Energy Conservation Standards for Public Buildings

Applicable Sector: State Agencies, School Districts, Community College Districts and State Universities

Requirement : Pursuant to ARS 34-451, the Department of Commerce recognizes ASHRAE 90.1-2004 as the Energy Conservation Standard for Public Buildings. 

Authority:  ARS 34-451 (click here to view statute)

Summary:
In ARS § 34-451, the Arizona Department of Commerce is directed to adopt and publish energy conservation standards for construction of all new capital projects as defined in section 41-790, including buildings designed and constructed by school districts, community college districts and universities.  In addition, the statute states that the standards shall be consistent with the recommended energy conservation standards of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

The ASHRAE Energy Standard for Commercial Buildings, known as ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004, is the most widely used and recognized energy standard in the United States.  Thirty-five  states have adopted this standard or the 2001 edition as their energy standard.  A number of Arizona communities have adopted the International Energy Conservation Code which is based on the ASHRAE Standard.

State Government Support for the ASHRAE Energy Standard 90.1-2004
On February 11, 2005, Governor Napolitano issued Executive Order 2005-05 that mandates that all state funded buildings constructed after February 11, 2005, shall meet the LEED Silver level of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design rating. The U.S. Green Building Council has adopted ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004 as a prerequisite to obtain LEED Certification.

The Arizona Department of Administration requires all new construction projects to comply with ASHRAE 90.1-2004.