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Bonus LEED Points by Simple Math

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Author: Robert Fassbender
Posted on: February 2, 2012

LEED Points Logo

Let's cut straight to it:

LEED background information:

LEED energy models have a default requirement that process loads and receptacles are 25% of the baseline building costs. The total cost must be identical in the proposed LEED model.

However, this assumption is based on a standard office building. Thus, if the process loads and receptacles are designed and documented (think spreadsheets, or even a basic description), one can use the actual designed loads. This can yield free leed points, bascially LEED plus a little math gets you 2 valuable LEED points.

....LEED + Math = 2 Points!

Example LEED Case Study:

Let's consider a building that has 31% savings on the proposed building over 90.1-2007 building:

Let's say the Baseline utilities are $100,000 annuallu, of which $25,000 is from misc equipment ($75,000 from everything else). At 31% savings, the Proposed building would be $69,000 annually - of which $25,000 is from misc equipment (since by default, it must equal the baseline)

If instead, someone took the time to do it, and the misc loads were documented and that made the price equal to $15,000 in the baseline model, the revised savings are:

Baseline:

$75,000 (everything else) + $15,000 = $90,000

New Advanced material for eQUEST course

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Author: Robert Fassbender
Posted on: November 29, 2011

Energy-models.com is proud to announce a new advanced section in the eQUEST online course. While there are more videos in production, we have just released these popular requests (most of them are related to LEED or to help yield more LEED points):

All lessons contain real-world demos in eQUEST. These are best lessons of the course. Thanks for adding them

Ryan P.  - eQUEST user

  • Global parameter example (change LPD quickly in parametric runs)
  • Model a Dedicated Outdoor air unit
  • Model Energy Recovery Devices
  • Daylighting 
  • Custom curves (example using a LEED fan curve)
  • Optimum Start schedules (for LEED)
  • Import custom items (import curves for LEED)
  • Calculate Loads in eQUEST (Try the free tool)

Confessions of an Energy Modeler

Robert Fassbender's picture
Author: Robert Fassbender
Posted on: November 17, 2011

When it comes to energy, I suppose we are all hypocrites at some point. I mean, look at Al Gore flying around in a private jet. Of course, Al Gore isn't exaclty going to come clean on his hypocrisy. But, that's because he wouldn't make millions on his powerpoints movies.

Anyway we here at energy-models.com are dishing out the dirt. Do you have a confession? Please comment!

This is what got us started: here's an interesting forum post we had from a very zealous but graciously honest energy-modeler:

I have to be 100% honest here. I have a very general lust for sports cars but more specifically for older American Muscle cars. If there were an AA group for Energy Engineers who secretly love fast, questionably efficient cars (or better stated, not at all), then I would have to go and come clean. What can I say? In my professional life I eat and breathe building efficiency every working minute. But when I get into a car all I wanna do is go fast and live that visceral experience of accelration and sweet sweet sound of red lining a V8 as the speedometer climbs.

Free Webinar - Unveiling EP3 - an easy to use EnergyPlus Interface

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Author: Robert Fassbender
Posted on: December 9, 2024

Join Us for a One-of-a-Kind Software Demo!

Discover a revolutionary tool while expanding your understanding of EnergyPlus.

Why Attend?

The power of EnergyPlus

The ease of eQUEST

The speed of SketchUp

What You’ll Learn:

From building geometry to HVAC systems, see how EnergyPlus is now more accessible than ever with EP3.

How to create an AI Energy Model: Proof of Concept

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Author: Robert Fassbender
Posted on: November 15, 2024

About two months ago, I created an AI energy model to determine how much time and effort it required. Much to my surprise, it was faster and easier than I expected, with some interesting challenges, and I will outline the process here. Note that this process works with any software. I chose eQUEST because it required me to gather data from varying text-based files. After all, most AI requires collecting and organizing data that isn't in Excel format.

The Process

Here's a quick rundown of how it worked:

  1. Start with a specific model I began with a file I had of an architect's office. I named it CAD Captivity Center
  2. Generate the data set I ran 50 simulations using the same three variables. For each simulation, I set each variable as follows
    • LPD (Lighting Power Density): Randomly selected between 0.5 and 1.5 W/Sq ft.
    • Shading Coefficient: Randomly chosen between 0.3 and 0.8.
    • Insulation (R-Value): Random values between R-5 and R-50.
  3. Put the Data into Spreadsheet format Collected the inputs and organized them into a spreadsheet. Used python to export the load results from the simulation files into put them into a spreadsheet to train the machine.
  4. Process the Data Divide the data into two groups, 40 models for training the AI, and 10 models for testing it. (the 80/20 rule)
  5. Generate the AI Model I used open-source machine learning software, Tensorflow.js, and a little Python code; I fed the data into Tensorflow, and it generated a working AI model. The training process took about one minute!

Unlock Significant Tax Savings with the 179D Deduction: What Every CFO Needs to Know About Energy-Efficient Building Upgrades

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Author: Robert Fassbender
Posted on: November 6, 2024

A Gold mine for Energy Efficient buildings in the USA

As a CFO, you're constantly balancing financial strategy with long-term growth, aiming to maximize profitability while managing costs. In the world of building management and real estate investments, energy efficiency is not only a smart environmental move but also a powerful financial strategy. One of the most effective ways to make the numbers work in your favor is through the 179D tax deduction, a program designed to reward businesses for energy-efficient upgrades.

