ASHRAE Administers New Pilot Building Energy Labeling Program

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has launched a new program to inform building owners and operators, tenants, and prospective buyers on the energy use of buildings. The labeling is similar to a nutrition label on food, or miles per gallon ratings on cars, to encourage the building industry to find ways to cut energy use and costs.

The Building Energy Quotient program— which will be known as Building EQ — will include both “As Designed” (asset) and “In Operation” (as operated) ratings for all building types, except residential structures. It will provide a detailed certificate containing data on actual energy use, energy demand profiles, indoor air quality (IAQ), and other information that will enable building owners to evaluate and reduce their building’s energy use.

Others participating in the pilot program include leading building owners and designers, real estate developers, and government agencies.