3.2.2 Building Model Classification

Purpose
Applicability	All Projects
Definition	The purpose for which the COMNET modeling procedure is used: The modeling rules and procedures for most of the building descriptors are triggered by this choice.
Units	List of COMNET supported purposes
Input Restrictions	Compulsory input
Baseline Rules	The definition of the baseline building is derived from this input, when applicable.

Building Type

Applicability

All Projects

Definition

A building type which is used to determine the performance cost Index target.

Units

Choose from the following list:

Multifamily	Healthcare/Hospital	Hotel/Motel
Office	Restaurant	Retail
School	Warehouse	All Others

Input Restrictions

Compulsory input

Baseline Rules

This choice sets the baseline building performance target for the project.

Building Area Classification
Applicability	When the whole building area method is used instead of the space-by-space method of classifying activity in the building
Definition	The building type or principal activity. One of two available classification methods for identifying the function of the building or the functions of spaces within the building, which in turn determine energy-related requirements for the baseline building. Appendix B lists the building classifications that are available under the building area method.
Units	List: Choose a building activity from Appendix B or select “Space-by-Space” if the space-by-space method is used.
Input Restrictions	For multi-use buildings, the building may be divided and a different building classification may be assigned to each part. Either the building classification method or the space-by-space classification method must be used, but the two classification methods may not be mixed within a single rating.
Baseline Rules	Same as the proposed design

Building Type
Applicability	All Projects
Definition	A building type which is used to determine the performance cost index target.
Units	List: Choose from the following list Multifamily Healthcare/Hospital Hotel/Motel Office Restaurant Retail School Warehouse Grocery Store All Others
Input Restrictions	Required input
Baseline Building	Same as proposed. This choice would determine the baseline performance target for the project.

Building Building Classification for Lighting

Applicability

When the building area method is used instead of the space-by-space method of classifying lighting in the building

Definition

The building type or principal activity. One of two available classification methods for identifying the function of the building or the functions of spaces within the building, which in turn determine lighting-related requirements for the baseline building. Table 9 lists the building classifications that are available under the building area method.

Table 9. Building Area Types for Standard 90.1-2019

Building Area Type

Automotive facility

Convention center

Courthouse

Dining: Bar lounge/leisure

Dining: Cafeteria/fast food

Dining: Family

Dormitory

Exercise center

Fire station

Gymnasium

Health-care clinic

Hospital

Hotel/Motel

Library

Manufacturing facility

Motion picture theater

Multifamily

Museum

Office

Parking garage

Penitentiary

Performing arts theater

Police station

Post office

Religious facility

Retail

School/university

Sports arena

Town hall

Transportation

Warehouse

Workshop

Units

List: Choose a building activity from Table 9

Input Restrictions

For multi-use buildings, the building may be divided and a different building classification may be assigned to each part. Either the building area method or the space-by-space method must be used, but the two classification methods may not be mixed for lighting definitions within a single PRM run.

Baseline Building

Same as proposed

Building Type
Applicability	All Projects
Definition	A building type which is used to determine the performance cost index target.
Units	List: Choose from the following list Multifamily Healthcare/Hospital Hotel/Motel Office Restaurant Retail School Warehouse Grocery Store All Others
Input Restrictions	Required input
Baseline Building	Same as proposed. This choice would determine the baseline performance target for the project.

Building Classification for Lighting

Applicability

When the building area method is used instead of the space-by-space method of classifying lighting in the building

Definition

The building type or principal activity. One of two available classification methods for identifying the function of the building or the functions of spaces within the building, which in turn determine lighting-related requirements for the baseline building. Table 9 lists the building classifications that are available under the building area method.

Table 9. Building Area Types for Standard 90.1-2022

Building Area Type

Automotive facility

Convention center

Courthouse

Dining: Bar lounge/leisure

Dining: Cafeteria/fast food

Dining: Family

Dormitory

Exercise center

Fire station

Gymnasium

Health-care clinic

Hospital

Hotel/Motel

Library

Manufacturing facility

Motion picture theater

Multifamily

Museum

Office

Parking garage

Penitentiary

Performing arts theater

Police station

Post office

Religious facility

Retail

School/university

Sports arena

Town hall

Transportation

Warehouse

Workshop

Units

List: Choose a building activity from Table 9

Input Restrictions

For multi-use buildings, the building may be divided and a different building classification may be assigned to each part. Either the building area method or the space-by-space method must be used, but the two classification methods may not be mixed for lighting definitions within a single PRM run.

Baseline Building

Same as proposed

Alteration Type
Applicability	Alterations
Definition	•Alteration of an existing building that meets 90.1 2022 G3.1.4a. This type of alteration is referred to as a major alteration in this document. Major alterations are required to develop models in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2022 Section G3.2. •Alteration of an existing building that does not meet 90.1 2022 G3.1.4a. This type of alteration is referred to as a minor alteration in this document. Minor alterations are required to develop models in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2022 Section G3.3. Standard 90.1-2022 Section G3.1.4a requires alterations that include the replacement of two or more of the following (i.e., major alteration) to develop models in accordance with Standard 90.1-2022 Section G3.2. HVAC systems that account for more than 50% of the capacity serving either the heating or cooling loads of the alteration area. This includes HVAC unitary systems, HVAC terminal units, or components of HVAC central heating or cooling equipment. HVAC terminal units, for the purposes of this section, can include VAV boxes, fan-coil units, VRF room units, or water-loop heat pumps; 50% or more of the luminaires in the alteration area; 25% or more of the building envelope area of the alteration portion of the building, including new exterior cladding, fenestration, or insulation. All other alterations (i.e., minor alterations) are required to develop models in accordance with Standard 90.1-2022 Section G3.3.
Units	List: Choose from the following list Major alteration (meets 90.1 2022 G3.1.4a) Minor alteration (does not meet 90.1 2022 G3.1.4a)
Input Restrictions	For buildings with a combination of alterations and additions, the building may be divided and a different classification may be assigned to each part.
Baseline Building	Same as proposed.