BUILDING ENERGY MODELING FOR OWNERS AND MANAGERS

This guide by RMI provides building owners and managers with a framework for specifying and procuring building energy modeling (BEM) services for new construction, renovations, and operational improvements. It details the benefits of BEM, the different purposes for modeling (comparison, compliance, and prediction), the role of the modeler, and the contracting process, including a sample Request for Proposal (RFP).

• Building Energy Modeling (BEM) uses computer-based simulation software to analyze a building's energy use and systems, providing an approximate representation of the building through mathematical models based on thermodynamics and building science.
• BEM offers three primary categories of value: reducing first costs by right-sizing equipment and simplifying systems; reducing operating costs through the comparison of design and control options; and improving occupant satisfaction by providing quantitative indicators for better ventilation, daylight, and thermal comfort.
• The purpose of a BEM effort generally falls into three categories: comparison (evaluating design options to balance costs and performance), compliance (checking designs against baseline models for codes or certifications like LEED), and prediction (using calibrated models to reflect actual energy use and identify operational deficiencies).
• To maximize value, BEM should be integrated early in the design process when the building is still flexible. RMI recommends a specific sequence of steps: defining needs, identifying measures, reducing loads, selecting technology, planning layouts, optimizing operation, seeking synergies, and finally exploring alternative power.
• BEM service costs vary by project size and complexity; base services for design assistance and LEED BD+C typically range from $20,000 to $50,000. In one case study of the Fallon Federal Building, a $35,000 modeling fee contributed to annual cost savings of approximately $635,000.
• Performance-based design solutions using whole-building modeling can achieve significantly higher LEED points and energy savings than prescriptive approaches. For example, the Bethke Elementary School achieved 41.9% energy cost savings and 9 Optimized Energy Performance points using a performance-based approach.
• The choice of contract can influence the achievement of performance goals. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), Construction Management at Risk (CMAR), and design-build contracts that specify performance requirements are considered most conducive to meeting outcome-based goals.
• Owners can hire modeling firms directly to reduce conflicts of interest and maintain better control over the model as intellectual property, although this requires more owner administration compared to hiring a modeler through an architect or mechanical engineer.
• Qualified energy modelers should be credentialed based on core knowledge, tool experience, and project experience. Recommended certifications include ASHRAE BEMP or AEE BESA.

APA

Franconi, E., Tupper, K., Herrschaft, B., Schiller, C., & Hutchinson, R. (2013). BUILDING ENERGY MODELING FOR OWNERS AND MANAGERS. RMI. https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2017/05/RMI_Document_Repository_Public-Reprts_2013-17_BUILDINGENERGYMODELINGFOROWNERSANDMANAGERS.pdf

Chicago

Franconi, Ellen, Kendra Tupper, Blake Herrschaft, Craig Schiller, and Robert Hutchinson. BUILDING ENERGY MODELING FOR OWNERS AND MANAGERS. RMI, 2013. https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2017/05/RMI_Document_Repository_Public-Reprts_2013-17_BUILDINGENERGYMODELINGFOROWNERSANDMANAGERS.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Franconi |first1=Ellen |last2=Tupper |first2=Kendra |last3=Herrschaft |first3=Blake |last4=Schiller |first4=Craig |last5=Hutchinson |first5=Robert |title=BUILDING ENERGY MODELING FOR OWNERS AND MANAGERS |publisher=RMI |date=30 August 2013 |url=https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2017/05/RMI_Document_Repository_Public-Reprts_2013-17_BUILDINGENERGYMODELINGFOROWNERSANDMANAGERS.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{franconi2013building, author = {Franconi, Ellen and Tupper, Kendra and Herrschaft, Blake and Schiller, Craig and Hutchinson, Robert}, title = {{BUILDING ENERGY MODELING FOR OWNERS AND MANAGERS}}, institution = {RMI}, year = {2013}, month = aug, url = {https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2017/05/RMI_Document_Repository_Public-Reprts_2013-17_BUILDINGENERGYMODELINGFOROWNERSANDMANAGERS.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }