Methodology for Evaluating Commercial Energy Code Updates

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has published a methodology for evaluating the cost-effectiveness and technical feasibility of commercial building energy code updates, applied to standards like ASHRAE 90.1 and the IECC. The approach utilizes lifecycle cost (LCC) analysis over a 30-year study period for public and private ownership, extending to 40 years for the ASHRAE 90.1 Scalar Method. This involves simulating 16 commercial prototype buildings, representing 80% of new construction, across up to 16 climate zones, with a new construction labor cost adjustment of 52.6%. Key metrics for cost-effectiveness include net present value (NPV) of savings (must be >0) and savings-to-investment ratio (SIR) (must be >=1.0), with specific scalar ratio limits for ASHRAE 90.1-2022 being 25.1 for heating and 22.0 for cooling. Additionally, the methodology allows for monetization of emissions, with factors like $0.0650/kWh for electricity, and considers the potential 75% cost reduction for EV readiness during new construction compared to retrofitting.

Key Facts

Source Document

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