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ASHRAE 90.4-2025

Energy Standard for Data Centers- (ANSI Approved)
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ASHRAE Standard 90.4-2025 (ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 90.4-2025) is an energy standard that establishes the minimum energy-efficiency requirements for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of data centers. It serves as a performance-based design standard, providing a specific framework for energy compliance that addresses the unique, mission-critical energy demands of data centers, which consume a significant amount of electricity.

Purpose
  • Establish minimum efficiency requirements: It sets a baseline for the energy performance of mechanical (HVAC) and electrical systems within a data center.
  • Provide a specific standard for data centers: It was developed as a stand-alone standard because the general building energy standard (ASHRAE 90.1) did not adequately address the specific, mission-critical energy requirements and design flexibility needed for data centers.
  • Promote energy savings while ensuring reliability: The standard aims to improve energy efficiency without compromising the reliability and uptime that are critical for data center operations.
  • Serve as a code-intended document: It is designed so that authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) can adopt it into law, providing a consistent and clear-cut approach to regulating data center energy efficiency.
  • Incentivize efficient designs: It encourages the use of the latest and most effective equipment and techniques to achieve energy efficiency.
How it is Used

Compliance with ASHRAE 90.4 is primarily demonstrated through a performance-based methodology using two metrics:

  1. Mechanical Load Component (MLC): This metric quantifies the energy required for cooling, fans, pumps, and heat rejection equipment relative to the IT equipment (ITE) energy design load.
  2. Electrical Loss Component (ELC):** This metric quantifies the energy losses within the electrical distribution system, from the input to the UPS and on to the ITE connection point.

To use the standard:

  • Designers calculate the proposed data center's MLC and ELC values at various ITE loads (e.g., 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of design load).
  • These calculated values are compared against maximum allowable MLC and ELC values, which are provided in tables within the standard and vary based on the project's climate zone.
  • Compliance is achieved if the calculated values do not exceed the specified maximums. An alternative compliance path allows for trade-offs between the MLC and ELC.
  • ASHRAE 90.4 works in conjunction with ASHRAE 90.1, which still provides the compliance requirements for "non-data center" building elements like the building envelope, lighting, and service water heating.
  • Designers must submit specific documentation, including calculations and single-line diagrams, to the relevant authorities to demonstrate compliance.

The ASHRAE 90.4 standard is used by various professionals and entities involved in the design, construction, operation, and regulation of data centers.

Typical users include:

  • Design Engineers (Mechanical and Electrical): Engineers use the standard to perform calculations for the Mechanical Load Component (MLC) and Electrical Loss Component (ELC) and to ensure their designs meet the minimum energy efficiency requirements for HVAC and electrical systems.
  • Data Center Owners and Operators: Owners and operators use the standard to guide the design of new facilities or the alteration of existing ones, helping them achieve energy savings and sustainability goals without compromising critical operations and reliability.
  • Architects: Architects coordinate building designs to work in conjunction with the energy performance requirements of the mechanical and electrical systems specified in 90.4 and the general building requirements from ASHRAE 90.1.
  • Contractors and Installers: These professionals follow the design specifications and installation guidelines to ensure that the constructed facility adheres to the standard's requirements.
  • Equipment Manufacturers: Manufacturers develop equipment (e.g., UPS systems, cooling units, power distribution units) that can help designers and operators meet the efficiency thresholds outlined in the standard.
  • Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) / Code Enforcement Officials: While ASHRAE standards are voluntary by themselves, they are often adopted into local or state building codes (e.g., the IECC, or specific state codes like in Oregon, Virginia, and Washington). AHJs use the standard to review plans, perform inspections, and grant permits to ensure compliance with legal energy efficiency requirements.
  • Energy Auditors and Consultants: Professionals in these roles use the standard to assess existing data centers, recommend efficiency improvements, and verify compliance.
SDO ASHRAE: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers
Document Number Standard 90
Publication Date Jan. 1, 2025
Language en - English
Page Count 56
Revision Level
Supercedes
Committee
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