ATLANTA, Georgia, USA, 3 September 2024: ASHRAE has announced the release of the latest version of its residential energy performance standard, titled ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.2, High-Performance Energy Design of Residential Buildings. Making the announcement through a Press Release, ASHRAE said the updated edition introduces advancements in building design and sets ambitious goals for energy efficiency, greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ).

M. Dennis Knight, President, ASHRAE, said: “The 2024 updates to Standard 90.2 represent a significant leap forward in our commitment to creating sustainable and energy-efficient residential buildings. This edition is not only a response to the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also a critical shift toward prioritizing indoor environmental quality (IEQ) for occupant health and well-being. As the importance of energy performance and climate resilience continues to grow, this standard will empower professionals to lead in building practices that address both environmental challenges and the health of residential building occupants.”

According to ASHRAE, key updates to the standard include:

• Expanded scope that covers multi-family residential buildings of any height, with a focus on energy efficiency, emissions reduction and improved IEQ.
• Retrofit enhancements involving major energy-related renovations, ensuring existing buildings achieve higher energy efficiency.
• Tailored Requirements, such as updated guidelines for dwelling units versus common areas, with new standards for lighting controls and the thermal envelope.
• Stricter Energy Efficiency Limits involvinglowered Energy Rating Index (ERI) thresholds and a new CO2e Rating Index (CRI) that bring the industry closer to net-zero energy and carbon goals.
• Air Leakage Standards, which have been strengthened to minimise air leakage and maximise building efficiency.