International. ASHRAE announced the availability of a new design guide to help contractors and designers develop a viable plan to achieve zero-energy multifamily buildings.
The Advanced Energy Design Guide for Multifamily Buildings: Achieving Zero Energy (AEDG), is the third in AEDG's series of zero energy guides. The design guide outlines strategies for achieving energy goals, such as setting measurable goals, hiring design teams committed to those goals, using simulation throughout design and construction processes, and being aware of how process decisions affect energy use. In this edition, content on renovation and resilience has been included along with expanded guidance on hot water and high load in multifamily buildings.
"The design guide can be applied directly to help set energy goals and achieve those goals by implementing practical advice," Paul Torcellini, chairman of the project committee and principal engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. "In addition, readers can use this as a training guide for design staff to learn about zero-energy buildings. The intent of this guide is to provide information and insights that fit typical construction budgets, while demonstrating technologies used in real-world applications."
Chapters and sections include:
- Chapter 2: "Principles for Success": describes the important decision points and lays the foundation for success.
- Chapter 3: "A Process for Success": focuses on building effective teams, obtaining energy goals, and methods to implement.
- Chapter 4: "Leveraging Analytics to Drive Success": Discusses the construction phases and different focus areas of the building and how the analysis can bring the right decisions to the project at the right time.
- Chapter 5: "Practical Strategies" provides nearly 200 techniques and tips for successfully creating a zero-energy multifamily building.
"This guidance comes at a critical time as DOE and our partners continue to find and share pathways to decarbonize buildings in an equitable and affordable manner," said Sarah Zaleski, senior advisor to the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Building Technologies.
The design guide was developed in partnership by the following organizations: the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Building Technologies, ASHRAE, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Lighting Engineering Society (IES), and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). ).
To learn more and download the Advanced Energy Design Guide for Multifamily Buildings: Achieving Zero Energy, visit https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/aedgs/zero-energy-aedg-free-download