What Is the 179D Deduction?

The 179D deduction, officially known as the Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction, is a federal incentive designed to encourage energy savings in commercial and government buildings. Qualifying building upgrades, whether in HVAC systems, lighting, or overall building envelope improvements, can mean significant tax savings. For organizations that want to demonstrate sustainability while directly benefiting the bottom line, 179D is a valuable tool.

Why CFOs Should Care

1. Substantial Tax Deductions

Qualifying for the 179D deduction can mean up to $1.88 per square foot in deductions. For larger buildings, these savings can scale quickly, directly reducing taxable income. Imagine the impact of these savings across a portfolio of properties—it’s a straightforward way to turn energy-efficient initiatives into real financial gains.

2. Cash Flow Optimization

179D Federal Tax Deduction - Free Webinar

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Author: Robert Fassbender
Posted on: October 24, 2024

Rebates and tax deductions deductions are two pillars of energy modeling.

Everyone should know about the 179D tax deduction. It's basically like a LEED model without the LEED review, and you get paid if the results are promising.

With the help of eSai LLC experts, we will teach you how to receive as much as $5/square foot in federal tax deductions for your energy efficiency projects from 2006 to 2024. The session includes a Q & A discussion from an expert

Bob Fassbender and guest expert Nandini Mouli, PhD will work together to bring you up to speed. You can choose one of the following time slots:

  • October 28, 2-3 p.m. EST
  • November 4, 3-4 p.m. EST
  • Option to request an online copy


Register Button

The webinar will answer the basic questions like:

  • What is the E179D tax deduction and who can claim it?
  • How did the E179D deduction increase to a maximum of $5.00 per square foot?
  • When can a designer or architect claim the deduction?
  • What new building categories allow for the designer deduction?

Like all tax incentives, there is fine print that you must know. We’ll cover the nuances to ensure you can maximize your deduction. Items such as:

  • Prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements
  • Data requirements to review and qualify under the 2024 guidelines
  • Qualifying ASHRAE standard updates

5 BIG Energy Modeling trends for 2025

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Author: Robert Fassbender
Posted on: October 8, 2024

Top 5 Current Trends in Energy Modeling

Top 5 Current Trends in Energy Modeling (With Case Studies)

Energy modeling is undergoing significant changes, driven by technological innovations, evolving codes, and a push for greener buildings. As we adapt, understanding these key trends can help us refine our practices and stay competitive. Below, we explore the top five current trends in energy modeling, each backed by a real-world case study for context.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Integration

Trend Overview: AI and machine learning are now key players in energy modeling, offering faster and more accurate energy consumption predictions. These tools analyze vast datasets and automate complex simulations, reducing manual iterations and accelerating the modeling process. The integration of AI allows for more predictive analytics, especially useful in large projects or urban planning.

Case Study 1: AI Integration/Calibration with EnergyPlus and TensorFlow:

AI Integration with EnergyPlus and TensorFlow in modern office building energy modeling

Energy Modeling to Secure Larger Loans with Lower Interest Rates

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Author: Robert Fassbender
Posted on: August 20, 2024

In the quest for energy efficiency, many property owners and developers are turning to energy modeling to optimize building performance and reduce operating costs. However, the benefits of energy modeling extend beyond just energy savings. Did you know that incorporating energy modeling into your building project can also help you secure lower interest rates on loans? Financial institutions increasingly recognize the value of energy-efficient buildings, and they are offering better loan terms to projects that demonstrate significant energy savings through energy modeling. Here’s how energy modeling can help you save on loan costs, along with a list of specific programs that offer these financial benefits.

The Role of Energy Modeling in Securing Lower Interest Rates

Energy modeling is a powerful tool that allows you to simulate a building's energy performance before it is built or renovated. By using sophisticated software, you can predict how different design choices, materials, and systems will impact energy consumption. This detailed analysis provides a clear picture of potential energy savings, which is not only beneficial for reducing utility bills but also attractive to lenders.

Banks and financial institutions are increasingly offering favorable loan terms—such as lower interest rates, longer repayment periods, or higher loan amounts—to projects that include energy efficiency measures verified by energy modeling. This is because energy-efficient buildings are less risky for lenders; they have lower operating costs and are often more attractive to tenants or buyers, leading to higher occupancy rates and property values.

14 Common Programs that Require Energy Models

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Author: Robert Fassbender
Posted on: August 20, 2024
  1. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
    Administered by: U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
    Purpose: LEED certification is one of the most widely recognized green building certification systems worldwide. Energy modeling is required to demonstrate that a building meets energy performance criteria, particularly for the Energy and Atmosphere (EA) credit category.
  2. 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction
    Administered by: U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
    Purpose: This tax deduction encourages the design and construction of energy-efficient buildings in the U.S. To qualify, energy models must show that a building's energy systems achieve certain efficiency thresholds relative to a baseline.
  3. ASHRAE Standard 90.1 Performance Rating Method
    Administered by: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
    Purpose: ASHRAE 90.1 is a widely adopted standard for energy efficiency in buildings. The Performance Rating Method, which involves energy modeling, is used to demonstrate compliance with energy code requirements and to achieve additional LEED credits.
    State and Municipal Compliance: ASHRAE 90.1 is often used as the basis for state and municipal energy codes in the U.S., making energy modeling essential for compliance with local regulations.
  4. ENERGY STAR for Buildings
    Administered by: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

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