The Standard
What Is ASHRAE Guideline 36?
Published by ASHRAE, Guideline 36 is a library of standardized, high-performance sequences of operation for common commercial HVAC systems — VAV terminal units, multi-zone air handling units, cooling plants, heating plants, and more.
Traditional HVAC programming is often built from scratch on each project — with custom logic that varies by programmer, platform, and contractor. The result is sequences that work at startup but drift over time, aren't auditable, and can't be maintained by anyone other than whoever wrote them.
G36 replaces that with a documented, peer-reviewed standard. The sequences are published, the commissioning checklists follow from the spec, and any qualified controls engineer can read and maintain the logic — regardless of who installed it.
The 2024 edition incorporates 23 addenda from prior versions, adding updated humidity-limiting strategies, outdoor air pollution modes, and enhanced AFDD sequences. California's Title 24 now references G36 requirements, and similar language is appearing in draft energy codes nationwide.
G36 sequences apply to both new BAS installations and retrocommissioning projects. For existing buildings with VAV systems and modern BAS platforms, G36 implementation is often a reprogramming project — no equipment replacement required.
G36 is not tied to any manufacturer or BAS platform. The sequences can be implemented on Niagara, Automated Logic, Johnson Controls Facility Explorer, or any platform that supports the underlying control logic — giving owners flexibility to choose their integrator.
What We Implement
G36 Sequences MJI Programs
Each sequence is implemented to spec, commissioned against Guideline 36 checklists, and handed back with full documentation.
VAV Terminal Units
Dual-maximum control logic for VAV boxes with reheat — heating and cooling setpoints independently managed, deadband minimized, reheat locked out during economizer operation.
Eliminates simultaneous heating and cooling; typically 15–25% AHU energy reduction.
Multi-Zone AHUs
Supply air temperature reset, static pressure reset via trim-and-respond, and minimum outdoor air control per zone ventilation demand — all per Guideline 36 specs.
Reduces fan energy, eliminates over-ventilation, and cuts reheat energy waste.
Economizer Control
Differential dry-bulb or enthalpy economizer sequences with integrated demand-controlled ventilation. Outdoor air is maximized when conditions allow, throttled when not.
Maximizes free cooling hours; prevents economizer faults that often go undetected for years.
Chilled Water & Hot Water Plants
Chiller staging, chilled water supply temperature reset, variable primary flow, and boiler sequencing — all coordinated through the BAS rather than local controls.
Plant efficiency improvements of 10–20% beyond code-minimum sequences.
Automated Fault Detection & Diagnostics (AFDD)
Guideline 36 includes built-in AFDD algorithms for AHUs and terminal units. Faults like stuck dampers, failed actuators, and sensor drift are flagged automatically.
Catches issues weeks before they affect occupant comfort or show up on an energy bill.
Why It Matters
Six Reasons to Upgrade to G36
Open Standard, No Lock-In
G36 sequences are published, documented, and platform-agnostic. Any qualified controls contractor can read, maintain, and extend the logic — your building's sequences aren't a black box owned by one vendor.
~30% Average HVAC Energy Savings
Field demonstrations across climate zones show an average of 31% HVAC energy reduction versus conventional sequences. Some implementations have reached 60%+ depending on baseline conditions.
Reduces Commissioning Time
Because the sequences are standardized and pre-validated, commissioning checklists follow a known structure. Less time debugging custom logic; more time verifying actual performance.
Built-In Fault Detection
G36 includes AFDD algorithms as part of the spec — not bolted on after the fact. Faults are detected at the sequence level, not just from alarm thresholds.
Supports LL97 Compliance
NYC buildings facing Local Law 97 exposure can use G36 implementation as a documented energy reduction measure. The savings are measurable, verifiable, and produce the data LL97 annual reporting requires.
Qualifies for Rebates
Verifiable kWh reductions from G36 sequences qualify under PSEG Long Island and NYSERDA rebate programs. MJI produces the engineering documentation these programs require.
Compatible Platforms
G36 Runs on the Platform You Already Have
Guideline 36 is not a hardware upgrade — it's a programming upgrade. If your BAS supports modern DDC programming, MJI can implement G36 sequences without replacing controllers or field devices.
G36 Produces the Documentation LL97 Requires
NYC buildings facing Local Law 97 exposure need measurable, verifiable energy reductions. G36 sequences produce trend data, fault logs, and energy benchmarks that support annual LL97 reporting — and demonstrate controls-based compliance strategies to auditors.
Learn about LL97 →Verifiable kWh Savings Qualify for Rebates
PSEG Long Island and NYSERDA rebate programs pay per kilowatt-hour saved. G36 implementation produces the projected and measured savings documentation these programs require to approve applications — and MJI handles the paperwork.
Explore LI rebate programs →G36 Is One Part of a Broader Programming Capability
G36 sequences are our preferred baseline for VAV systems and AHUs — but we also write custom ladder logic, structured text, and site-specific sequences when the application demands it. One team covers the full programming scope.
See all programming services →G36 Ventilation Sequences Support Full IAQ Monitoring
G36 DCV sequences regulate outdoor air via CO₂ — the foundation of ASHRAE 62.1 compliance. Pair G36 programming with MJI's IAQ monitoring service for full visibility into PM2.5, TVOC, CO, and humidity across every zone.
See IAQ monitoring →