AT-15-C013 — Increasing Flexibility in Energy Code Compliance: Performance Packages

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Energy codes and standards have provided significant increases in building efficiency over the last 38 years, since the first national energy code was published in late 1975. The most commonly used path in energy codes, the prescriptive path, appears to be reaching a point of diminishing returns. As the code matures, the prescriptive path becomes more complicated, and also more restrictive. It is likely that an approach that considers the building as an integrated system will be necessary to achieve the next real gains in building efficiency. Performance code paths are increasing in popularity; however, there remains a significant design team overhead in following the performance path, especially for simpler buildings. This paper focuses on development and an example of one alternative format: prescriptive packages. A method to develop building-specific prescriptive packages is reviewed based on multiple runs of prototypical building models that are used to develop a parametric decision analysis to determine a set of packages with equivalent energy performance. The approach is designed to be cost-effective and flexible for the design team while achieving a desired level of energy efficiency performance. An example of the approach based on mid-sized office buildings with two variable air volume reheat system types is shown along with a discussion of potential applicability in the energy code process.

Product Details

Published:

2015

Number of Pages:

8

Units of Measure:

Dual

File Size:

1 file , 2.4 MB

Product Code(s):

D-AT-15-C013

Note:

This product is unavailable in Russia, Belarus