Join our discussion with Facility Influencer John Rimer on Sept. 13
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Keep in mind that while some programs, such as Green Globes and LEED, are voluntary, others, like the building codes in Atlanta, Chicago, and California, mandate minimum standards all buildings must meet. Here’s a list of some of those standards:
“ENERGY STAR was a bold undertaking,” he says. That stake in the ground paved the way for other standards.
Crawford agrees. “Education is the best purpose for ENERGY STAR, and they got started largely before anyone else.”
On the drawing board is a new standard that would provide minimum requirements for the design of high-performance, green buildings. Being developed by ASHRAE, USGBC and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, Standard 189 is aiming to be ANSI-accredited. It will also put LEED requirements into language that can easily be adopted by local code officials. The 189 standard is eventually expected to become a prerequisite for LEED certification.
One of the reasons it’s hard to be specific about codes is the lack of any unified standard.
“There is no national energy code,” Kirn says. “Each state is doing its own thing, with California leading the way and setting a good example for everyone else. This, of course, allows others states to sort of cherry-pick what works best for them and their climates.”
Both Crawford and Kirn say that facility executives will have to investigate local opportunities to be aware of the best programs.
“There’s so much going on under our radar,” Kirn says. “Philadelphia, Georgia, Chicago — they’re all doing different things.”
Cool Roof Standards