Energy Efficiency Standards in Public and Industrial Buildings
Key Updates to Keep in Mind for 2025
Energy efficiency isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a driving force behind building design and construction, especially in the public and industrial sectors. With energy costs rising and sustainability expectations growing, 2025 is set to bring important updates to codes, standards, and best practices that will impact how facilities are planned, built, and operated.
Whether you’re involved in a government facility, warehouse, manufacturing plant, or infrastructure project, here’s what you need to know about the evolving energy landscape in 2025.
Updated Energy Codes: What’s Changing
In 2025, several widely adopted energy codes and standards are being revised to push for greater performance and lower environmental impact.
A. IECC 2024 Adoption
The 2024 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), adopted by many states in 2025, introduces:
· Higher insulation requirements for walls and roofs
· Stricter HVAC system efficiencies
· Improved air leakage testing and commissioning standards
· Mandatory lighting controls in commercial and public buildings
Public facilities, especially those receiving federal funds, may be required to meet these higher benchmarks during renovations or new builds.
B. ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2022
This standard remains a baseline for energy-efficient design in commercial and industrial facilities:
· Emphasizes energy recovery systems for large ventilation setups
· Requires enhanced lighting efficacy and controls
· Supports energy modeling over prescriptive methods for design flexibility
For industrial clients, especially those operating around the clock, the impact on long-term energy savings can be substantial.
Federal and State-Level Incentives Tied to Compliance
Governments are increasingly tying funding, tax benefits, and procurement eligibility to energy performance.
· Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding supports energy-efficient upgrades in public facilities.
· Section 179D tax deductions may apply for commercial buildings meeting specific energy thresholds.
· Some states now require Net-Zero Ready construction for new public buildings by 2025 or 2026.
It’s not just about compliance, it’s about unlocking cost-saving opportunities.
Smarter Systems for Smarter Buildings
Energy efficiency isn’t just about insulation and LED lighting. 2025 marks a shift toward intelligent building systems that monitor, adapt, and optimize performance.
A. Building Automation Systems (BAS)
· Integrate HVAC, lighting, and security for centralized control
· Use real-time data to adjust systems based on occupancy or time of day
· Enable predictive maintenance to reduce energy waste
B. Submetering and Energy Monitoring
· Installing submeters allows owners to track usage by system or zone
· Improves accountability and pinpoints efficiency opportunities in large industrial campuses
Materials and Construction Methods Matter
The building envelope plays a critical role in reducing heating and cooling loads.
A. High-Performance Insulation and Windows
· Expect more widespread use of R-30+ roof insulation and triple-pane glazing
· Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings and smart window films help regulate interior temperatures
B. Reflective Roofing and Cool Pavement
· Particularly valuable in the Midsouth’s hot climate, these surfaces reflect sunlight and reduce HVAC strain
· Public infrastructure projects, like schools and government buildings, are beginning to require them
Renewable Integration and On-Site Energy Production
More industrial and public buildings are being designed for energy generation and resilience.
· Solar-ready construction is becoming a default design consideration, especially for government buildings
· On-site battery storage is being added for energy security and peak shaving
· Facilities are being designed with EV charging infrastructure in mind to accommodate fleet electrification
These aren’t just sustainability goals, they’re increasingly tied to funding eligibility and stakeholder expectations.
Partnering for Efficiency and Performance
At FARCO, we help our clients navigate evolving energy standards while building facilities that are efficient, durable, and budget-conscious. From state-funded school campuses to large-scale manufacturing sites, we apply smart planning and proven strategies to meet or exceed today’s energy codes, without compromising schedule or quality.
