Standard for the Design of High-Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
ASHRAE Standing Standard Project Committee 189.1

ANSI/ASHRAE/ICC/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1-2023, Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings Published Standard. (Supersedes ANSI/ASHRAE/ICC/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1-2020) Revised TPS approved by Standards Committee on April 14, 2025.

Purpose:

1.  PURPOSE

1.1 The purpose of this standard is to provide minimum requirements for the siting, design, construction, and plans for operation of high-performance green buildings to

   a.   reduce emissions, enhance building occupant health and comfort, conserve water, protect local biodiversity and ecosystem services, promote sustainable and regenerative materials cycles, and enhance resilience; and

   b.   support the goal of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

1.2 This standard provides comprehensive requirements that can be adopted by national and local jurisdictions.

2. SCOPE

2.1 This standard addresses site sustainability, water use efficiency, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality (IEQ), materials and resources, and construction and plans for operation.  It contains requirements that apply to the following:

   a. New buildings and structures, and their systems

   b. New additions to buildings and structures, and their systems

   c. Alterations to existing buildings and structures 

   d. New systems and equipment in existing buildings

   e. Relocated existing buildings

   f. The site on which the building or structure is located

   g. Demolition and deconstruction of buildings and their systems.

   h. Change of occupancy classification or use

2.2 The provisions of this standard do not apply to the following:

   a.   single-family houses, multifamily structures of three stories or fewer above grade, manufactured houses (mobile homes), and manufactured houses (modular) and

   b.   building projects and structures that use none of the following:

1. 1. 1. electricity
   2. 2. fossil fuel
   3. 3. water

2.3 The requirements in this standard shall not be used to circumvent any applicable safety, health, or environmental requirements.