A handbook of operational practices to exceed the standards
ASHRAE has made significant strides to help owners operate buildings more efficiently with ASHRAE Guideline 36, High Performance Sequences of Operation for HVAC Systems. The guideline consolidates the operational components from various ASHRAE standards* such as 55 (comfort), 62.1 (ventilation), and 90.1 (efficiency) to name a few. ASHRAE not only identifies the standards to follow in the design of buildings, but now gives us a playbook to operate the building.
That’s what makes this guideline great—it focuses on operations. It’s putting forward the best methodologies identified through all their research and field experience to create a road map to consistent excellence. As important as the superior sequences are, just as important is the consistency it provides in how to communicate the desired operation to the controls contractor.
For more on Guideline 36, visit ASHRAE.
Applying the guideline
At IDS we use Guideline 36 for our Smart Building Assurance Program, when we:
- Review, adapt, or create sequences of operation for design engineers,
- Perform code reviews of control contractors’ automation submittal code,
- Asses the automation software installed in new buildings, and
- Evaluate operational controls data during building warranty.
By consistently applying the guideline, the owner gets an objective, reliable, and repeatable result. The theory of operations isn’t subject to the randomness of whoever did the work that day, and installing new control system automation is no longer an experiment.
| * | ASHRAE Standard 55: Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy ASHRAE Standard 62.1: Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality ASHRAE Standard 90.1: Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings |