ASHRAE is targeting energy reduction in historic buildings, with a new proposed standard open for public comment until May 2, 2016.

ASHRAE Guideline 34P, Energy Guideline for Historical Buildings, offers advice for energy efficiency and energy conservation upgrades involving historic structures.

The upgrades would help manage the maintenance of an older building’s character, historical significance and value, while helping those engaged in preservation to design, provide and adopt energy conservation measures

“Many codes and standards exempt such buildings from energy conservation requirements, based on an assumption that imposition of energy-saving measures may compete with preservation requirements,” said William Rose, a member of the Guideline 34P committee. “Nevertheless, preservationists generally wish to balance the mandate to maintain the integrity and authenticity of their buildings with growing needs for energy conservation.”

The guideline addresses planning and operation, mechanical systems, building envelopes and lighting.

“We just can’t give up on using historic buildings,” added Tom Watson, ASHRAE presidential member who first proposed the standard. “They are too valuable and leave too large an environmental footprint to be neglected or abandoned.”