Through this presentation, attendees will learn about the tools available to assist in energy modeling and documenting compliance with 90.1 Appendix G Performance Rating Method, how Denver is using these tools now for compliance with the 2022 Denver Energy Code, and what is coming in the future.

For jurisdictions and energy modelers alike, more stringent performance-based building energy codes mean that compliance is centered in energy modeling, documentation, and verification that a model was created correctly. Moreover, a balance must be struck on the time spent on compliance. To address this challenge, several tools were developed to determine project compliance based on energy model results and to also help determine model inputs and provide a framework for performing model reviews.

The workflow and tools discussed will focus on the application of ASHRAE Standard 90.1 Appendix G Performance Rating Method and the 2022 Denver Energy Code. We will overview two U.S. Department of Energy Excel-based tools, the Performance-based Compliance Form and the Companion Tool. The Compliance Form streamlines the documentation for Appendix G as written and the Companion Tool provides documentation if the Appendix G methodology is customized by a jurisdiction for compliance or by an entity for determining incentives. These tools integrate into the modeling workflow to streamline the whole building energy modeling and documentation process. Attendees will also learn about the energy model review process for Denver.

Additionally, we will look to the future of performance-based compliance tools, emphasizing projects that enhance the usability of energy modeling for code compliance such as ASHRAE 229P and web-based tools.

To achieve the multiple policy objectives of high-performance buildings, electrification and grid resilience, energy codes will need to adopt innovative performance-based approaches. Buildings are required to be efficient on an annual basis and to play well with the grid at peak conditions. Wider adoption of performance-based approaches requires overcoming concerns about cost and complexity of modeling protocols and concerns about compliance verification by jurisdictions. Policy makers and the building simulation field also need confirmation that the tools truly enable the desired policy outcomes.

This presentation will discuss several alternates to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1 Appendix G Performance Rating Method with annual energy cost or energy use metrics. Linda will discuss Denver’s experience with code compliance using a modified Appendix G approach in the 2022 Denver Energy Code. Supriya will introduce simplified performance evaluation tools in ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2022, the Mechanical System Performance Path and the Total System Performance Ratio. Chris will introduce the Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI), which was recently adopted in Massachusetts and was derived from Passive House principles to control peak heating and cooling loads to enable electrification and grid resilience.

Together, we will query how the policy outcomes of energy efficiency, electrification, grid resilience and decarbonization are or are not supported in these pathways. We will identify potential pitfalls and unintended consequences. We will consider what metrics best reflect what is needed for building design and electric grid operation. We will also consider how modeling can be used to give multiple answers simultaneously for multiple policy needs