New Construction Initiative Developing Next Practice Energy Efficiency Options

Transcription

1 New Construction Initiative Developing Next Practice Energy Efficiency Options Initiative Work Plan October 2012

2 Background Long-term success in improving the performance of the building stock requires a more significant focus on integrated strategies that move past individual efficiency measures and into whole-building performance. NBI has developed and implemented program strategies for over a decade focused on whole building performance, and we continue to develop leading edge strategies in this area. Currently we are engaged in the development of a new version of our widely adopted Core Performance program to respond to recent code stringency increases, and to incorporate recent research and developments on strategies to improve building performance. This program has significant implications for next generation utility incentive programs, code development strategies, and long-term building performance maintenance. NBI has developed and implemented program strategies for over a decade focused on whole building performance, and we continue to develop leading edge strategies in this area. This program will also provide mechanisms to address operational and tenant impacts on building energy use. These aspects of building performance will be critical to successfully achieving the aggressive levels of building energy performance represented by policy goals of deep efficiency and net zero building energy use. Though the Core Performance program represents leading edge strategies for buildings of all types, the program is particularly focused on the small commercial building sector, in the range of 10,000 to 70,000 square feet, buildings that is not well served by existing analysis-focused incentive programs. In addition to the development of the next version of Core Performance, NBI is engaged in other program activities to support performance improvement in the new construction sector. These include tool development to simplify analysis of small commercial projects through the development of a multi-measure tool analysis tool, and support for standardization and simplified implementation of energy modeling analyses through the COMNET protocol and supporting tools. COMNET has the potential to significantly simplify the use of energy modeling as a compliance and incentive demonstration tool, and to provide more direct linkages between code and utility program use of energy modeling tools. We are also working to develop much more thorough guidance on the energy implications of effective daylighting strategies through our Daylighting Pattern and Energy Guide (DPG+E), which builds on the capabilities of the recently released Daylighting Pattern Guide (DPG). This tool serves as an interactive demonstration of effective daylighting design strategies. The next phase of development is to incorporate mechanisms to demonstrate the relative energy impacts of different daylighting and control strategies represented in the DPG. This suite of tools represents a comprehensive approach to capturing significant energy savings in new commercial construction through the adoption of wellintegrated whole building approaches to efficiency and performance. Strategies NBI is currently engaged in the development of a new version of our widely adopted Core Performance program to respond to recent code stringency increases, and to recent research and developments on strategies to improve New Construction Energy Efficiency Initiative 1

3 building performance. This program has significant implications for next generation incentive programs and long-term building performance maintenance. We are also developing a set of tools that support better energy modeling accuracy and consistency, more effective daylight strategy integration, and simplified performance analysis strategies. Together these components represent a comprehensive approach to the design and operation of new buildings, and an opportunity for utility program to move forward into an effective approach to deep energy savings beyond the code-level widget strategies that make up the bulk of incentive programs today. NBI s New Construction initiative has four main strategy areas. Those areas are: Create the next version of Core Performance (Core Performance 2.0) Develop a Multi-Measure Tool to simplify analysis of alternative designs Expand the capabilities of COMNET as an analysis tool for building performance Construct a Daylighting Pattern and Energy Guide (DPG+E) to inform space design Strategy Area #1: Core Performance 2.0 Key Outcome/Deliverable NBI s whole building performance program has been in use by various utilities for over 10 years. During this time the program has evolved as new strategies and approaches have been incorporated to reflect an increasing focus on integrated design and performance issues in the industry. Recently the success and significance of the program was highlighted by the wholesale incorporate of the program features into the 2012 version of the International Energy Efficiency Code. While this represents a significant step forward for building efficiency, it also necessitates the development of a more advanced program for those utilities in jurisdictions which are poised to adopt the new code requirements. Overview The alignment of Core Performance with advanced codes also presents the opportunity for utilities to use the program in conjunction with direct stretch code support programs. In this model, utility incentives are directly related to specific provisions of upcoming codes, allowing the utility to support advanced performance features that subsequently become code provisions. This strategy is arguably highly effective in accelerating market transformation toward provisions that become code in the future. To support this type of program, NBI has actively developed alignment with the 2012 IECC for the Core Performance program with the IECC Supplement to Core Performance. This document supports utilities in IECC jurisdictions to incentivize strategies that will be adopted in the 2012 IECC. NBI continues to develop leading edge whole building performance strategies in the upcoming Core Performance 2.0. This program is slated for release in early 2013, and represents a highly advanced prescriptive whole building performance program. Similar to the previous version of Core Performance, the new program will incorporate basic design strategies and building feature requirements that New Construction Energy Efficiency Initiative 2

