By Healthcare Facilities Today

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) building energy labeling program has expanded to include an As Designed label in addition to its current In Operation label. 

Since utility costs are some of the largest operating expenses in facilities, managing the energy efficiency of a building is an integral part of optimizing financial performance.

The Building Energy Quotient (bEQ) program is a tool for understanding a building’s energy use and identifying opportunities to reduce that use as needed. 

The As Designed rating is based on simulated energy use — independent of operational and occupancy variables. To receive an As Designed rating, a standardized energy model must be performed by an ASHRAE-Certified Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP).

The key component of the In Operation label is the in-operation assessment, which includes an ASHRAE Level I Energy Audit conducted by an ASHRAE-Certified Building Energy Assessment Professional (BEAP), along with recommendations for energy improvement measures.  The rating focuses on the building’s actual energy use for the preceding 12 to 18 months and is based on operating data. 

Buildings that participate in the program will receive a displayable label or plaque with an easily understood rating scale to allow for comparison of the building’s energy use with similar buildings. 

For more information on the program and labels, visit www.buildingenergyquotient.org.