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Evaluating Building Energy Code Compliance and Savings Potential through Large-Scale Simulation with Models Inferred by Field Data

Author

Listed:
  • Yulong Xie

    (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA)

  • Mark Halverson

    (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA)

  • Rosemarie Bartlett

    (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA)

  • Yan Chen

    (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA)

  • Michael Rosenberg

    (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA)

  • Todd Taylor

    (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA)

  • Jeremiah Williams

    (U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20024, USA)

  • Michael Reiner

    (U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20024, USA)

Abstract

Building energy code compliance is the crucial link between the actual energy savings and the efficiency prescribed in energy codes. A research project aiming to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption in new single-family residential construction by increasing compliance with the building energy code was conducted in several states of the United States. The study was comprised of three phases: (1) a baseline study to document typical practice and identify opportunities for improvement based on empirical data gathered from the field; (2) an education and training phase targeting the opportunities identified; and (3) a post-study to assess whether a reduction in average state-wide energy use could be achieved following the education and training phase. We proposed a novel methodology based on large-scale building energy simulation inferred by limited field data to assess the performance of a large population of homes. This paper presents the methodology, findings, and results of this study. The state-wide average energy consumption decreased at Phase III from Phase I for five of the seven states involved in the analysis. The measure-level savings potential analysis shows an overall reduction. Overall, the training and education phase plays a recognizable role in improving compliance with building energy codes.

Suggested Citation

  • Yulong Xie & Mark Halverson & Rosemarie Bartlett & Yan Chen & Michael Rosenberg & Todd Taylor & Jeremiah Williams & Michael Reiner, 2020. "Evaluating Building Energy Code Compliance and Savings Potential through Large-Scale Simulation with Models Inferred by Field Data," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-19, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:9:p:2321-:d:354849
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    References listed on IDEAS

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