Republic of the Philippines
PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Architecture and Design
Acoustical Requirements and Regulations of the ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 (2007)
and DGNB (German )
A Comparative Assessment and Analysis:
A research paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement in
Building Utilities 3 - Acoustic and Lighting Systems
Submitted to:
AR. Jefferson A. Bulan
Submitted by:
Banez, Princess Aldrij
Bartolome, Cyrel
Capute, Valentine
Dela Cruz, Jessa Andrea
Monforte, Janna Aliah
BSAR - 3rd Yr Block B
March 28, 2025
A Comparative Research Of The ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 (2007) and DGNB
(German)
Princess Aldrij Banez, Cyrel Bartolome, Valentine Capute,
Jessa Andrea Dela Cruz, Janna Aliah Monforte
College of Architechture and Design
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines
openings, preventing unnecessary energy
INTRODUCTION loss. Additionally, ASHRAE 90.1-2007
establishes thermal performance standards
This study's goals are to examine and for glazing by regulating the solar heat gain
contrast the DGNB (German) for building coefficient (SHGC) and U-factor of windows,
design and construction and which control heat transfer and solar radiation.
ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 (2007)'s The standard also includes cool roof
methods and rules pertaining to the role of requirements in certain climates to reduce
acoustics in building construction. Generally heat absorption and improve energy
speaking, acoustics regulatory compliance efficiency.
refers to following rules and guidelines
established by industry associations or
governmental entities concerning noise HVAC
pollution, sound levels, and associated HVAC system design by setting
aspects. In order to verify that noise levels minimum energy efficiency requirements that
satisfy regulatory limits, it may be necessary help reduce energy consumption and improve
to regularly monitor and measure them using performance. It establishes minimum
specific tools and methods. Adherence to efficiency ratings for heating, cooling, and
building rules and standards that incorporate ventilation equipment, ensuring systems are
acoustical performance provisions, such optimized based on climate zones. The
vibration control, reverberation control, and standard mandates the use of economizers
sound insulation, may constitute compliance. and energy recovery systems to reduce
heating and cooling loads while requiring
demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) and
DISCUSSION I programmable thermostats to optimize energy
use.
Developed by the American Society
of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning LIGHTING
Engineers (ASHRAE), this standard provides
minimum requirements for the energy-efficient Maximum lighting power densities
design of buildings, excluding low-rise (LPD), which vary depending on the kind of
residential structures. It encompasses aspects structure and the purpose of the space, are
such as building envelope, HVAC systems, set by the standard and restrict the amount of
lighting, and service water heating. ASHRAE electrical power required for lighting per
90.1-2007 has been widely adopted in the square foot. In order to guarantee that lights
United States as a benchmark for energy are used effectively and switched off when not
codes and serves as a baseline for in use, it also requires the use of automatic
demonstrating energy performance lighting controls, such as occupancy sensors,
improvements in programs like LEED daylight harvesting systems, and
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental programmable timers.
Design).
SERVICE WATER HEATING
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum energy efficiency
Building Envelope, HVAC, Lighting, requirements for service water heating (SWH)
Service Water Heating, Power and Motors. systems, which include water heaters, boilers,
ASHRAE 90.1-2007 allows buildings to storage tanks, and distribution systems. The
comply using two methods: Prescriptive Path standard mandates minimum thermal
and Performance Path. efficiency for water heating equipment based
on fuel type and system size, ensuring that
water heaters operate efficiently and reduce
BUILDING ENVELOPE
energy waste.
The standard specifies minimum
insulation levels (R-values) for walls, roofs,
POWER AND MOTORS
and floors based on climate zones, ensuring
that buildings minimize heat loss in colder
The standard establishes minimum
regions and reduce heat gain in warmer
efficiency ratings for electric motors, such as
climates. It also sets limits on air leakage
those found in fans, pumps, and HVAC
through the envelope by requiring proper
systems. It helps save operating expenses
sealing of doors, windows, and other
and energy waste by requiring the use of
high-efficiency motors (usually NEMA
Premium Efficiency motors) in a variety of
applications.
DISCUSION II
The German Sustainable Building
Council (DGNB) is a non-profit organization
established in 2007, serving as a key player in
promoting sustainable building practices in
Germany. As a member of the World Green
Building Council, the DGNB focuses on
knowledge exchange, professional training,
and raising public awareness about
sustainable construction.
COMPARISON
ASHRAE 90.1-2007 and DGNB serve
different purposes in the realm of sustainable
building design. ASHRAE 90.1-2007 is an
energy efficiency standard that sets minimum
requirements for HVAC, lighting, building
envelope, and water heating systems,
primarily used for regulatory compliance in the
United States. In contrast, DGNB is a
German-based certification system that takes
a holistic approach to sustainability, assessing
buildings across environmental, economic,
and social criteria. While ASHRAE 90.1-2007
focuses strictly on energy performance
through prescriptive and performance-based
methods, DGNB employs a weighted scoring
system to evaluate a building’s overall
sustainability. Additionally, ASHRAE 90.1-
2007 is widely used as a benchmark for LEED
certification, whereas DGNB is more prevalent
in Europe and internationally recognized for
its comprehensive approach. Though different
in scope, the two can complement each other
—achieving ASHRAE 90.1-2007 compliance
can contribute to DGNB certification,
particularly in the Environmental Quality
category, but DGNB requires broader
sustainability efforts beyond just energy
efficiency.
SUMMARY
In summary, ASHRAE Standard 90.1-
2007 provides targeted guidelines for energy
efficiency in building design, while the DGNB
certification system offers a comprehensive
evaluation of a building's sustainability
performance across multiple dimensions. Both
play significant roles in advancing sustainable
building practices within their respective
contexts.
