ASHRAE has released its resource guide, “Grid-Interactive Buildings for Decarbonization: Design and Operation,” emphasizing the crucial role of grid interactivity in reducing carbon emissions.
This guide, developed by ASHRAE’s Task Force For Building Decarbonization (TFBD), focuses on the synergy between buildings and the electric power grid to maximize carbon reduction.
“Grid-interactive buildings actively engage with the energy grid. They utilize smart technologies, renewable energy sources, and energy storage systems to optimize energy consumption and generation. This allows them to respond in real-time to grid signals, thereby reducing overall demand and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,” says ASHRAE TFBD chair Kent Peterson PE, presidential fellow. “Integrating buildings with the electrical grid is a critical component in the decarbonization process. It’s an emerging focus for building professionals, and ASHRAE is thrilled to provide new guidance as we collectively work towards a more sustainable, resilient, and energy-efficient built environment.”
To decarbonize the electric grid, buildings must establish a dynamic, two-way relationship with it. This enables flexible responses to grid conditions, including varying carbon emissions rates, driven by factors such as renewable energy integration and grid reliability.
The guide provides best practices, design considerations, and operational guidelines to target three primary value streams of grid integration:
- Reduced carbon emissions: Learn how to make substantial contributions to carbon reduction.
- Cost savings: Discover strategies to optimize energy usage and reduce operational costs.
- Resiliency: Enhance a building’s ability to adapt to changing grid conditions.
While the guide primarily addresses commercial and multifamily buildings, it also includes relevant aspects for residential and industrial sectors. It offers design and operational recommendations for both new and existing buildings, encouraging them to optimize demand flexibility.
To access the guide, visit the ASHRAE bookstore or contact ASHRAE customer service at 1-800-527-4723 (U.S. and Canada), 404-636-8400 (worldwide), or fax 678-539-2129.
