Step 3: Preliminary Energy Model(s) or Analysis of Prescriptive Compliance

After receiving a complete Project Information Submittal package from the Multifamily Developer, the EarthCraft Technical Advisor and project team will follow the steps below to show energy compliance with EarthCraft Multifamily program standards.

For unit level energy models the EarthCraft Technical Advisor will also serve as the HERS Rater. For whole building simulations the energy modeler must be a qualified professional and may be the EarthCraft Technical Advisor, Southface Energy Institute, a member of the design team, or an outside consultant.

Note: EarthCraft Multifamily Renovation projects following the Renovation Worksheet must complete and submit existing condition models based on the pre-assessment and improved models based on the renovation construction specifications.

EarthCraft Technical Advisor Responsibilities

Guide the project team in the development of preliminary unit level energy model(s), building simulation (eQUEST or equivalent program), or show compliance with the appropriate prescriptive path.

Low-Rise projects:

For CERTIFIED level projects not seeking ENERGY STAR for Homes Version 3 certification, show Energy Compliance for low-rise developments through unit level models of all qualifying worst case unit types in the project.

In order to identify the worst-case unit:

A model will be created for each distinct floor plan on each distinct floor level type (bottom, middle & upper floors). Interior and exterior configurations should be included in this analysis as well. Mid-level, interior configurations can be excluded from the analysis. The “worst case” (highest HERS Index) model for each unit type should be selected to represent all units belonging to that unit type in the project.

Unit types that are within 10% conditioned floor area and have equal number of bedrooms and bathrooms can be considered the same unit-type. Worst-case analysis must consider worst-case orientation, all known option packages, and applicable site location(s).

For GOLD and PLATINUM level projects seeking ENERGY STAR for Homes Version 3 certification, all unit types in the building must be modeled (following current ESTAR V3 policy).

Mid-Rise projects and above:

Show Energy Compliance for mid/high-rise developments through a building level simulation using eQUEST software following ENERGY STAR Multifamily High-Rise policies and procedures and achieving ESTAR MFHR energy compliance targets.

Based on the results of the model/simulation, determine the project’s ability to meet program requirements. If not reaching program requirements, develop an energy improvement analysis to reach EarthCraft Multifamily program requirements identifying effective trade-offs for improving building performance within the model/simulation.

Note: For mid/high rise project using a building level simulation, EarthCraft will require the completion of an EarthCraft Quality Assurance Review. There will be a standard fee applied for the completion of this review. Contact EarthCraft for further details.

OR

Analysis of Prescriptive Energy Compliance based on desired certification tier and appropriate building type.

CERTIFIED level projects will follow the EarthCraft Multifamily prescriptive path while GOLD and PLATINUM projects must comply with the appropriate ENERGY STAR prescriptive path (ENERGY STAR for Homes V3 or ENERGY STAR Multifamily High-Rise).

Note: Enrollment in and participation in the EarthCraft Multifamily program does not ensure compliance or imply certification under an ENERGY STAR program.

Energy Modeler Responsibilities

The Energy Modeler will follow all EarthCraft requirements related to unit level or whole building simulation energy models. The responsibilities of the Energy Modeler will include each of the following elements as applicable to the low-rise or mid-rise EarthCraft Multifamily program. 

1. The Energy Modeler will review and sign required EarthCraft MF affidavits related to energy modeling requirements. This will inform the Energy Modeler of the current EarthCraft Multifamily requirements and will detail all responsibilities of the consultant. The affidavits will be posted online at www.earthcraft.org/multifamily within the resources page. 
2. Develop an energy model in accordance with all EarthCraft Multifamily standards at the time of project registration. EarthCraft staff can provide appropriate details related to such standards relative to the date the project registered. The modeler may also review the Project Eligibility section of the EarthCraft Multifamily Manual and the High Performance Building section of the EarthCraft Multifamily Technical Guidelines for full details of the required modeling process. 
   1. For low-rise projects: 
      1. If tracking the CERTIFIED level, create a unit level model for the qualifying worst case unit(s) in the project. 
      2. If tracking GOLD or PLATINUM, create a unit level model for all unit type(s) within the project and follow all ENERGY STAR for Homes V3 rating requirements. OR 
   2. For mid-rise projects and above: o Create a building simulation model using eQUEST software in accordance with the current version of the ENERGY STAR Multifamily High Rise Program Simulation Guidelines. 
3. Develop an energy model report that fully details all components of the model/simulation. At minimum, the report should include the following: 
   1. For low-rise projects include: 
      1. The EarthCraft Low-Rise specification sheet specifying the energy model inputs to be verified in the field. OR 
   2. For mid-rise projects and above: 
      1. Complete the EarthCraft Mid-Rise specification sheet specifying the building simulation inputs to be verified in the field. 
      2. Complete the full ENERGY STAR Performance Path Calculator excel workbook must be submitted. If the project is pursuing the GOLD and PLATINUM tier full compliance with the ENERGY STAR Multifamily High Rise program is required. AND 
      3. Develop the model: 
         1. You will be need to submit the preliminary eQUEST files (the two .pd2 and the two .inp files for the baseline and the proposed building). For all projects: If the outcome of the energy model passes EarthCraft efficiency standards the report should detail all building components which the EarthCraft Technical Advisor must verify in the field. If the energy model does not reach EarthCraft efficiency standards the report should identify potential energy efficiency upgrades to achieve the required efficiency goals. 
4. When there is a change in the building components at any point during the project’s design or construction, the Energy Modeler is required to make the following updates: 
   1. Update all energy models/simulations to reflect the changed or proposed specification changes. AND 
   2. Update all reports to reflect the changes in the model and detail the changes to the efficiency of the unit/building design. AND 
   3. When there are proposed change(s) to the building specifications, the Energy Modeler will report any simulation results that have either a positive or negative impact on the performance of the building related to the efficiency goals of the EarthCraft program. At minimum, the design team, EarthCraft, and the EarthCraft Technical Advisor must be notified of such changes. AND 
   4. Using information gathered by the EarthCraft Technical Advisor, update the simulation and/or verify compliance with As Built construction. Verification must include:
      1. Efficiency ratings of HVAC 
      2. Efficiency of major appliances (any included in the simulation report) 
      3. Efficiency of service water heating/DHW systems 
      4. Verification of all building envelope components 
      5. Verification of ventilation design 
5. Upon completion of the project the energy modeler must turn in the following items to EarthCraft for the Quality Assurance Review: 
   1. For low-rise projects include: 
      1. The field verified REM Rate file(s) and/or REM Reports detailing the field verified model for each modeled dwelling unit. OR
   2. For mid-rise projects include: 
      1. The EarthCraft Mid-Rise specification sheet specifying the building simulation inputs to be verified in the field. 
      2. The full ENERGY STAR Performance Path Calculator excel workbook must be submitted. If the project is pursuing the GOLD and PLATINUM tier full compliance with the ENERGY STAR Multifamily High Rise program is required. AND 
      3. Provide files for: 
         1. The preliminary eQUEST files (the two .pd2 and the two .inp files for the baseline and the proposed building).

Multifamily Developer Responsibilities

Provide EarthCraft Technical Advisor with any updates to the design information that was provided for the design review so that those updates may be accurately represented in the energy model as appropriate.

General Contractor Responsibilities

No responsibilities at this step in the process.