ATLANTA — The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has announced thatAdvanced Energy Design Guide for Medium to Big Box Retail Buildings: Achieving 50% Energy Savings Toward a Net-Zero-Energy Buildingis now available. ASHRAE noted that the guide applies to medium to big box retail buildings with gross floor areas between 20,000 and 100,000 square feet; however, many of the recommendations also can be applied to smaller or larger retail buildings.

It is the third book in a series of Advanced Energy Design Guide (AEDG) publications that provides recommendations to achieve 50 percent energy savings when compared with the minimum code requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings.

“When the comfort of a customer can impact a purchase in a shopping environment it’s important for retail stores to find a balance between energy efficient measures for the building and the convenience for their customers,” said Shanti Pless, chair of the AEDG project committee. “This guide offers guidance and tips for implementing successful energy savings strategies while enhancing the shopping experience.”

The new guide provides recommendations for each of the U.S. climate zones and tips on how to implement those recommendations. Case studies and technology examples supply examples of how retailers have achieved energy savings. Also included is information on integrated design, including best practices as a necessary component in achieving 50 percent energy savings and the inclusion of a performance path — specifically, offering annual energy use targets to help with goal setting.

Additional design tips include:

• Information on integrating absolute energy use targets into the design process.

• Retail-specific whole building and technology case studies.

• Different vestibule configurations to reduce outdoor air infiltration.

• HVAC rooftop unit configuration and zoning strategies.

• HVAC ventilation air control strategies.

• Recommendations for commissioning and measurement and verification to ensure that energy savings potentials are realized.

The book was developed by a committee of energy professionals drawn from ASHRAE, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Advanced Energy Design Guide for Medium to Big Box Retail Buildings: Achieving 50% Energy Savings Toward a Net-Zero-Energy Building is available as a free download at www.ashrae.org/freeaedg. A print version is available for $82 ($69, ASHRAE members). To order, contact ASHRAE Customer Service at 800-527-4723 (United States and Canada) or 404-636-8400 (worldwide), fax 404-321-5478. Bulk discounts are available to individuals, companies, and organizations who are interested in purchasing multiple copies.

Publication date: 03/12/2012