The National Performance Based Design Guide, based on research and development supported by the Science & Technology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security and the Public Buildings Service of the General Services Administration, is now available.
The guide establishes performance-based requirements to be used in the programming, design, and documentation of new buildings, major and minor alterations, and work in historic structures.
The document identifies levels of performance so that design teams and other professional partners can select and implement the best strategies to meet project goals based on defined alternatives. Four levels of performance from “baseline,” which is commensurate with model building codes, through the highest level of performance that can be achieved with today’s technology.
The electronic document is interactive, enabling print outs to be created based on performance level choices by various program, site, and climate attributes. Metrics to validate performance goals at various phases of design and construction through commissioning are provided where available and relevant.
Related Stories
| Feb 12, 2013
ASHRAE publishes protocols for performance measurement
ASHRAE has published “Performance Measurement Procedures for Commercial Buildings: Best Practices Guide,” a how-to guide for continuously evaluating and improving the performance of commercial buildings throughout their service life.
| Feb 12, 2013
California resolves ADA inconsistencies with 2013 building code
The recently adopted 2013 California Building Code (CBC) revisions bring the state code in line with the federal Americans With Disabilities Act 2010.
| Feb 12, 2013
Bullitt Foundation says Living Building Challenge can only be met after code change
The 50,000 sf Bullitt Center in Seattle is being constructed to be the greenest, most energy-efficient commercial building in the world, and meet the ambitious goals of the Living Building Challenge.
| Feb 12, 2013
Tilt-Up Concrete Assn. offers technical advice on 2012 International Energy Code
The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) says it can be a major industry resource in helping designers adhere to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
| Feb 8, 2013
WDMA releases national policy agenda for windows, doors, skylights
Document urges a regulatory stance that will support manufacturing, including favorable building codes and tax policy.
| Feb 6, 2013
Green-roofing bills approved by New Jersey's state Assembly
Two bills that would require installation of green and blue roofs on new government buildings received overwhelming approval from the state Assembly in New Jersey.
| Feb 6, 2013
BOMA favors voluntary energy benchmarking and disclosure, opposes mandates
The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International announced support for voluntary energy benchmarking, but said it opposes mandates for benchmarking, disclosure, and labeling that many states and municipalities are implementing.
| Feb 6, 2013
Lumber Standard Committee approves new Southern Pine design value changes
The American Lumber Standard Committee Board of Review has approved the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau’s design value changes for all sizes and grades of visually graded Southern Pine dimension lumber.
| Feb 6, 2013
CEIR seeks public input on draft of PV racking and attachment document
The Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing (CEIR) has released the first public draft of PV Racking and Attachment Criteria for Effective Low Slope Metal Panel Roof System Integrationfor an initial round of public comment.
| Feb 6, 2013
Insurance Institute demonstration shows advantages of following wind resistance standards
A demonstration by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety shows how powerful winds affect concrete-and-steel buildings built with different techniques.
