ASHRAE insert addendums to Green Building Standard

Addendums are being added to the Green Building Standard by ASHRAE. Photo: Getty

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Requirements to reduce heat and subsequent energy use on building sites are part of five new addendums being proposed for the green building standard developed by ASHRAE, IES and USGBC.

Developed by ASHRAE in conjunction with the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) and the US Green Building Council (USGBC), Standard 189.1-2009, Standard for the Design of High-Performance, Green Buildings except Low-Rise Residential Buildings provides a foundation for green building operators, designers and builders.

The addendum seeks to improve requirements related to tree-growth rate and adds a mandatory requirement restricting invasive plants. The change also extends the tree growth period to ten years from five years.

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“The current requirement of five years favours fast-growing trees, which may be more likely to lack stability in storms and to die at a relatively young age,” he added.

Another addendum to the standard has been to include aged values for the solar reflective index, thereby improving the heat island reduction provisions.

In addition, the other addendums clarified the condensate collection requirements in the Green Building Standard, exempting dry climates where little if any condensate could be collected from air-conditioning units.

Further addendums related to porous pavers and open graded aggregates used to mitigate the heat island effect, separate from other paving materials, were also updated. The need to provide pedestrian friendly environments through the use of designated walkways was also added as a mandatory requirement to the standard.

This addendum came about as a call to introduce alternative modes of transportation to help reduce the energy demand for transportation and associated greenhouse gas emissions.

“Requirements for pedestrian friendly environments help encourage transit use and support bicycle mobility, both of which increase physical exercise opportunities and associated health benefits,” Stanke added.

Founded in 1894, ASHRAE is an international organisation of more than 50,000 members. The organisation aims to achieve a sustainable world through research, standard writings, publishing and continuing education.