Federal Building Codes - Commercial

NEW! Webcast Series on New Federal Building Energy Efficiency Design Requirements

The current Federal code for energy efficiency in new commercial and multi-family high-rise residential buildings (10 CFR Part 434),can be obtained here: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/10cfr434_05.html).

This code was issued on January 1, 2002, and is based on ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989, and all addenda. It became effective on October 8, 2001.

The ENVSTD and LTGSTD software to assist in complying with the envelope and lighting portions of the Federal code can be downloaded here:

This code contains lighting unit power density requirements that are less stringent compared to the requirements in the current Federal code to allow for quality lighting for all space types. Overall, the lighting requirements in the new Federal code are still more stringent than those in Standard 90.1-1989.

To implement the envelope requirements for the new Federal commercial building code, individual Alternate Component Package (ACP) tables (an example of which is on Page 60028 of the Federal Register document) have been developed for 234 different locations around the United States and abroad. The tables are given in terms of both shading coefficient (SCx) and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and IP and SI units.

DOE is initiating another update of the Federal commercial building energy requirements (10 CFR 434), using the new ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004 as the model. This future version of the standard should be a substantial improvement in energy efficiency. DOE expects to solicit public comment on this proposed rule in a Federal Register notice in 2005.