ASHRAE announces changes to methodology for bEQ Program
To allow greater uniformity for building types seeking an “In Operation” rating under its Building Energy Quotient (bEQ) program, ASHRAE says it is now using methodology from its standard for energy efficiency in existing buildings to calculate the rating.
The bEQ program, a method of rating and labeling buildings based on energy use, offers two rating labels: an “As Designed” label that rates the building’s expected energy use under standardized conditions — independent of the building’s occupancy and usage variables — and an “In Operation” label that rates the building’s actual metered energy use as influenced by the building’s occupancy, structure, and usage. According to ASHRAE, bEQ helps owners and managers zero in on opportunities to lower building operating costs and make informed decisions on energy reduction strategies.