Standardization News

Building energy performance disclosure regulations now exist in a growing number of states, including California and Washington, as well as cities such as Austin, Texas; Seattle, Wash.; and New York, N.Y. Regulations such as these, combined with the economic reality that energy efficient buildings are more attractive to lenders, buyers and tenants, have been the driving forces for a new ASTM International standard for building energy performance assessment.

E2797, Practice for Building Energy Performance Assessment for a Building Involved in a Real Estate Transaction, was developed by Subcommittee E50.02 on Real Estate Assessment and Management, part of ASTM International Committee E50 on Environmental Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action."E2797 is expected to be the foundation for accurate and reliable building energy use data collection, compilation and analysis in the public and commercial property industry," says Anthony Buonicore, Buonicore Partners LLC, and an E50 member. "It will complement existing building rating and certification systems and facilitate improved benchmarking and building labeling. E2797 provides a clear and precise methodology for building energy use and energy cost data collection and analysis that is consistent, transparent, practical and reasonable." Buonicore also notes that the new standard is already finding use with those who provide energy auditing services, property due diligence services, energy efficiency lending services and asset management services.According to Buonicore, E2797 will be used by a wide array of professionals involved in real estate and related activities.To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation number, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (phone: 610-832-9585).

CONTACT Technical Information: Anthony Buonicore, Buonicore Partners LLC • Old Lyme, Conn. • Phone: 800-238-1841 • Email: ajb@erdnet.com O ASTM Staff: Daniel Smith • Phone: 610-832-9727 • Email: dsmith@astm.org O Upcoming Meeting: Oct. 31-Nov. 3 • October Committee Week • Tampa, Fla.