Sections 3.4.5 and 3.4.8 of the COMNET modeling guidelines have been updated to be consistent with the ENERGY STAR Multi-Family Highrise Simulation Guidelines, Version 1.0, Revision 03, January 2015, pages 23-35.
In early August 2016, COMNET launched a new website. This is the first major reorganization of the website in more than five years. The changes are described in the following bullets:
Energy analysis programs are becoming more advanced and energy standards are becoming more stringent. This is driving more design teams to use a performance approach to comply with codes or to qualify for incentive and recognition programs. Each software application produces output in a different format and each code authority or energy program administrator requires that information be submitted in a different format. Energy modelers spend considerable time translating software results in to a suitable format for the program administrator.
The new performance rating method contained in Appendix G of Standard 90.1-2016 fixes the baseline and introduces a new performance metric called Performance Cost Index (PCI). The procedure can be used for beyond-code recognition and/or incentive programs and may be used to show compliance with the 2016 Standard as well as previous versions. Come and see how this new procedure is implemented in the COMNET modeling guidelines and discuss how it will affect energy programs that depend on energy modeling. This discussion will be led by Charles Eley.
An informal session is scheduled to discuss COMNET and how it can benefit software developers, energy modelers, and energy program administrators. The event is scheduled from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on August 18, 2014 and is part of the ACEEE 2014 Summer Study in Pacific Grove, CA.