Benchmark resources
Download the free view-only Benchmark (version 1.1)
(1.5M)
Order your print copy at Powell's online book store
Download the free Quick Start Guide (332K)
Supplemental materials (reports and guidelines)
Related resources Download the view-only LEED Guide
(881K)
Banner photo: William & Flora Hewlett Foundation, Menlo Park, CA. The Hewlett Foundation's building was designed to save energy and increase the comfort of occupants through individually controlled systems such as operable windows, localized manual floor diffusers, and natural light control throughout the workspace.
Photo credit: Wm. & Flora Hewlett Foundation
Advanced Buildings Benchmark™
Energy benchmark for high performance buildings
What is the Benchmark?
Benchmark Version 1.1 is the nationally recognized source on how to deliver best-in-class energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality in high-performance commercial buildings. Benchmark brings together over 30 criteria defining high performance in building envelope, lighting, HVAC, power systems and controls. With this well-organized and easy-to-use book, building design and construction professionals will gain access to quantitative and descriptive specifications for exceeding state and national minimum standards such as ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2001.
The ENERGY STAR® program endorses the Benchmark to provide design guidance for achieving the "Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR" label.
Getting started
Visit the links at right for a copy of Benchmark and accompanying documents.
How does Benchmark support an integrated design process?
Benchmark comprehensively covers every step of the building process from pre-design charette to post-occupancy performance verification. At each step along the way, requirements for interdisciplinary communications and document preparation ensure that designers, contractors,engineers, et. al. are working from the same page to build a building that really performs.
What kind of costs and savings do studies of Benchmark demonstrate?
By applying Benchmark to a large office building, first costs average about $1.00 per square foot over minimum standards and achieve annual energy savings of around $0.40 per square foot. In addition, improved ventilation rates through controls and building commissioning yield improvements in indoor air quality. Studies show these benefits can range from $150 to $220 per employee, or about another $1.00 per square foot.
Which climate zones and building types are covered by Benchmark?
The Department of Energy has divided the U.S. into 15 climate zones: from dry to humid and hot to cold. The Benchmark provides detailed specification for each of these climate differentiated regions.
Benchmark has something for every type of building—and it covers all the bases for building types such as offices, schools, retail stores, supermarkets and public facilities.
How was Benchmark developed?
A national committee consisting of manufacturers, contractors, building owners, designers, property managers, government representatives, efficiency experts and members of the public was involved in Benchmark's rigorous, year-long development and review process.
Benchmark strategies
- Window products are specified with fine-tuned quality coatings and excellent double-pane construction.
- The envelope strategies include the installation of air barriers, high-performing constructions for each climate zone, and cool roofs in most climates.
- Advanced energy efficiency specifications for fenestration, opaque envelope, transformers, lighting power density, computer monitors, and boilers, air conditioners and chillers.
- Control strategies include monitoring and trend-logging for mechanical equipment, occupancy and daylighting sensors for lighting, and sensors for indoor air quality.
- Additional credits can be achieved by installing photovoltaic systems, power system responses to demand signals from the utility, and energy-efficient computer monitors and walk-in refrigerator.
Users
- Planners
- Architects
- Engineers
- Contractors
- Developers
- Owners
Each will want to have the Benchmark at their fingertips when they are trying to build that ‘better’ building. By providing a comprehensive source of technical specifications, Benchmark will save time and money before, during and after the job. Benchmark also can help you qualify for many of the utility and other programs that reward high-performance buildings including US Green Building Council’s LEED. This is a must-have book for the high performance building professional.