Development of whole-building energy performance models as benchmarks for retrofit projects

This paper presents a systematic development process of whole-building energy models as performance benchmarks for retrofit projects. Statistical regression-based models and computational performance models are being used for retrofit projects in industry but these require existing utility data for calibration and validation. Furthermore, a common retrofit design question is the prioritization of choices for replacement of building components and systems yielding optimal energy performance for a given budget. Benchmarking techniques prescribed in current energy standards do not explicitly address such inquiry. Given these constraints and requirements, a benchmarking process is proposed, with categorization of input data, informational sources and relationships between the two. A schematic depiction of the process with data feed-ins from pertinent sources is given. Results indicate diversified use of data sources (for building envelope category) and extensive dependence on information flows external to current energy standards (for thermal zoning, occupancy, lights and equipment, operational schedules, etc.).