Introduction to the 50% Advanced Energy Design Guides (AEDGs)

The 50% Advanced Energy Design Guides (AEDGs) are a series of publications that provide recommendations for achieving at least 50% energy savings over the minimum code requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004. The guides were developed through a collaboration between ASHRAE, AIA, IES, USGBC, and DOE. Four 50% AEDGs have been published, with each addressing a specific building type:

1. Small to medium office buildings
2. K-12 school buildings
3. Medium to big box retail stores
4. Large hospitals

The webinar provided an overview of features of the 50% AEDGs, which allow design and construction teams to achieve advanced levels of energy savings without having to resort to detailed calculations or analyses. Prescriptive recommendations are contained in a single table for each of the eight U.S. climate zones. Additional “how-to” information is cross-referenced with numbered tips and color-coded climate zone maps. Case studies of advanced building designs and technologies were also provided to illustrate points and demonstrate the flexibility offered by the AEDG. Bonus recommendations point out additional opportunities to incorporate greater energy savings. The AEDGs are available as free PDF downloads (registration required) from the ASHRAE website.