Joe:

What would be the source of funding for the ?Center for Open Source Building Energy Simulations (COSBES)?? A non-profit organization of architectural engineering design firms (AEDs) could support this effort since they are the main users of such programs. There isn't one.

DOE21E should be supported, maintained and enhanced by USDOE and LBNL until AEDs accept Energy-Plus as the replacement program for DOE21E. Several private firms have developed easy to use forms and graphics interfaces to DOE21E. If USDOE and LBNL were to abandon DOE21E, then these private firms will lose their investment. Either USDOE continues developing and maintaining DOE21E, or it should compensate the private firms for their losses.

Attached are my views on energy programs including suggested enhancements to DOE21E. The attachments have been omitted because of their size.

Varkie Thomas