BUILDING ENERGY MODELING FOR OWNERS AND MANAGERS

The document outlines the value of Building Energy Modeling (BEM) in reducing first and operating costs while improving occupant satisfaction. It details the different purposes of BEM—comparison, compliance, and prediction—and provides a structured approach to the modeling process, software tools, and the contracting process, including a sample Request for Proposal (RFP).

• Building Energy Modeling (BEM) provides value by reducing first costs through the right-sizing of equipment and simplification of systems, reducing annual operating costs via the comparison of design and control options, and improving occupant satisfaction by quantifying indicators for thermal and visual comfort.
• BEM serves three primary purposes: comparison (evaluating design concepts and efficiency options), compliance (demonstrating adherence to energy codes or green building certifications like LEED), and prediction (using calibrated models to reflect actual energy use and identify operational deficiencies).
• The most effective BEM implementation follows a specific sequence termed "the right steps in the right order," which prioritizes reducing energy at the building end use first to maximize savings before selecting technology, planning layouts, or adding renewable energy systems.
• Base modeling services for design assistance and LEED BD+C typically cost between $20,000 and $50,000, though costs vary based on project complexity, size, and performance targets.
• Performance-based design solutions using whole-building modeling generally allow projects to earn significantly more certification points (e.g., 1–18 points in LEED 4 EAc2) compared to prescriptive design checklists (1–6 points).
• Contract types that specify outcome-based goals, such as Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), Construction Management at Risk (CMAR), or design-build contracts with performance requirements, are most conducive to achieving high-performance energy goals.
• When selecting a modeling service provider, owners should evaluate credentials including professional certifications such as ASHRAE BEMP or AEE BESA, as well as specific experience with the relevant software tools and building types.

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} }