4 represent a comprehensive whole building performance approach, as well as a series of optional, or enhanced measures that generate additional savings for many projects. The new program will also go substantially beyond this, by incorporating leading edge new approaches to incentive programs that focus on commissioning and long term operational strategies as well. This is an area where proactive utilities have the potential to realize substantial new savings streams in both new and existing buildings. Core Performance 2.0 will also incorporate a series of strategies that focus on integrated design strategies that go beyond conventional equipment and feature selections. In the performance pathways section, the program will recognize and incentivize the value of holistic approach to system design, including such features as dedicated ventilation systems, natural ventilation strategies, daylighting, and controls. These pathways will allow the program to recognize the inherent efficiencies of certain holistic design strategies over other more conventional strategies. The components incorporated into Core Performance 2.0 represent leading edge thinking on how utility programs can respond to rapidly increasing code stringency. The various elements of the program represent a series of strategies that can be adopted independently and as a whole program to transform the way utility incentive programs address deep energy savings in the new construction and existing building sectors. Tasks Technical Development - Mark Frankel, Sean Denniston, Jim Edelson, Mark Lyles. Modeling support by Kevin Madison. Technical Committee review and comment. Measure Language Development Mark Frankel, Sean Denniston Program Structure and Implementation Strategy Development Tracey Beckstrom, Sean Denniston, Mark Frankel Cost Analysis Mark Frankel, Mark Lyles Guide layout, format, and publication Tracey Beckstrom, Sean Denniston Graphic support from Marbry Walker The release of Core Performance 2.0 (CP2.0) is anticipated in the first quarter of This timing is driven primarily by the planned adoption date of advanced codes in jurisdictions where Core Performance is currently used as a whole building incentive program. NBI has been working on technical development of CP2.0 since the beginning of This work has included technical research and development of efficiency measures, several stages of detailed energy modeling, and review by a technical advisory group. Development continues along these lines, with current efforts beginning to focus on program structure and implementation issues, and cost evaluation. Publication of the new Core Performance 2.0 Guide will follow text development and graphic layout tasks, and is anticipated in spring of New Construction Energy Efficiency Initiative 3

5 Strategy Area #2: Multi-Measure Tool Key Outcome/Deliverable Implementation of Core Performance 2.0 is supported by the development of an analysis tool that allows a more customized approach to the whole building incentive program. Our experience with the program demonstrates that many projects require specific modifications to program elements on a case by case basis. The multi-measure tool allows sponsors to evaluate the impacts of specific modifications on overall project savings. This represents a simplified alternative approach to time consuming and costly project by project energy modeling that many utilities use for each project. Overview The multi-measure tool leverages the analysis results of the 100 s of thousands of modeling evaluations already conducted to support the Core Performance program. This resource allows program implementers to quickly assess the impact of strategy changes on representative projects and thereby make meaningful adjustments to project strategies and incentive requirements without extensive project by project modeling. This tool also represents an analysis resource for demonstrating overall program impacts based on customized project types, locations, and characteristics. Tasks Modeling Tool Development Tool Release To support implementation of Core Performance 2.0, NBI intends to develop an updated version of the multi-measure tool that was developed for Core Performance. This tool allows program managers to evaluate specific customizations of the CP measure package to evaluate savings impacts of deviation from program guidelines. It can serve as a project customization tool, or as a program-level evaluation protocol. Tool development will commence shortly after the release of the Core Performance program above, with anticipated completion by the end of Development work will include a custom application for the equest energy modeling tool that initiates measure analysis, and a user interface to keep the interaction with the energy modeling simple and understandable to the user. Strategy Area #3: COMNET Key Outcome/Deliverable The multi-measure tool leverages the analysis results of the 100 s of thousands of modeling evaluations already conducted to support the Core Performance program. This resource allows program implementers to quickly assess the impact of strategy changes on representative projects and thereby make meaningful adjustments to project strategies and incentive requirements without extensive project by project modeling. This tool also represents an analysis New Construction Energy Efficiency Initiative 4

