Building Performance Standards: A Technical Resource Guide by ASHRAE

This technical resource discusses considerations to set performance targets. BEPS targets can vary by factors like building type, size, and use, and may evolve over time based on jurisdictional goals. Policies typically focus on larger commercial and multifamily buildings, with lower size thresholds capturing more of the building stock. Special provisions or timelines may apply to public or affordable housing, while buildings with unique energy profiles (e.g., data centers) may need exclusions or alternative compliance paths. Setting achievable targets requires robust analysis and normalization for variables like occupancy and weather. Jurisdictions may use four main approaches: local benchmarking data, sector-level goals, national standards (e.g., ASHRAE or ENERGY STAR), or building simulations-each with trade-offs in data needs, representativeness, and feasibility.