on existing buildings and kicked off the Society’s most highly anticipated certification program to-date, Commissioning Process Management Professional

The Building Energy Quotient program, known as Building EQ, which will include both asset and operational ratings for all building types, except residential. ASHRAE is working with major real estate developers to implement the label prototype this fall with a widespread launch of the full program in 2010.

The new Commissioning Process Management Professional certification was formally launched at the meeting, with some 80 people taking part. The exam will be available on computer at testing centers around the world by the end of August.

ASHRAE will hold its 2010 Winter Conference, Jan. 23-27 in Orlando, accompanied by the AHR Expo, Jan. 25-27.

LightNOW’s take: While policy and code makers continue to squeeze design with ever-stricter energy codes for new construction, existing buildings are the true low-hanging fruit. Why don’t energy codes regulate existing buildings? Perhaps every 10 years after a certificate of occupancy is issued, the building must obtain a new certificate of occupancy by demonstrating that it now complies with the latest energy code? I heard this tried in San Francisco, with mixed results; the negative was speculators couldn’t flip buildings easily. (Truly a negative?)

What do you think?

Craig DiLouie

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