Your Office

It may be cold outside, but your office is a comfortable 70°F, thanks to ASHRAE’s Standard 55. The standard specifies the combinations of indoor thermal environmental factors and personal factors that will produce thermal environmental conditions acceptable to 80 percent or more of the occupants. These environmental factors include temperature, thermal radiation, humidity and air speed, while personal factors are activity and clothing.

To be specific, temperatures in the winter should range from 68-74°F and 73-79°F in the summer, according to the standard. In addition to being comfortable, you also can be assured that your office has good indoor air quality, designed according to requirements in ASHRAE’s Standard 62.1. The standard plays an important role around the world in providing for occupants’ well-being by improving indoor air quality. The standard provides guidance for the design and operation of HVAC systems for a range of building types and functions. It includes minimum requirements for maintaining a safe, healthy and comfortable indoor environment for building occupants.

Despite its hundreds of computers, lights, copiers, etc., your office is energy efficient. ASHRAE’s Standard 90.1 sets design requirements for the efficient use of energy in buildings. The requirements apply to the building envelope, distribution of energy, systems and equipment for auxiliaries, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, water heating, electric power and lighting.

Since being developed in response to the energy crisis in the 1970s, Standard 90.1 now influences building designs worldwide. It has become the basis for building codes, and the standard for building design and construction throughout the United States.

The standard is referenced in the Federal Energy Policy Act, meaning state building codes meet or exceed the standard’s requirements.

After working hard since your arrival at work, you’re ready for a short break. Maybe you refill your cup of water from the water cooler. Or maybe you choose a soda from the vending machine. ASHRAE’s Standard 32.1 specifies methods of test for rating the efficiency of beverage vending machines. Having more efficient equipment results in lower energy bills for your company and lower drink prices for you since your company pays less for the electricity to keep it cool. Back