Using the most recent version of ASHRAE’s building energy-efficiency standard in HVAC construction can boost energy savings by 30 percent, according to new research.

The figures come from Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, which studied ASHRAE’s standard No. 90.1, “Energy efficiency standard for buildings except low-rise residential building.” The laboratory’s preliminary findings were at the recent American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ winter meeting last month in Las Vegas.

Its research showed that compared with the 2004 edition of the society’s standard, energy savings were 34.1 percent and energy cost savings were 34.2 percent.

“For more than 40 years, ASHRAE and (Illuminating Engineering Society) members have strived to build upon the energy savings measures in each update of standard 90.1, most recently released in its 10th edition,” said ASHRAE President Tim Wentz. “Each year the challenge grows as technology becomes more efficient.  That we continue to build upon the savings speaks to the ability of our industry to adapt and transform as those technologies change and more advanced technologies become more cost effective.”