ASHRAE 32P open for public comment

ASHRAE Guideline 32P aims to improve the performance of all buildings by providing guidance on optimizing operation and maintenance of buildings to achieve low costs without sacrificing safety or functionality.

By Source: ASHRAE June 6, 2011

The proposed ASHRAE Guideline 32P, Sustainable, High Performance Operation and Maintenance, currently open for public comment until July 4, 2011, will reportedly help improve the performance of all buildings by providing guidance on optimizing operation and maintenance of buildings to achieve the lowest economic and environmental life cycle cost without sacrificing safety or functionality.

The guideline will apply to the ongoing operational practices for buildings and systems with respect to energy efficiency, occupant comfort, indoor air quality, health, and safety. These systems include the building envelope, HVACR, plumbing, complementary energy systems, and utilities and electrical systems.

The guideline contains recommendations for three levels of building oversight: senior managers, facility managers, and technicians. Checklists for tracking the appropriate steps are reportedly being taken to move toward high-performance operation and maintenance are included for each.

Among the items on the checklist for facility managers are:

  • Develop and implement protocols for good facility/system documentation.
  • Investigate, identify, and implement appropriate levels of building intelligence.
  • Identify and implement appropriate performance metrics.
  • Benchmark against other similar facilities.
  • Establish performance baselines and targets. Institute a system for regular reporting and evaluation.

It is said that the guideline will provide the next steps beyond compliance with ANSI/ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 180, Standard Practice for Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systems, and provide concepts, methods and details that meet the intent of the “minimum standards of care” under ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1, Standard for the Design of High Performance Green Buildings.

– Edited by Amanda McLeman, Consulting-Specifying Engineer, www.csemag.com