DOE Issues Support Documents for Reducing Energy Use in Commercial Buildings
The DOE is releasing technical support documents that are aimed at assisting four commercial building sectors achieve 50% energy savings over ASHRAE 90.1-2004. The technical support documents are part of the DOE's Net-Zero Energy Commercial Building Initiative, which aims to achieve marketable net-zero energy commercial buildings by 2025.
The four building types are general merchandise, grocery store, lodging, and medium office buildings. For general merchandise, the report reviewed lighting, plug loads, fenestration, envelope, HVAC and Generation. The results recommended (1) Reduce lighting power density by 47%, and install occupancy sensors in the active storage, mechanical room, restroom, and office zones; (2) Add a vestibule to the front entrance to reduce infiltration, (3)Equip rooftop HVAC units with high efficiency fans. (4) Shaded overhangs above the windows on the south façade.
