• 09 Jul 2021
• Resources
• Atlanta, GA

ASHRAE Publishes Customized Version of Standard 100 to Support Building Energy Performance in Washington State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE         
MEDIA CONTACT:
Karen Buckley Washington
Public Relations Specialist
kbwashington@ashrae.org

Penny Thomas
Washington State Dept. of Commerce
penny.thomas@commerce.wa.gov

ATLANTA (July 9, 2021) – Washington state is providing assistance to eligible building owners that comply with energy performance standards in advance of mandatory deadlines.  Early compliance will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy consumption, which also will save operating costs. The Clean Buildings law, which authorized the program, requires certain commercial buildings to comply with state energy performance standards.  This standard is based on ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 100–2018, Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings with amendments.

Through a partnership agreement, ASHRAE has developed a custom version of Standard 100-2018 incorporating the state-specific changes, to be readily used by building owners, engineers, and facility managers to comply with the Washington Clean Buildings law. This customized version will also facilitate the early adoption path.

Washington state’s mandatory building performance standards for existing buildings is the first statewide rule, with ASHRAE’s standard providing a vital technical underpinning. Improving the energy performance of existing buildings is critical to reducing carbon emissions and ASHRAE Standard 100 will help the state achieve its important climate objectives. 

“This collaboration between ASHRAE and Washington state is an example for other states to follow with regard to improving energy performance in existing commercial buildings,” said 2021-22 ASHRAE President Mick Schwedler, P.E., ASHRAE Fellow, LEED AP. “We are excited to partner with Washington state in implementing its statewide building performance standards.”

“Washington is proud to be implementing the nation’s strongest Clean Buildings law,” said Washington State Commerce Director Lisa Brown. “Our 2021 State Energy Strategy identifies energy efficiency in buildings as an essential strategy for transforming and decarbonizing our energy future. Investing in energy efficiency will strengthen local communities and help businesses lower energy costs.”

Some targets of the standard include:

• Applicable to nonresidential, hotel, motel, and dormitory buildings greater than 50,000 SF
• Compliance is a building owner obligation
• Clearly defined energy performance targets
• Utilization targets based on regional energy use data and site based energy
• Ongoing energy benchmarking
• Building owner compliance is ongoing and updated on a 5-year cycle
• Reporting to Washington State Department of Commerce is required beginning in 2026
• Early adopter incentive available to all commercial and multi-family buildings over 50,000 SF to encourage early action

As the standard is utilized, ASHRAE will collaborate with the Washington State Department of Commerce on specific educational opportunities related to Standard 100 and Standard 211, also adopted in Washington state’s clean buildings bill.

About Commerce
Commerce works with local governments, businesses, community-based organizations and tribes to strengthen communities. The department’s diverse portfolio of nearly 100 programs and effective public and private partnerships promote sustainable community and economic development to help all Washingtonians thrive. For more information, visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov. For information on locating or expanding a business in Washington, visit choosewashingtonstate.com.  

About ASHRAE

Founded in 1894, ASHRAE is a global professional society committed to serve humanity by advancing the arts and sciences of heating ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and their allied fields.

As an industry leader in research, standards writing, publishing, certification and continuing education, ASHRAE and its members are dedicated to promoting a healthy and sustainable built environment for all, through strategic partnerships with organizations in the HVAC&R community and across related industries.

The Society is showcasing integrated building solutions and sustainability in action through the opening of the ASHRAE Global Headquarters building in metro-Atlanta, Georgia. The state-of-the-art, high-performing net-zero-energy efficient global headquarters building is a destination venue for industry representatives, visiting from around the world, who are looking to experience cutting-edge engineering and architectural interventions.

For more information and to stay up-to-date on ASHRAE, visit ashrae.org and connect on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

###