GSA Net Zero Renovation Challenge Charrette

This report summarizes the discussion in and outcomes of the GSA Net Zero Renovation Challenge Charrette.

 

Reinventing Fire Buildings Sector Methodology

This document provides RMI's methodology for the analysis of the buildings sector in Reinventing Fire.

 

Collaborate and Capitalize: Post-Report from the BEM Innovation Summit

In 2011, RMI convened an invited group of key stakeholders within the building energy modeling (BEM) community to increase collaboration and develop implementation plans to address key barriers. This report describes the motivation for convening the BEM Innovation Summit; provides a recap of the group events and discussions; provides a detailed summary from each breakout group; and presents implementation plans for some key action items and projects that came out of the 2 day summit.

 

BEM Summit Pre-read

This document was written as preparatory material for all Building Energy Modeling (BEM) Innovation Summit attendees prior to the actual event.  The purpose of this document was to provide all attendees with an understanding of the history and current state of the energy modeling industry within the United States. Specifically, this Pre-Read document: - Begins to identify a vision for the future of energy modeling and identify gaps between that vision and the current state; - Identifies gaps and barriers within the energy modeling sector to support the development of the agenda for the summit; and - Saved time at the summit by getting everyone on the same page in terms of background knowledge and serving as an information source during the breakout groups.

 

Life Cycle Cost Analysis: Is it Worth the Effort?

Life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) is often considered important for both new and retrofit building construction projects but is rarely implemented, often because it is perceived to be “not worth the effort.” This paper addresses the question of whether an LCCA is worth the effort. This paper also provides an overview of how to do an LCCA including establishing the baseline and bundling measures. A case study is also provided.

 

Pulling the Levers on Existing Buildings: A Simple Method for Calibrating Hourly Energy Models

Comprehensive building retrofits require an investment grade audit in conjunction with a calibrated hourly energy model. Even with the most thorough audit processes, uncertainty still remains when identifying and modeling building parameters. This uncertainty propagates throughout the final calibrated model and affects the quality of the energy saving estimates. This paper, geared towards the typical energy analyst, provides a step-by-step process for achieving more reliable results by calibrating an energy model based on actual utility data.

 

Energy Modeling at Each Design Phase: Strategies to Minimize Design Energy Use

Design teams often use energy modeling as an accounting or code compliance tool to establish that minimum requirements are met. Used in this way, significant opportunities to inform and improve building design are overlooked. Properly used, energy modeling can provide outputs that optimize a building’s energy consumption, reduce life cycle costs, and even reduce first cost. This paper will review how and when design teams typically use energy modeling in each design phase (concept phase, schematic design, design development, and construction documentation) and describe strategies for each phase that can lead to lower energy use buildings.

 

Building Energy Modeling Summit: Box Checking

 

Building Energy Modeling: Unlocking Market Potential

Unlocking the potential value of building energy modeling is dependent on eliminating a "box checking" mentality.

 

Creating Impact with your Support: A Buildings Success Story

Kendra Tupper, PE, LEED AP discusses RMI's success in the Building Energy Modeling industry within the RetroFit initiative.

 

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