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This paper describes a new method of benchmarking monthly whole building energy. The resulting “first view” can identify the general nature of major building inefficiencies, thus directing further investigation of specific problems. The research, funded by a grant from EPA, demonstrates the possibility of automating the analysis in a way that could be automated to readily scale up to broad availability.
Presented at the 2010 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings.
This Advanced Rooftop Unit (ARTU) specification is an update of the first draft, Preliminary Specification for an Advanced Rooftop Unit, and the second draft, Revised Specification for an Advanced Rooftop Unit. It incorporates revisions resulting from lessons learned during laboratory testing of the ARTU prototype. A number of features were identified that, if incorporated in manufactured units, could define an “advanced” RTU.
This specification is proposed for commercial packaged rooftop units equal to or smaller than 135,000 Btu/h. It is intended to improve in‐field energy performance for customers and utilities, mainly by increasing reliability and fault detection.
This paper shares the OTF technical requirements that direct the installation of suites of measures including advanced lighting and controls, plug load control, low-cost HVAC review and advanced metering designed for the office. The package targets a reduction in site energy consumption by at least 25% over ASHRAE 90.1-2004 or Title 24-2005.
Presented at the 2010 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings.
This paper observes that a key problem with current energy code practice is the difficulty in determining what level of performance the codes are delivering. Current energy code practice is based on estimated energy use of a theoretical sample of buildings that meet all code requirements.
It goes on to suggest that a possible solution to many of these problems is to calibrate energy codes to actual building performance. By determining how buildings that are built to code are really performing, a wide range of new opportunities for code improvement becomes available.
(excerpted from the forthcoming white paper from New Buildings Institute)
This paper outlines a list of guiding principles developed by a coalition, from the Northwest region, that formed to develop new approaches that will allow codes to continue to have a major impact on reducing building energy consumption. Recognizing the inherent limits of current code structures, the group discussed strategies such as the inclusion of performance tests, expanding regulation to operations and maintenance, building-type specific codes, consumption limits and new enforcement mechanisms.
Presented at the 2010 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings.
This paper presents 1) an overview of current policy drivers for increased information on low-energy buildings, 2) the case for the value of increased data to support that direction, 3) a summary of the sizes, types and measures used by buildings striving for low energy from the GT50 dataset and 4) the approach and results on a pilot measured performance case study.
Presented at the 2010 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings.
This paper describes target setting, modeling, and performance validation approaches adopted from the outset by the new University of California, Merced campus, including detailed results for one building. Successes and lessons learned in implementing this process can support other building projects on the trajectory toward zero net energy, as well as provide insights for
program design, implementation, and evaluation.
Presented at the 2010 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings.
If we are to look to buildings for significant reduction in our total energy consumption, we will need a regulatory framework that can significantly improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings. However, there are significant obstacles within current energy code frameworks. This paper discusses these challenges and opportunities.
Presented at the 2010 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings.
NBI Technical Director Mark Frankel spoke about building feedback and performance measurement at the Living Futures Unconference in Seattle in May 2010. In this presentation, he outlines the variables that impact building energy performance, current and promising tools and methods for collecting and comparing information about building energy use, and what key issues designers and building portfolio managers need to consider when evaluating actual building performance.
Based on Core Performance and working with key national partners, NBI’s work in advanced codes seeks to further develop and implement better energy codes at national and local levels. This graphic illustrates many of the relationships of NBI's code work to efforts across the country.