ASHRAE: Building Decarbonization Technical Resources Library

May 15, 2024

Building Decarbonization Technical Resources Library

Partner resources compiled by ASHRAE.

Our partners at ASHRAE have put together a library of technical resources on building decarbonization that includes guides, outlines of building standards, white papers, interactive games, and a glossary of important terminology. Browse their various resources below.

Technical Guides

Understanding Grid-Interactive Buildings for Decarbonization

Stay up to date with the future of sustainable building practices with the latest groundbreaking release from ASHRAE’s Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization (CEBD), Grid-Interactive Buildings for Decarbonization: Design and Operation Resource Guide.

Building Performance Standards: A Technical Resource Guide

The first in a series of seven guides, Building Performance Standards: A Technical Resource Guide is intended to provide technical basis and resources to policymakers, building owners, facility managers, design professionals and ASHRAE members when developing and implementing a Building Performance Standard (BPS).

Building Decarbonization Game

The Building Decarbonization Strategy Game was developed by the ASHRAE Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization as a fun, interactive group educational activity to learn about building industry drivers and best practices related to building decarbonization. Materials include:

ASHRAE Decarbonization Conference Proceedings

International Building Decarbonization 2022 Conference | Athens, Greece: The conference provided a venue for information and idea exchange, between stakeholders in the built environment industry, concerning the timely and important topic of reducing carbon emissions from buildings. A primary goal of the conference was to bridge North America and Europe collaboration in decarbonization efforts. All conference papers are available here.

Standards

Many ASHRAE standards address decarbonization and others are quickly evolving to address the issue. The table below lists ASHRAE standards that address energy efficiency, GHG emissions, refrigerant emissions, and/or renewables or may include such references in future updates.

More information about ASHRAE Standards can be found on the Standards and Guidelines page.

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How Architects Can Drive High-Performance Office Fit-Out Projects

March 10, 2025

Resource Overview Architects are essential players in designing, constructing, and operating high-performance spaces for tenants, the demand for which continues to rise. Half of all commercial buildings in the US are leased, and retrofitting existing buildings is a must for meeting our evolving climate and emissions targets. How can architects take advantage of this opportunity, and get involved in these projects? TEOP for Architects takes ULI’s established Tenant Energy Optimization Program (TEOP), a 10-step process for embedding energy efficiency into leased spaces during initial fit-outs or significant renovations, and shows how architects can plug in and use it to streamline their work. Drawing on interviews with architects and real estate professionals from firms leading in sustainability, TEOP for Architects is filled with practical advice and data points for addressing common barriers, whether it’s how to approach clients that are new to sustainability, how to integrate energy modeling into your practice, or how to ensure building operations help meet initial performance goals. TEOP for Architects shows that tenant spaces are just as ripe for design excellence and innovation in performance as new construction. Whether you’re an experienced architect just getting familiar with tenant fit-outs or you’re entirely new to the world of sustainability, TEOP for Architects can help you get situated and start delivering the efficient, elegant projects that clients and the climate both need.

Fitting Out Spaces for Net Zero

March 10, 2025

Resource Overview Fit-outs tend to attract less attention than the construction and operation of buildings, despite the fact that it has a significant impact on the operational performance of the occupied space. In addition, in nondomestic buildings, the interiors can be replaced every three to 10 years, making fit-outs a crucial part of a building’s life cycle. This tenant primer focuses on the importance of fit-outs.

Tenant Energy Optimization Program

March 7, 2025

Resource Overview The Tenant Energy Optimization Program Infographic provides stakeholders with an overview of ULI's TEOP program as well as an outline of the 10-step process which outlines steps you can take to integrate energy efficiency into tenant space, design, and construction.

Green Leasing as Part of a Sustainable Tenant Fit-Out

March 6, 2025

Resource Overview Building owners and tenants are often characterized by conflicting interests and split incentives, hindering joint efforts towards energy efficient buildings. However, both parties play a vital role in embedding sustainability into the built environment and ultimately have common ground that can be leveraged to achieve shared goals. The Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Tenant Energy Optimization Program (TEOP) and the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) and U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Green Lease Leaders program share complementary, actionable steps for landlord-tenant collaboration in advancing sustainability in leased spaces. Green Leasing as Part of a Sustainable Tenant Fit-out: Tenant Energy Optimization Program and Green Lease Leaders Program provides an overview of TEOP and Green Lease Leaders, highlighting how the two programs can work together to offer a robust roadmap for landlord-tenant energy efficiency achievements.

Green Lease Leaders

January 20, 2025

Resource Overview Launched in 2014 by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Alliance and the Institute for Market Transformation, Green Lease leaders sets the standard for what constitutes a green lease. The program provides guidance in leasing practices to advance mutually beneficial landlord-tenant relationships that lead to higher-performing buildings and healthier, more sustainable communities. Participants benefit from established guidelines and free support while developing their leases, as well as peer leadership recognition and substantial energy savings when leases have been implemented. Honorees are announced annually at the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Conference .

Energy Treasure Hunt

September 25, 2024

An Energy Treasure Hunt is a collaborative quest where your employees uncover opportunities to save energy.

Build for the Future Funding Navigator

September 13, 2024

The Build for the Future Funding Navigator provides a listing of funding opportunities across federal agencies to support efforts to enhance climate resiliency, energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, healthy housing, workforce development and environmental justice for HUD communities.