ASHRAE publishes new guidelines for healthcare and commercial facilities

ASHRAE has announced that it has published two new design guides: “Advanced Energy Design Guide (AEDG) for Small Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities” and the “Energy Efficiency Guide for Existing Commercial Building: The Business Case for Building Owners and Managers.” According to ASHRAE, the AEDG for Small Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities is designed to provide reco...

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ASHRAE has announced that it has published two new design guides: “Advanced Energy Design Guide (AEDG) for Small Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities” and the “Energy Efficiency Guide for Existing Commercial Building: The Business Case for Building Owners and Managers.” According to ASHRAE, the AEDG for Small Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities is designed to provide recommendations for achieving 30% energy savings over the minimum code requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999.

The AEDG focuses on small healthcare facilities up to 90,000 sq ft, including acute care facilities, outpatient surgery centers, critical access hospitals, and inpatient community hospitals. Guidance is provided on the design of energy-intensive heating and cooling systems typical for these facilities, as well as recommendations on daylighting and other energy-saving measures. Commissioning is also covered and case studies from facilities in five climate zones are provided.

“Energy Efficiency Guide for Existing Commercial Buildings: The Business Case for Building Owners and Managers” provides the rationale for making economic decisions related to improving and sustaining energy efficiency in existing buildings. Approximately 86% of U.S. annual building construction expenditures relate to renovation of existing buildings vs. new construction.