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To achieve zero net energy (ZNE) building codes, this paper proposes a model for building code regulators to consider that refocuses requirements from the efficiency of specific measures to the overall building energy performance. Using California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Part 6) as an example, the proposal presents a framework that establishes code compliance on whole-building performance using either the performance approach (energy simulations) or a new “simplified performance trade-off” pathway that achieves equivalent performance levels. An example of a simplified performance approach has been developed with the intention of allowing simple buildings to determine compliance with the energy code by specifying only a few building and efficiency parameters, including renewable energy system capacity. Building on these results, detailed trade-offs for low-rise office buildings are presented that utilize a selection of specific efficiency parameters that collectively achieve targeted performance levels. All major building components (e.g., HVAC, lighting, and fenestration) are represented and the selection of a less efficient design option triggers a requirement for higher efficiency in other areas such that the desired energy performance is achieved. Finally, we present our recommendations for developing simplified performance trade-offs for a larger set of building types and how our results could inform future code development activities.

Model energy codes (ASHRAE Standard 90.1 and the International Energy Conservation Code-IECC) have significantly impacted programs and policies aimed at improving energy efficiency both in United States and across the globe. Standard 90.1, first published in 1975 (originally referred to as Standard 90) provides minimum energy efficiency guidelines for designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining new construction and renovated buildings. It is updated continuously, with new editions published every three years. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) conducts simulated energy and cost savings analysis of model energy codes to determine their expected impact and to track progress toward net-zero goals and efficiency targets. Additionally, the simulation outputs are examined to assess how energy is used across primary systems within prominent U.S. commercial building types to understand how energy is used in each building type at the end-use level and to identify areas for improvements in future code cycles. This end-use opportunity analysis of model energy codes provides ASHRAE technical committees and other interested parties a better understanding of how the Standard affects various building systems and end uses, specifically, those in the Standard that most prominently influence energy efficiency. Additionally, findings provide industry stakeholders guidance in identifying building types and end-uses with the most potential for energy efficiency improvements through energy codes and those that may require beyond code measures to meet energy use reduction targets. This paper summarizes features and functionalities of a webtool created by PNNL to explore and visualize the End-Use opportunity analysis.

The United States' national model energy standard for commercial buildings is ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. First published in 1975 (and originally referred to as Standard 90), it provides minimum energy efficiency guidelines for designing, constructing, operating and maintaining new construction and renovated buildings. It is updated continuously, with new editions published every three years. When each new edition of the standard is published, energy and cost savings impacts are quantified by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program1 by performing building energy simulations of prototype building energy models2 constructed to the previous and new edition. This ASHRAE Journal article is a detailed review of the simulation results that formed the basis of the report \"Energy Savings Analysis: ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2019\"3 in support of DOE's Determination,· which details the qualitative and quantitative comparison of Standard 90.1-2019 to Standard 90.1-2016 to determine its energy savings impacts.

This article summarizes the analysis conducted by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), assessing expected end-use energy consumption in commercial buildings, based on recent editions of the model energy code for the commercial sector, ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. The results represent simulated energy use based on) Commercial Prototype Building Models1 across representative climate zones in the United States, as defined by Standard 90.1. PNNL examined the resulting simulation outputs to assess how energy is used across primary systems within prominent U.S. commercial building types to understand how energy is used in each building type at the end-use level and to identify areas for improvements in future code cycles.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) maintains a suite of 16 prototype building models simulated in EnergyPlus to analyze energy codes applicable to commercial and high-rise residential buildings. PNNL periodically enhances the models to improve assumptions, accuracy or to add additional details. The windows objects were traditionally modeled using the detailed approach in which explicitly accounted for window component. Studies suggest that the Simple Glazing method can be a comparable approach. This report presents the limitations of the previously used detailed methodology and the code savings impact of switching from detailed to simplified glazing and updated U, SHGC and VT assumptions.

Whole building energy modeling is a powerful tool for analyzing energy use in buildings. For large buildings costs of modeling services can easily be justified due to the significant savings of the implemented measures. For small buildings, the upfront costs of developing robust energy models often deter building owners from investing in energy modeling services. To address this challenge, a \"Simple Building Calculator \" (SBC) was developed. SBC uses pre-simulated results of a range of common measures over a wide range of efficiency inputs. It combines whole building simulation results with statistical modeling techniques to predict energy impact of measures very quickly. In this paper we present the modeling methodology used to develop the data supporting SBC.