ASHRAE will take a new approach to its flagship commercial building energy standard. Future updates to ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 will include a companion publication focused on reducing operational greenhouse gas and carbon emissions.

Standard 90.1 sets minimum requirements for the energy-efficient design and construction of commercial buildings. Under the committee’s 2028 and 2031 work plan, the standard will remain focused on energy efficiency and cost-justified requirements, while the new optional framework will address operational emissions.

ASHRAE says it is developing the companion document in response to growing demand for clearer pathways to lower building emissions. The publication will provide a framework for establishing commercial building requirements and procedures to reduce operational emissions.

“By creating a dedicated pathway for operational emissions reduction, ASHRAE can respond to emerging market needs without losing sight of the proven energy efficiency principles at the heart of Standard 90.1,” says 2026-27 ASHRAE president Sarah E. Maston.

According to ASHRAE, the new framework will:

• reaffirm Standard 90.1 as the baseline energy efficiency standard built on cost-justified energy and performance requirements.
• move operational carbon provisions into a standalone publication.
• provide clearer adoption pathways for jurisdictions, regulators, and industry professionals.
• improve usability and flexibility through digital tools and expanded compliance options.

The global professional organization says the restructuring reflects feedback from regulators, designers, owners, and other stakeholders seeking greater clarity. It will develop both documents through its consensus-based standards process.