DOE and ASHRAE to Cooperate on Improved Building Energy Standards

August 1, 2007

DOE and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) have agreed to work together to toughen building energy standards so that by 2010, the standards will require buildings to use 30% less energy than buildings built to the 2004 standards. Under a new memorandum of understanding, DOE and ASHRAE will support the continuing development of ASHRAE standards, the adoption of these standards by international organizations, and the implementation of a new energy standard for buildings other than low-rise residential buildings. The broad agreement also calls for increased cooperation on research and on issues relating to technology transfer to building owners and managers, compatibility of building energy software, education for building designers, and counter-terrorism design features in buildings. See the ASHRAE press release.