6 resource for demonstrating overall program impacts based on customized project types, locations, and characteristics. Through the course of this initiative, NBI will continue to develop the capabilities of COMNET as an analysis tool for building performance in three program areas: 1. COMNET will expand its code compliance and incentive program support into new markets that use a variety of modeling pathways. These new capabilities will broaden the scope of COMNET throughout the US and Canada and strengthen the modeling connections between code jurisdictions and utilities. 2. The current COMNET portal that focuses on more efficient modeling data transfer will be augmented with more quality assurance functionalities. 3. COMNET will align its quality assurance work with various modeling software products especially freeware options to increase the overall market penetration of COMNET and help make large efficiency gains for modeling practitioners. This tool could have significant applicability in aligning utility incentive programs with policy and code performance goals, as well as providing a better linkage between predicted and actual performance outcome in buildings. Overview COMNET is a quality assurance initiative to standardize commercial building energy modeling by creating consistent baselines relative to various energy codes and standards. The core component of COMNET is a set of modeling guidelines and procedures (MGP) that governs this standardization. The COMNET MGP provides a single methodology for modeling the baseline, or reference building, that works across various programs, code jurisdictions, and organizations. COMNET currently supports programs and ratings that are based on ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G (2001, 2007, 2010). COMNET offers quality assurance services to green building rating agencies, energy code authorities, utility energy efficiency programs, and other programs that rely on, or require, energy models. COMNET recently launched its Energy Modeling Portal, which enables direct transfer of BEM data from software packages. The portal currently links to LEED Online, which eliminates manual transcription of data into LEED EAp2 and EAc1 template forms. The portal will be extended to provide similar transfer and QA services to other organization and agencies. Tasks Compliance/Incentive Linkages Portal capabilities and control Software integration COMNET capabilities are already present in all of the task areas listed. Through the course of continued development over the next 18 months, the capabilities and applicability of the tool will be strengthened in response to interest and application by various jurisdictions, utilities, and other agencies. New Construction Energy Efficiency Initiative 5

7 Strategy Area #4: Daylighting Pattern and Energy Guide (DPG+E) Key Outcome/Deliverable Building on its Daylighting Pattern Guide to support better practice in daylighting design, NBI will actively pursue development of The Daylighting Pattern and Energy Guide. Few design teams have performance analysis resources available to test design ideas and in turn do not have the necessary information to make informed decisions regarding daylighting and lighting design or to select optimal control strategies and glazing specifications, nor do they have the ability to estimate the energy savings and user satisfaction due to these decisions. Therefore, the often complex inter-relationship between components of a daylighting design, electric lighting design, and the ultimate energy and visual comfort performance implications for a project are generally not well understood by building designers. The Daylighting Pattern and Energy Guide (DPG+E) is intended to provide designers with a suite of fundamentally sound holistic (daylighting, lighting and energy) design patterns that can be used directly or modified in an informed manner to meet specific design needs of individual projects. The DPG+E will be comprised of formal and spatial architectural patterns illustrating effective daylighting design, electric lighting design integration, and other energy performance strategies such as glazing alternatives. The fundamental relationships between energy performance, lighting design (fixture type, layout, control strategy and sequence) and multiple types and qualities of daylight illumination (evident in existing DPG) will be revealed in an attractive and easy to comprehend visual narrative. These concepts will be illustrated via a variety of appropriate analysis methods including instantaneous and annualized performance metrics to describe visual quality and daylight quantity, electric lighting system performance, and energy consumption (in total and by end use). Overview Work on the DPG+E will build on an existing tool developed by NBI and the Integrated Design Lab; The Daylighting Pattern Guide (DPG). This powerful and elegant tool illustrates how to create successful daylighting designs and presents information in a visual manner that appeals to designers as well as those with limited technical background in lighting design. Detailed case studies are presented for a wide range of spatial scales and uses. Project types include offices, schools, libraries, laboratories, museums, industrial facilities, and recreational facilities and represent a diversity of regional climates. Designers and owners alike can easily see the changes in daylight distribution as alternative design variables are tested in order to quickly identify proven strategies during early design stages without needing to conduct complex simulations for each new design. Each Pattern explores the inter-relationships and role of sky condition, site, building aperture, interior volume and space planning in delivering visual comfort to building occupants while supporting energy efficiency goals. This interactive New Construction Energy Efficiency Initiative 6

8 tool uses a combination of real-world built examples and Radiance computer simulation to set the stage for analysis and comparison of design alternatives. The intent of the DPG+E effort is to substantially expand the range, applicability, and technical information provided by the DPG in a manner specifically intended to directly address energy impacts of daylighting strategies, while continuing to provide leading edge guidance on effective and integrated daylighting strategies. In this way the tool can be directly integrated into utility program offerings by providing clear guidance not only on effective daylighting strategy design, but also on the specific energy savings implications of various daylighting strategies. Tasks Technical Research Graphic Interface Web Development Tool Release The DPG+E tool requires relatively extensive technical analysis and graphic interface development. The current Daylighting Pattern Guide on which these additional features will be developed represents an elegant and progressive approach to communicating effective daylighting strategies to the design community. By integrating energy savings estimates associated with various strategies, the tool becomes more directly linked to the goals and mechanisms of utility program implementation. Development of the DPG+E will be primarily conducted by the Integrated Design Labs of Seattle and Boise. These labs were the primary developers of the current DPG tool. NBI manages the project, and provides guidance and support in designing the user interface, in identifying specific priorities and strategies in the tool, and in developing mechanisms to present the data in a format that meets user needs. The development of this tool will require approximately 18 months, and will commence in the 3 rd quarter of Deliverables/Impact The components described above under NBI s New Construction Initiative represent continued development and positioning of several key tools that are available in the new construction sector today. The Core Performance program has been in use through several iterations for over ten years, and represents a highly influential and effective whole building performance program. Supporting elements like the multi-measure tool allow flexibility and customization of the program by individual utilities. The current version or Core Performance has been fully integrated into new energy codes, representing the culmination of market transformation strategies from aggressive efficiency measure to baseline code. The new version (CP2) will continue to push market transformation strategies forward by incorporating new strategies and approaches to integrated building efficiency. The linkages of the program to evolving code strategies also solidify the New Construction Energy Efficiency Initiative 7

