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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is working on a final rule to implement provisions in the Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA) that require DOE to update the baseline Federal energy efficiency performance standards for the construction of new Federal commercial and multi-family high-rise residential buildings.  This rule would update the baseline Federal commercial standard to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1-2019, if the Secretary determines that the baseline Federal energy efficiency performance standards should be updated to reflect the new standard, based on the cost-effectiveness of the requirements under the amendment.

Statement of Need:

This rule addresses DOE's statutory obligation under ECPA to review the newest version of ASHRAE 90.1, that is, ASHRAE 90.1-2019, and update the energy efficiency performance standards for federal commercial and multi-family, high-rise buildings to reflect the new version of this industry standard. the rule will also support federal agency leadership in addressing climate change by reducing energy use in Federal buildings and reducing emissions.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

This rule is expected to result in 432.67 million annual incremental first-cost savings and annual life-cycle cost net savings of $161.9 million. Furthermore, compared to the prior Federal buildings standard, DOE expects a 4,472,870 metric ton reduction in carbon dioxide emissions over 30 years.