Model Energy Code Research Articles

The role of above-code labeling programs in reducing CO2e emissions in residential buildings

Residential buildings account for 15 % of total U.S. carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Voluntary, above-code labeling programs, such as the ENERGY STAR® and Zero Energy Ready Home™ programs, can play a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of the new construction residential building sector by encouraging adoption of more energy-efficient and lower emissions building practices and technologies. It’s important for the industry to understand the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) and energy cost savings potential of these programs. To estimate the potential CO2e emissions savings for homes built to above-code labeling program levels, it is imperative to have reliable and accurate tools for estimating emissions from buildings. The open-source OpenStudio-ERI workflow employs detailed physics-based building energy modeling (BEM) to estimate energy usage and operational CO2e emissions. In this study we use the OpenStudio-ERI workflow and regional, time-varying emissions factors from the Cambium database to compare the CO2e emissions and energy costs of homes built to performance levels required by these above-code labeling programs relative to homes built to model energy codes. We present the results of our analysis and provide a range of emissions and annual energy cost savings for the above-code labeling programs.

Assessment of the Potential to Achieve very Low Energy Use in Public Buildings in China with Advanced Window and Shading Systems

As rapid growth in the construction industry continues to occur in China, the increased demand for a higher standard living is driving significant growth in energy use and demand across the country. Building codes and standards have been implemented to head off this trend, tightening prescriptive requirements for fenestration component measures using methods similar to the U.S. model energy code American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1. The objective of this study is to (a) provide an overview of applicable code requirements and current efforts within China to enable characterization and comparison of window and shading products, and (b) quantify the load reduction and energy savings potential of several key advanced window and shading systems, given the divergent views on how space conditioning requirements will be met in the future. System-level heating and cooling loads and energy use performance were evaluated for a code-compliant large office building using the EnergyPlus building energy simulation program. Commercially-available, highly-insulating, low-emittance windows were found to produce 24%–66% lower perimeter zone HVAC electricity use compared to the mandated energy-efficiency standard in force (GB 50189-2005) in cold climates like Beijing. Low-e windows with operable exterior shading produced up to 30%–80% reductions in perimeter zone HVAC electricity use in Beijing and 18%–38% reductions in Shanghai compared to the standard. The economic context of China is unique since the cost of labor and materials for the building industry is so low. Broad deployment of these commercially available technologies with the proper supporting infrastructure for design, specification, and verification in the field would enable significant reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in the near term.

Forensic Engineering Overview Of Effect Of Weather Resistive Barriers On Building Envelope Deterioration

Since Adoption And Widespread Implementation Of The Model Energy Code Promulgated By The Department Of Energy And Incorporated Into Most State Building Codes, There Has Been Widespread Experience With Deterioration Of Building Envelopes, Particularly Wood Frame Building Envelopes. Requirements For Weather Resistive Barriers (Wrbs) Have Been Added To The Major National Codes For Nearly All Applications With Multiple Significant Changes In Successive Recent Editions Of The Major Building Codes. Moisture/Water Related Problems Have Manifested In Other Types Of Construction, Including Masonry, Resultant To Recent Requirements Of Building Codes And Unanticipated Adverse Effects Caused By Lack Of Testing And Integration Between The Building Code Provisions And Energy Codes... This Paper Provides A Summary Of Actual Field Observations Of Effects Of And Performance Of Groups Of Weather Resistive Barriers (Wrbs) And Vapor Retarders Based Upon Invasive Investigation Of Building Envelopes Extending Over A Period Of 15 Years And Provides General Guidance To The Major Codes Intended To Provide A Basis For The Expert To Obtain Further Foundational Materials And Knowledge Needed In These Types Of Cases.