Methodology for Evaluating Energy Savings, Cost-Effectiveness, and Societal Impacts of Commercial Energy Code Changes

Summary

The Department of Energy (DOE) has developed a comprehensive methodology for evaluating the energy savings, cost-effectiveness, and societal impacts of commercial building energy code changes. This methodology employs a lifecycle cost (LCC) analysis over a 30-year period (or 40 years for the ASHRAE method), considering three economic scenarios: Publicly Owned (3.0% real discount rate), Privately Owned (8.00% nominal discount rate), and ASHRAE 90.1 Scalar (8.1% nominal discount rate). It includes detailed estimates for incremental costs, incorporating adjustments for labor (52.6%) and materials (15.0% to 26.5%), and leverages simulations of 16 prototype building models across 16 climate zones to project energy use and cost savings. Societal impacts are quantified by the Net Present Value of avoided greenhouse gas emissions, utilizing a 3% discount rate and electricity emission factors from 40 to 1188 lb/MWh (CO2e) for 2024-2030.

Key Facts

Source Document

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