What if your data center occupies one floor of an office building? Solution: You must submeter the data center exclusively. The standard allows you to exclude the non-data center loads from the calculations.
Standard 90.4 has rapidly gained acceptance as the reference for data center efficiency. It is recommended by major research bodies like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for data center temperature ranges. Several states, including Oregon (requiring compliance for power systems), Virginia, and Washington, have incorporated sections of the standard into their energy codes. Additionally, the 2024 IECC now references ASHRAE 90.4-2022 as a compliance path for data centers. Because of this widespread adoption, many municipalities now require MLC and ELC calculations to be submitted as part of the permit process for new data centers.
While PUE is a valuable benchmarking tool, applying it as a strict regulatory code has limitations. It does not account for the varying power densities, the specific climates where data centers are located, or the redundancy levels required for mission-critical operations.
The ELC measures the efficiency of the electrical distribution system. It tracks the losses incurred as power travels from the utility entrance down to the IT racks. The metric evaluates losses across three distinct segments: ashrae 90.4 pdf
Because PUE is an operational metric that changes based on how heavily a data center is utilized on any given day, it cannot easily be used to regulate a building code at the design and construction phase. Standard 90.4's MLC and ELC metrics act as design-phase checkpoints that look at system capacities, creating a reliable framework that local code officials can inspect and approve. Why You Need the Official ASHRAE 90.4 PDF Document
Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) is the most famous metric in the data center industry, calculated as Total Facility Energy divided by IT Equipment Energy.
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 90.4 is the definitive energy standard specifically created for data centers. First published in 2016 and continuously updated, it provides a framework for the energy-efficient design, construction, and operation of these unique facilities, with special consideration given to their high and constant load requirements compared to other types of buildings. The standard's primary goal is to establish practical and technologically feasible minimum energy efficiency requirements for data centers on a consistent schedule. The philosophy is that data centers are mission-critical facilities, where any efficiency measure must be balanced against the paramount need for reliability and availability. What if your data center occupies one floor
Whether you are looking to download the for compliance or trying to understand how it impacts your facility design, this comprehensive guide breaks down the core components, compliance pathways, and updates to this vital industry standard. 1. What is ASHRAE Standard 90.4?
Whether you are looking for an download or trying to understand how to comply with the latest revisions, this comprehensive guide breaks down the core components, compliance paths, and practical applications of the standard. What is ASHRAE Standard 90.4?
Power distribution units (PDUs) and remote power panels. Standard 90
The Definitive Guide to ASHRAE Standard 90.4: Energy Efficiency for Data Centers
The standard does not apply to all buildings. Its scope is precisely targeted at facilities with specific density requirements:
For the most accurate and up-to-date compliance, always ensure you are using the latest addenda for the .
As technology evolves, ASHRAE 90.4 adapts to address shifting industry demands:
ASHRAE 90.4 provides specific MLC thresholds based on the facility’s geographical location and climate zone. Designers must prove their calculated design MLC is lower than the standard’s maximum allowable MLC. Electrical Loss Component (ELC)