Construction Law

UFC 1-200-02: High Performance and Sustainable Building Requirements featured image

UFC 1-200-02: High Performance and Sustainable Building Requirements

The United States Department of Defense (DOD) published the Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) to provide a set of rules and requirements governing the construction and operation of high performance and sustainable facilities in compliance with the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Additionally, it takes into consideration and closely follows the information detailed in the High Performance and Sustainable Buildings (HPSB) Guiding Principles.

Therefore, any federal building that is compliant with UFC requirements is also compliant with the HPSB Guiding Principles. It is vital that contractors that have been awarded contracts through the federal bidding process observe these requirements and plan their building process accordingly. Consult a Miami construction litigation attorney to learn more about maintaining compliance with UFC 1-200-02 on applicable federal projects.

ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings

Contractors may also follow ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, which pertains to all projects except the titular low-rise residential buildings mentioned in the title of the standard. Furthermore, ASHRAE 189.1 Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings is considered an industry standard for synthesizing sustainability and energy requirements. It’s important to observe the standards expressed in these documents to ensure compliance with federal regulations as they are recognized as an alternative compliance pathway.

Breaking Down UFC 1-200-02

UFC 1-200-02 covers a wide array of topics including:

  • Calls for greater energy and water efficiency action backed by a comprehensive life cycle cost analysis.
  • Rebalances overall building performance with comfort, health, wellness, safety, and productivity of occupants.
  • Addresses planning, designing, and acquiring new and existing building construction as well as installations.
  • Establishes compliance guidelines pertaining to high-level mandates, policies, and standards.
  • Integrates UFC 1-200-01 DOD Building Code, a companion document featuring general building requirements.
  • Defines the requirements, thresholds, and means of compliance.
  • Details the resiliency requirements for energy, water, and climate change.
  • Includes guidelines for planning, designing, constructing, renovating, and maintaining sustainable buildings that benefit from high performance and reduced ownership costs.

The Impact of UFC 1-200-02

The intended impact of this DOD standard is to reduce ownership costs related to high performance and sustainable buildings, improve water and energy efficiency, improve building performance, enhance sustainability while promoting environmental stewardship, and bolstering water and energy security.

If you would like to speak with one of our Miami construction litigation attorneys, please contact us today.

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.