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Commercial Energy Codes and Best Practices

Adopting and enforcing building energy codes that go well beyond current requirements is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy use in commercial buildings.  This section describes the savings potential and cost effectiveness of adopting commercial energy building codes, steps for adopting a program with local examples, and information on SWEEP's programs, publications and activities in support of commercial beyond-code programs.

Savings Potential and Cost Effectiveness

New commercial buildings can be constructed that achieve 30% or greater energy savings using energy efficiency best practices in the building design process, construction, and operation of the building.  One approach that local governments (e.g., Albuquerque) have used for implementing a more efficient commercial energy code is to amend the ASHRAE 90.1 requirements with more stringent requirements in targeted areas, such as building envelope, mechanical systems, lighting, and domestic hot water. Other states and cities (e.g., California, Seattle) have developed their own versions of energy codes that are more stringent than ASHRAE, and address additional aspects of building energy use (e.g., cool roofs).

The process for designing, building and operating a commercial building that achieves 30% energy savings is similar to a typical building, but with additional emphasis given to the design of the building and mechanical systems, performance of the building envelope and fenestration, and the efficiency and performance of building systems, including lighting, HVAC, and domestic hot water.  For most commercial buildings, the 30% savings target can be achieved by following well defined prescriptive requirements that make incremental improvements to standard building design and construction practices.  A 50% improvement target could be achieved by employing a combination of advanced building design and performance strategies, including:

  • Incorporating daylighting into the building design
  • Additional lighting controls and power reductions
  • Use of indirect evaporative cooling
  • Heat recovery and night ventilation
  • Premium economizers, and variable speed controls
  • Additional building commissioning using a third-party commissioning agent (CxA)
  • On-site supply of renewable energy

Examples of commercial buildings that have achieved 30-50% energy savings include:

Steps for Adopting a Commercial Beyond-Code Program

Developing and adopting a beyond-code requirement for new commercial buildings typically involves the following steps.  For more detailed information about how to adopt a beyond-code program, see the municipal examples below.

  1. Establish the performance level for beyond-code programs.  Most communities pursue programs that achieve 30% energy savings, although a few have also pursued programs targeting higher levels, including net-zero energy goals for new commercial buildings.

  2. Identify what types of commercial buildings will be required to comply.  Most programs include new small commercial office and retail buildings, and major renovations or additions to existing buildings.  Separate standards for large commercial buildings (>50,000 square feet), and mixed use facilities that include housing, office space and retail may also be considered.

  3. Obtain input from affected stakeholders, including commercial property owners and developers, architects and engineering firms that specialize in high performance buildings, contractors and trades, green building organizations, and businesses.  Municipal building officials, planning staff, and building code enforcement officials should also be consulted.

  4. Prepare legislation requiring an advanced code.  Typically, city or county staff prepares a draft ordinance or legislation establishing the advanced code requirements, which are then implemented by the planning and building departments as a new energy code, or amendments to existing codes, such as the IECC.

  5. Adopt and enforce the code, and provide training and technical assistance to builders and commercial property developers on complying with the new code requirements. 

  6. Track and evaluate progress toward implementing the code annually, and review and update the energy savings goals and code requirements periodically (typically every 3 years).

Program Examples and Best Practices: Commercial Beyond-Code Programs

For more information about these and other commercial energy code programs, see the Green Building Programs.

SWEEP Programs and Information Resources

SWEEP has developed a Guide to Developing ‘Beyond Code' programs to help state and local governments design and implement successful efficiency programs for new commercial and residential buildings in the Southwest. The guide provides detailed descriptions and analysis of previously implemented programs, including lessons learned and best practices.

SWEEP has completed several reports and studies that analyze the savings potential from adopting more stringent residential and commercial building energy codes, and provide recommendations to state and local officials and other policymakers for adopting and enforcing above-code programs.  A list of key reports is provided below; for more information, see the case studies, publications, and policies and legislation sections of the SWEEP web site.

The Santa Fe Prep Library is LEED-NC Gold Certified.

Benefits of Adopting Above-Code Programs for Commercial Buildings

  • Commercial building tenants benefit by having lower energy bills and operating costs, and improved productivity through better comfort and
     
  • Property developers and owners benefit by having lower operating costs, and higher lease rates and property values.
     
  • States, cities and utilities benefit by having desirable communities that reduce demand for new energy supplies and infrastructure.