Free Software for Energy Code Compliance Free Software for Energy Code Compliance Presented By: Mustafa Abdul Geleel Hussien By: Evan H. Shu, FAIA Web Address: Topic Number: 163 Topic Number: 163 Date: 26 ‎Dec., ‎2004

Improving building’s energy performance in design phase the worries about the energy problem Goal Lack of standarized codes. Obstacles

Implementing energy codes in Architecture Standardized energy codes in the US Commercial buildingsResidential buildings ASHRAE/IESNA Standard Model Energy Code (MEC '92, '93, or '95) At the end of the schematic design phase Architects Free energy code compliance software Shaping designs Traditional way dependent on the HVAC engineers Operational energy management

Approaching Code Compliance The most restrictive compliance option is the prescriptive approach, mandates that individual components of the building envelope or mechanical system meet a set rating value (e.g. percent of glass allowed, U value, R value) given the building site's climate zone. given the building site's climate zone.

1)the prescriptive approach, is a web-based application that allows you to generate your own code- compliant insulation and window packages rather than following pre-defined prescriptive packages. 2) the component performance approach in which tradeoffs are allowed between envelope components and HVAC equipment, The COMcheck-Plus software implements the more complicated whole- building performance approach for codes based on ASHRAE See the COMcheck-Plus FAQs for more details.COMcheck-Pluswhole- building performanceCOMcheck-Plus FAQs 3) MECcheck software, 4) the systems approach, or A performance approach (also known as a systems performance approach) allows you to compare your proposed design to a baseline or reference design and demonstrate that the proposed design is at least as efficient as the baseline in terms of annual energy use. 5) the renewable energy resources approach.

Standardized energy codes in the US Residential buildings of three stories or less Model Energy Code (MEC '92, '93, or '95) REScheck Implementing energy codes in Architecture compliance methods: 1) the prescriptive approach, 3) MECcheck software, 2) the component performance approach in which tradeoffs are allowed between envelope components and HVAC equipment, 4) the systems approach, or 5) the renewable energy resources approach.

Implementing energy codes in Architecture through computer software Commercial buildings ASHRAE/IESNA Standard high-rise residential and commercial buildings COMcheck COMcheck-Plus COMcheck-EZ compliance methods: 1)the prescriptive approach, 2) system performance, which allows limited tradeoffs within code sections, and COMcheck -EZ COMcheck -Plus 3) whole-building performance, which allows tradeoffs more freely based on "bottom line" building performance.

Commercial buildings COMcheck COMcheck-Plus COMcheck-EZ MECcheck Packages Residential buildings REScheck

degree-days data for a specific location How MECcheck Works The surface area of each exposed component of the entire building envelope is multiplied by its "U" (1/R or coefficient of thermal transmittance) value to get its "UA" value. Add up all the UA values to get a total building UA value. Surface Area* "U" (1/R or coefficient of thermal transmittance) = "UA" value

The software compares that total UA with one you would get if you multiplied each component area by the prescriptive U value total UA with one you would get if you multiplied each component area by the prescriptive U value (e.g. the ceiling requires R-38) found in the code. If your total UA is less than or equal to the UA calculated by the prescriptive method, your building passes. (e.g. the ceiling requires R-38) found in the code. If your total UA is less than or equal to the UA calculated by the prescriptive method, your building passes. How MECcheck Works This method allows tradeoffs between components

understand typical R (thermal resistance) values for insulation and typical U values for glazing. pick the construction type R value of the insulation where the value for the construction materials is already factored in. the prescriptive package for your building type and climate zone helps to see what you are trying to match. a house in the 5600 degree-day Boston climate, under the Massachusetts Building Code, could have up to 15 percent glass, with U-0.41 glazing, R-38 ceilings, R-13 walls, R-19 floors, and R-10 basement walls. How MECcheck Works

Testing a Design Define schematic plans. Using CAD, get the perimeter surface areas for your exterior walls, glazing, ceiling/roof, and basement. By clicking on the component (walls, glazing, etc.) buttons, a new spreadsheet item is added to your building list. If you pick walls, you are then given a pull-down list of common construction types, and you simply pick the closest fit, such as 2x4 wood stud walls. How MECcheck Works

exposed surface area = R value of the insulation, or the U value for glazing. By swapping different R values, you can improve performance by changing to 2x6 stud walls with R-21 insulation. How MECcheck Works

How MECcheck Works

When construction documents are done, final values in the software should be updated and a report of the project should be printed. This serves as both as a compliance document and a checklist for the building inspector to use during construction. How MECcheck Works

Optional Details specify lighting and mechanical systems in addition to the building envelope. How MECcheck Works