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ASHRAE 36 Demystified: Smarter Sequences for Smarter Buildings

ASHRAE 36 Demystified is presented by Bernard Clement, Portfolio Leader for Johnson Controls. Learn how Guideline 36 functions as a common control language, improving energy efficiency, comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) by aligning design, controls, commissioning and operations. The session highlights proven airside optimization strategies and growing code adoption, including California mandates starting in 2026, positioning Guideline 36 as a future-ready benchmark.  

Episode highlights

[1:45] Welcome - and what is ASHRAE Guideline 36?
Reframing Guideline 36 as a control guideline (not a standard) focused on lifecycle performance and best practices, not just energy.

[3:27] Why do buildings waste energy?
03:27 – 7:33 – Occupancy variability, post-COVID usage patterns, and national lab research showing where HVAC energy waste actually occurs.

[7:34] What is driving a shift to a system-level control philosophy?
7:34 – 9:51 – Shift from component-by-component control to zone-driven, cascaded system control: the core concept behind Guideline 36.

[9:52] Dual-Max VAV Control, first of four core measures
9:52-11:48 – The first of the four most impactful measures documented in the guideline. How reducing minimum airflow improves comfort and delivers major energy savings without sacrificing ventilation.

[11:49] Trim-and-Respond & Static Pressure Reset, second of four core measures
11:49-15:03 – A simple and elegant solution, using demand-based control strategies that reduce fan energy by continuously matching system output to zone needs.

[15:04] Supply Air Temperature Reset, third of four core measures
15:04-16:33 - Maximizing economizer use to reduce mechanical cooling and reheat while maintaining comfort.

[16:34] Demand-Controlled Ventilation & IAQ, fourth of four core measures
16:34-18:00 – The final core strategy of the guideline, ensuring every zone receives the right amount of outdoor air and improving indoor air quality outcomes.

[18:01] Codes, compliance, and what’s new
18:01-21:25 - Guideline updates, IAQ enhancements, and growing code adoption – including California’s 2026 mandate.

[21:26] How does a modern BAS enable ASHRAE Guideline 36?
21:26-25:41 – Features of a modern Building Automation System include productized sequences, commissioning efficiencies, alarm management, and third-party validation. More states will be adopting ASHRAE Guideline 36 as a benchmark.

[26:04] Live Q&A
26:04 – 45:00 – Practical questions on retrofits, rooftops, legacy systems, IAQ events, international standards, and how to get started.

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