Software Resources
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What is Building Energy Modeling?
California’s Energy Code Compliance Software
Support for Energy Modeling Advancements
Software Symposiums and Other Events
Resources
What is Building Energy Modeling?
Building Energy Modeling (BEM) is software simulation of building energy use. The simulation combines building specifications,control strategies, occupancy, local weather, and other considerations to develop a full year of energy usage calculations. BEM is used in architectural design, HVAC design and operation, building performance rating, building stock analysis, compliance with building energy codes, and much more. Many software packages can support building energy modeling. A popular tool is the U.S Department of Energy’s EnergyPlus™. EnergyPlus is an open-source whole-building energy modeling engine developed by a team of researchers, engineers, and programmers at U.S. national labs, universities, and private companies.
Compliance software is used by architects, engineers, and energy consultants to demonstrate compliance with mandatory and voluntary energy codes. Computer programs used for compliance with Title 24, Part 6 must be approved by the California Energy Commission and can be found here. The tables below contain the approved computer programs included in the Alternative Calculations Methods for California’s Energy Code.
California’s Energy Code Compliance Software
Compliance software is used by the building engineering and construction industry to demonstrate compliance with mandatory and voluntary energy codes. Software used for compliance with Title 24, Part 6 must be approved by the California Energy Commission. A list of approved options are available on the Energy Commission’s website.
Software Symposiums and Other Events
Throughout the year, the Statewide Codes & Standards Utility Program hosts or participtes in events to understand the needs of the energy modeling community and determine where to invest resources that will have the most efficacious result. Symposia, conferences and online meetings offer an opportunity to share insights. More information can be found on the CalBEM website.
Resources
To learn more about modeling software initiatives, visit the following resource pages:
International Building Performance Simulation Association
ASHRAE Technical Committee 4.7: Energy Calculations
ASHRAE Building Energy Modeling Professional Certification
U.S. Department of Energy Building Energy Modeling
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Simulation Research Group
California Association of Building Energy Consultants
Get Email Updates
The Statewide Codes and Standards Enhancement (CASE) Team periodically distributes email notifications that promote upcoming meetings, provide materials from past meetings, and update stakeholders on the progression of the California Energy Commission (CEC)’s rulemaking process. You can choose to receive measure-specific and/or general updates on these topics depending on your needs.
