Energy Modeling Use Guide and Template
Energy Modeling is required for all Green School Guide projects. While there are several modeling software platforms with varying degrees of strengths and weaknesses permitted by the energy code, the Authority has determined that eQuest is the platform to be used on its projects. Previously the significance of modeling was to create a comparison of the percentage of energy savings against a baseline case for both GSG and LL 86 of 2005 compliance. However, the Local Law 31 of 2016 mandate of an Energy Use Intensity (EUI) target has led the SCA to select one program so that variations in the modeling software algorithms and assumptions will not lead to schools meeting or not meeting the required targets.
The SCA has developed templates for use in project specific energy modeling based on its prototypical design case and different size buildings for use with eQuest. The original set of templates based on ASHRAE 90.1-2013 was intended to meet the required 20% energy savings over ASHRAE 90.1-2013 as required by LL 86 of 2005. However, the templates now need to be used to create a consistent means of determining the buildings EUI using ASHRAE 90.1-2013. There is also a set of templates based on ASHRAE 90.1-2010 for Green Schools Guide Compliance. Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) to meet LL31 of 2016 requirements need to be modeled by the design teams. For projects that required energy modeling but are based on earlier versions of ASHRAE 90.1, the templates can be revised to incorporate the provisions of the earlier ASHRAE 90.1 versions.
The intent of providing these templates is to give Designers a guide to creating their own project specific models so that the models are repeatable and use consistent information. A major item that is often guess work by the designers is the occupancy schedule. The templates provide this information that is to be used. Using a uniform format and providing the information in the same manner as these templates will allow the Green Schools Guide Review Committee to more easily review the energy models presented with the green submissions. Designers are to provide their own modeling reports using the Sample Report below. When using the templates, if the designer notices a parameter at odds with the SCA design requirements or other issue they believe is not captured or captured incorrectly, please notify the GSG Review Committee through NYCGSG-Submissions@nycsca.org
The eQuest Energy Modeling Guide explains how to format the modeling report and is used in conjunction with the eQuest Input Summary report, which provides the schedules and other data to be used in the model. As indicated, the data is applicable to the SCA's prototypical model and the designer will need to input project specific parameters if something other than the prototype values are used. Energy modelers will need to update the building geometry to reflect the actual design, and will need to verify all baseline fan power and efficiency calculations based on allowances and equipment sizes. Each of the zip folders contain the .inp, .pd2, and .pdl file for each size school. The main difference between the "Large_School" and "Medium_School" files are the schedules, for which High Schools have extended hours. Again, these templates are a starting point to improve consistency among models.
Of note is that ASHRAE 90.1-2013 baselines no longer use existing envelopes, and thus an existing building template is not provided. For addition projects, the templates do have the option to use a packaged DX unit in the corridors to serve the space between a new building and existing if necessary.
Sample Report
In order to provide a consistent format for relaying information from the energy model for review by the Green Schools Guide Committee, a sample for the report is provided. The modeler is to ensure the information provided in the tables, at a minimum, is included in their own report. The ‘Energy Model Report Sample” in MS Word has been available for use and may continue to be used for projects where the 60% submission of the energy model has been submitted. For projects where the 60% energy model has not been submitted, designers are to utilize the “Energy Model Report Sample (EN-1)”, which is in MS Excel. The template is patterned after the Department of Buildings EN-1 document and contains both the SCA GSG review tabs, which are in teal, and the DOB’s EN-1 tabs, which are in orange, that designers may use for their own reference. The teal tabs are to be printed and included in the modeling reports for review by the GSG Committee.
Review Checklist
The SCA has developed eQuest Energy Model Review Checklists to help Designers quickly and easily review and assess input/output information in their proposed energy models.
The intent of providing these eQuest Energy Model Review Checklists is to give Designers a tool to provide an accurate eQuest energy model that maybe scrutinized by BCC or Building Department audit.
Three (3) levels of the eQuest Energy Model Review Checklists have been developed to be utilized at different stages of the design and/or atypical designs.
eQuest Energy Model Review Checklist Level 1
Designer should utilize eQuest Energy Model Review Checklist Level 1 for all models submitted before 60% Construction Documents are fully developed. It's a quick overview for projects where a lot of mechanical and lighting information still needs to be finalized.
eQuest Energy Model Review Checklist Level 2
Designer should utilize eQuest Energy Model Review Checklist Level 2 for all models submitted at 60% and 100% Construction Documents. The Level 2 checklist includes more details, and should be adequate for projects that don't deviate much from the typical SCA design.
eQuest Energy Model Review Checklist Level 3
Designer should utilize eQuest Energy Model Review Checklist Level 3 for all projects that have schedules or space types that deviate from the typical SCA school, or projects where the results are very different from the typical values.
eQuest Results Checklist Report Annotated Example
The example shows locations of where the information in the checklist is listed in the report utilizing reference numbers.
GSG submissions should include results of the Designers eQuest Energy Model Review Checklist and the following eQuest energy modeling reports:
Report - BEPU: Building end use breakdown by fuel type
Report - ES-D: Utility costs
Report - LV-B: Summary of Spaces
Report - LV-D: Details of Exterior Surfaces
Report - LV-H: Details of windows
Report - LV-I: Details of Constructions
Report - SV-A: System Design Parameters for HVAC (1 for each system)
Report - PV-A: Plant Design Parameters
Report - PS-E: Energy End-Use Summary for All Meters (one report for electricity, one for fuel)