ASHRAE: Achieving Zero Energy – Advanced Energy Design Guide for Multifamily Buildings

The Advanced Energy Design Guide series provides a sensible approach to easily achieve advanced levels of energy savings without having to resort to detailed calculations or analysis. The four-color Guides offer contractors and designers the tools, including recommendations for practical products and off-the-shelf technology, needed for achieving a 50% energy savings compared to buildings that meet the minimum requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004. The energy savings target of 50% is the first step in the process toward achieving a net-zero energy building, which is defined as a building that, on an annual basis, draws from outside resources equal or less energy than it provides using on-site renewable energy sources. For this session, ASHRAE representatives will discuss these AEDG and their applicability in transitioning to net zero energy buildings in Atlantic Canada.

For multifamily residential buildings, and applies primarily to construction of new multifamily buildings covered by ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 up to twenty floors, although much of the guidance also applies to retrofits of existing buildings, depending on the depth and breadth of the retrofits. Space types covered include independent tenant living spaces with units ranging from one to three bedrooms, where each unit has a kitchen space, bathroom(s), bedroom(s), and living spaces; first-floor spaces such as common meeting spaces, a workout room, and staff/management offices or low-energy-density mixed-use spaces such as light retail and leased offices; vertical transportation; and laundry facilities. The Guide establishes a set of energy performance goals for achieving zero energy. The goals are provided for all ASHRAE climate zones, in both site and source energy. Strategies on how to achieve these energy targets are provided throughout the Guide.

Speakers