Energy Codes and Standards
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Energy Auditing Techniques course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
ASHRAE 90.1 #
Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
The ASHRAE 90 #
1 is a set of energy standards established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) for buildings, excluding low-rise residential buildings. The standard provides minimum requirements for the energy-efficient design of building systems, including heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, lighting, and water heating systems. It serves as a benchmark for energy codes and standards development in the United States and is widely adopted in other countries.
Building Envelope #
Building Envelope
The building envelope refers to the physical barriers that separate the interior… #
A well-designed building envelope can significantly reduce energy consumption by minimizing heat transfer between the indoor and outdoor environments.
Energy Audit #
Energy Audit
An energy audit is a systematic evaluation of a building's energy use and effici… #
The audit typically includes a thorough examination of the building's heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting, insulation, and appliances. The goal of an energy audit is to identify opportunities for energy savings and to provide recommendations for improving energy efficiency.
Energy Code #
Energy Code
An energy code is a set of regulations that establish minimum energy efficiency… #
Energy codes typically address building design, construction, and systems, including HVAC, lighting, and water heating. Energy codes are designed to reduce energy consumption, improve indoor air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy Modeling #
Energy Modeling
Energy modeling is the process of creating a virtual model of a building's energ… #
Energy modeling can be used to evaluate the energy performance of a building design, to identify opportunities for energy savings, and to compare the energy performance of different design options.
Energy Management System (EMS) #
Energy Management System (EMS)
An Energy Management System (EMS) is a computerized system that monitors and con… #
An EMS can track energy consumption, identify energy-wasting activities, and adjust building systems to optimize energy efficiency. EMS can be used to monitor and control HVAC, lighting, and other building systems.
Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) #
Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV)
Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) is a technology that uses heat exchange to pre #
condition incoming ventilation air. ERV systems transfer heat and moisture between the exhaust air and the incoming air, reducing the energy required to heat or cool the incoming air. ERV systems can significantly improve indoor air quality while reducing energy consumption.
ENERGY STAR #
ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR is a U #
S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program that promotes energy-efficient products and practices. ENERGY STAR-certified products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines and can help consumers save money on their energy bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. ENERGY STAR also offers certification for energy-efficient buildings.
Geothermal Heat Pump #
Geothermal Heat Pump
A geothermal heat pump is a heating and cooling system that uses the earth's sta… #
Geothermal heat pumps use a ground source heat exchanger to transfer heat between the earth and the building, providing highly efficient heating and cooling.
HVAC System #
HVAC System
Heating, Ventilating, and Air #
Conditioning (HVAC) systems are responsible for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. HVAC systems include heating and cooling equipment, ductwork, and controls. HVAC systems are a significant source of energy consumption in buildings and are a key focus of energy codes and standards.
Insulation #
Insulation
Insulation is a material that resists heat transfer between the indoor and outdo… #
Insulation is used in building envelopes to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Proper insulation can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve indoor comfort.
Lighting Controls #
Lighting Controls
Lighting controls are devices that regulate the amount and timing of artificial… #
Lighting controls can include occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, and time-based controls. Lighting controls can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve indoor lighting quality.
Load Calculation #
Load Calculation
Load calculation is the process of determining the heating and cooling requireme… #
Load calculations consider factors such as building size, occupancy, and insulation levels. Accurate load calculations are essential for designing efficient HVAC systems and ensuring indoor comfort.
Renewable Energy #
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is energy derived from natural resources that are replenished o… #
Renewable energy is a key component of sustainable building design and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Weatherization #
Weatherization
Weatherization is the process of modifying a building's envelope to reduce heat… #
Weatherization measures can include adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and installing energy-efficient windows and doors. Weatherization can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve indoor comfort.
Zero Energy Building (ZEB) #
Zero Energy Building (ZEB)
A Zero Energy Building (ZEB) is a building that produces as much energy as it co… #
ZEBs typically use a combination of energy-efficient design, renewable energy systems, and energy storage to achieve net-zero energy consumption.
In summary, this glossary provides a comprehensive overview of key terms and con… #
From ASHRAE 90.1 to Zero Energy Buildings, the glossary covers a range of topics that are critical to understanding energy-efficient building design and operation. This glossary can serve as a valuable resource for energy auditors, building designers, and other professionals working in the field of sustainable building.