scope:

INTRODUCTION

Global discussions have escalated regarding concerns about carbon and other pollutant emissions due to the use of fossil fuels, as well as issues relating to access to energy and water resources. In conjunction with these global concerns, there continues to be a growing awareness of the impact of the built environment on the natural environment. This information has been both written and spoken about, and there have been many conferences and seminars on the subject. In addition, many countries in the world now have green building rating systems (voluntary) and/or codes (mandatory in some form or the other). Organizations devoted specifically to this issue are now in existence in most countries. Not only have the messages contained in this outpouring of information attempted simply to explain what this issue is, they have promoted the concept of green design, exhorted to action, strived to motivate, warned of consequences from ignoring it, and instructed how to do it.

While this vast amount of promotion has been helpful, much has not been directly useful to the practicing designer of HVAC systems and equipment for buildings (i.e., to the ASHRAE member involved on a day-to-day basis in the mechanical/electrical building system design process). ASHRAE identified a need for guidance on the green-building concept specifically directed toward such practitioners. One key element of the development of this Guide is that it contains information that has direct practical use. This Guide is ASHRAE's way to provide information and guidance to the industry and practicing professionals.