What are the requirements for building performance for new construction?

The short answer is that there is no absolute standard as it relates to city codes or federal requirements. At CR-BPS, however, we recognize that the efforts you make in optimal building performance in your environment make a significant impact. That is why the CR-BPS team works with agility to ensure that a whole-systems approach to building design is taken. This means that, far beyond the wide-ranging stipulations and expectations across regions, building performance is about what’s energy efficient, environmentally responsible, functionally capable, and uniquely expressive of users’ needs. If you’re considering the impacts of building efficiency and performance standards on your project, you can generally include the following key areas:

Energy Efficiency:

Compliance with local energy codes and standards (for example, you can examine resources like ASHRAE to get a sense of how various benchmarks are framed) can be required but are often more reflective of a building owner’s (or contractor’s) preferences.

Implementation of energy-efficient systems (HVAC, lighting, appliances) can impact building performance over the life of the system.

Use of high-performance insulation and building envelope materials.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ):

Adequate ventilation to ensure fresh air supply and control pollutants.

Control of thermal comfort through appropriate heating and cooling systems.

Use of low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials to enhance air quality.

Adequate daylighting and effective artificial lighting.

Sustainability:

Use of sustainable and locally sourced materials.

Implementation of water-efficient fixtures and systems.

Strategies for stormwater management and erosion control.

Structural Integrity:

Compliance with building codes for structural safety and load-bearing capacity.

Consideration of natural disaster resilience (earthquakes, floods, wildfire resiliency, hurricane/sustain-wind capacity).

Accessibility:

Adherence to accessibility standards (e.g., ADA in the U.S.) to ensure the building is usable for individuals with disabilities.

Life Cycle Assessment:

Consideration of the environmental impact of materials and systems over their entire life cycle, from production to disposal.

Maintenance and Durability:

Selection of durable materials that require minimal maintenance over time.

Planning for easy access to systems for maintenance and repairs.

Compliance and Certification:

Meeting local building regulations and obtaining necessary permits.

Pursuing green building certifications if desired.

User Engagement:

Involving future occupants in the design process to ensure their needs and preferences are met.
Assessing occupants’ experience to ensure performance continues.

By addressing these requirements, your built environment can perform in a way that is energy efficient and environmentally responsible. As you look into local standards and varying code and compliance requirements, make sure these factors are considered. Attention paid to these factors can allow ew construction to achieve optimal performance, enhance occupant comfort, and contribute to sustainability goals. To find out what your options are for new construction and building performance, connect with CR-BPS.

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