Want to get an idea of building technologies to start considering for projects in the years ahead? Take a look at the public review draft of a proposed standard for green buildings being developed by a trio of powerhouses: ASHRAE, IESNA and the U.S. Green Building Council.

Many of the technologies and systems mentioned in the standard have to do with energy and water efficiency. Here’s a partial list.

• Vegetative roofs
• Reflective roofs
• Porous pavers
• On site power
• On site rainwater reclamation
• Water efficient plumbing fixtures and fittings/ toilets, urinals, and faucets
• Submetering for energy and water use
• Heat pumps, boilers, rooftop AC units
• Shading devices like louvers, sun shades or light shelves
• Lighting controls
• Biobased products such as sustainably grown wood, wool, cork and bamboo
• All of these requirements are over and above what is now required in 90.1
• Low VOC paints, coatings, sealants and adhesives

Sometimes the standard calls for expanded use of familiar technologies. Other times, it raises the efficiency standards for a given product, for example by incorporating Energy Star program requirements. In still other cases it mandates technologies that aren’t now widely used.

Not ready to make the move to green buildings? Most organizations aren’t. This standard is still worth a look. It may suggest ideas you can use now.

With requirements ranging from acoustical performance to daylighting to commissioning to post-occupancy evaluation, the proposed standard covers a lot more than technology. But the standard is one more sign that a new generation of technologies is on the way to becoming mainstream. The process will take some time, but it is clearly gaining speed.