ASHRAE’s move into a 66,700-sq-ft retrofit of a 1978 building in Peachtree Corners, near Atlanta, is complete though design of its photovoltaic power system, which would allow the building to generate as much energy as it uses in a year, is currently in progress. The PV installation is expected to go on line in March.

The new headquarters for the green building standards-writing group is designed to be a living laboratory for sustainable retrofits.

In addition to the usual features of a green building, it incorporates several digitally connected solutions. These include remote monitoring and analysis of building performance—with online dashboarding—and advanced building automation system  integration with other systems, such as ASHRAE’s meeting reservations systems.

Other features include a digital twin of the building, mechanical systems visible through open ceilings and advanced conferencing systems designed to serve as a digital teaching resource.

ASHRAE describes itself as a professional group advancing the “arts and sciences of heating ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and their allied fields.” Contributions from members and stakeholders are underwriting the $10.2-million retrofit.