9 influence of the program on the market at large. This program will also incorporate significant new approaches to building operation and tenancy that represent a broad new opportunity set for utility savings programs. Likewise, the COMNET protocol represents an important step forward in clarifying the relationship between incentive programs and code strategies while providing specific tools such as the online LEED portal to simplify broader use of consistent modeling strategies. Several jurisdictions are already exploring mechanisms to use COMNET tools to more directly link utility incentive programs with code enforcement strategies. This approach supports broader market transformation while providing clarity and incentives to the private sector for program participation. Effective daylighting strategies have become the most frequently included feature of leading edge high performance buildings, and the DPG+E will provide critical linkages between effective daylighting design strategies and specific and quantifiable energy savings. Each component of this initiative is designed to work directly into utility programs and tools to support broad, holistic savings approaches that represent new opportunities for deep energy savings in the new construction sector. Together these tools represent broad and aggressive approaches to building efficiency that would strongly complement current utility programs while pointing the direction forward into more aggressive savings opportunities. Market Interaction Through various programs, NBI has successfully demonstrated the value of multi-sponsor initiatives. By combining resources, individual utility organizations are able to leverage limited development dollars into significant investments in technical and tool development to support aggressive savings programs. At the same time, foundation and policy resources are also leveraged to support the development of these cutting edge and forward-looking strategies to address aggressive building performance goals. By focusing on the what s next element of building performance, NBI s programs command a strong reputation in the industry and influence major policy and program decisions on building performance. Being part of leading edge initiatives like these brings strong recognition and credibility to all of the participants. There is also a significant advantage to being part of a coalition of sponsors working together on common program elements. NBI facilitates strong communication among sponsors about implementation strategies, shared training opportunities, technical support, and common branding strategies. These resources further leverage utility program investments while contributing to regional or national recognition and branding opportunities for utility programs. Beyond this Initiative NBI s initiative and research strategies are focused on long-term building performance goals and strategies that lead toward ultra-high performance buildings. All of our work is focused on identifying the most pressing and promising strategies for building performance, and on developing pathways for New Construction Energy Efficiency Initiative 8

10 these strategies into the marketplace. The evolution of our new construction initiatives from leading-edge whole building integrated design guidance into fully codified and adopted energy code language is just one example of how effective this approach has been in encouraging market transformation. NBI continues to work on the what s next strategies that will influence and guide continued progress toward ultra high efficiency and net zero energy buildings in the near future. Schedule Proposed Development Timeline Strategy Areas/Tasks Activity/Results by Quarter (Q3/12 Q4/14) Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q Core Performance 2.0 Technical Development Program Structure Measure Cost Review Implementation Strategies Publication 2 Multimeasure Tool Modeling Tool Development Tool Release 3 COMNET Compliance/incentive linkages Portal capabilities and control Software integration 4 DPG+E Technical Research Graphic Interface Web Development Tool Release Shading indicates intensity of effort during a quarter. Budget Total Development Cost The total development cost for this New Construction Initiative is just over $1 million. That investment is planned over a three year period with much of the funding being allocated to cover the cost of various NBI staff that will be doing the research, development, assessment, and partner coordination required for this initiative. New Construction Energy Efficiency Initiative 9

11 The pie chart shows the cost allocation for the various strategy areas within this initiative. The costs are spread over with over 75% targeted for the second and third years. Development costs can be adjusted as work on this initiative progresses. The specific tasks and the funds to support them can be refocused to adjust to new information, partner interest, and funding commitments. Leveraged External Funding Initiative partner funding will be leveraged with funding that NBI already has in hand or will be receiving over the next two years. Other New Construction funding comes from the Energy Foundation. Portions of the development costs may be offset through in-kind support from initiative partners or others. New Construction Energy Efficiency Initiative 10