Building Simulations | Understanding Your Building's Energy Profile

Informative DocumentBuilding SimulationsUnderstanding your building‟s energy profile. This shorte-book describes what a building simulation is, its benefitsand available energy incentives in Ontario.July 2011

Introduction energy-wastage associated withBuildings are among the largest end human behaviours.users of energy. Whether commercial,industrial, or residential, buildings are With rising pressure fromresponsible for approximately 40%1 of stakeholders to implementthe world‟s greenhouse gas emissions sustainable practices, a first stepand according to the World Business towards better energy managementCouncil of Sustainable Development is to evaluate the energy efficiency(WBCSD), buildings account for 25- of a building‟s operation. Assessing40% of energy demand2. With many a building‟s design reveals areas oforganizations spanning multiple unnecessary energy consumptionfacilities, lowering energy costs and and points to ways to improveemissions is of increasing concern. overall inefficiency.Many newly-constructed buildingsconsume more energy than isnecessary, and millions of todaysinefficient buildings will remain 1.“Financial Times Reports”. Efforts increase to improve sustainability. Financial Times, 3rd November 2009,standing far into the future. This over- http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e3273d66-305f-11de-88e3- 00144feabdc0.htmlconsumption is attributable to poor 2. “Energy Efficiency in Buildings”. Transforming the market. World Business Council for Sustainable Development, 5th November 2009,design, inadequate technology, and http://www.wbcsd.org/DocRoot/E1erYPqD60xOaOlAdV5V/91719_EEBR eport_WEB.pdf

What is a building simulation?A building simulation is amathematical model developedusing standard software thatreproduces actual buildingconstruction and equipment details.In providing an exact reproduction ofa building‟s design, a simulationdemonstrates patterns of energyconsumption by end use (heating,cooling, and equipment), compares Building Code, Model Nationalthe building to standard building Building Code, ASHRAE or anycodes, and predicts how a building other local code and is used in thewill perform under different design and construction of new orconditions. retrofitted buildings.A building simulation will identify if abuilding has complied with standardbuilding codes, such as the Ontario

Regulations in the industryOntario Building Code † Energy Code for Buildings . ThisSince 1976, the Ontario Building 2006 code included over 700Code has set the minimum standard technical changes from thefor the design and construction of all previous. Example of some changesnew buildings and for additions, included:alterations and change of use ofexisting buildings in the Province of  Insulation levels of ceilingsOntario. increased by 29%.  Insulation levels of basementThe purpose of the Code is to set walls increased by 50%.minimum standards for construction tominimize the risks of the health and  Window energy efficiencysafety of occupants of a building, to increased by 67%.provide barrier-free accessibility into a  All gas and propane-firedbuilding and standards for energy furnaces have to have a high-efficiency. efficiency rating.In 2006 the Ontario Building Code † The MNECB, by considering climate, fuel types and costs, and regional construction costs, establishes minimum standards thatadded a section regarding energy, can be adopted as regulations by the appropriate provincial or territorial authorities or simply used as sound energymaking it 25% better than the minimum conservation practice in construction by both industry andrequirements of the Model National corporations. The Code applies to new construction or additions, but not to alterations or renovations of existing buildings (unless they are so extensive that they amount to new construction).

Managing challenges  Developing common goals andToday, many organizations face objectives for the developmentmultiple challenges when constructing or retrofit.or retrofitting buildings in Ontario.  Reviewing all energy efficiencyExample of these challenges are: scenarios prior to capital spending. Ensuring buildings are built or retrofitted according to the Ontario  Evaluating all energy incentive Building Code. opportunities prior to commencement of project. Managing all aspects (architects, mechanical and electrical engineers) of the building‟s design. To overcome these challenges complete an assessment of the building‟s design. This assessment will identify consumption patterns, compare building metrics to industry code and help manage the design team‟s objectives.

Why complete a building simulation?  Access to simulations forIntegral to developing optimal future projects.building retrofit plans, a building  Enhanced reputation withinsimulation is used to identify and the community.evaluate potential energy-savingopportunities in building operationsand technologies, and to provide a Improving the energy efficiency ofprecise accounting of associated building operations minimizescosts and projected savings. energy usage, reduces emissions, and establishes organizations as leaders in green businessFurther benefits of conducting practices and corporatesimulations include: responsibility. Effective decision making prior to capital spending. Greater precision in budgeting. Best possible use of incentive funding.

There are variousenergy incentiveprograms availableacross Ontario tohelp offset the costsof designing anenergy efficientbuilding.

Types of energy incentives in OntarioThere are three major providers of incentives for building designs. Thefollowing pages will describe each program, its requirements, incentivevalue and benefits.1. Enbridge − Design Advisory Program − New Building Construction Program − Business Partner Implementation Support3. Ontario Power Authority − High Performance New Construction ProgramNote: City of Toronto - Better Buildings Partnership (BBP) assists buildingowners and developers access Ontario Power Authority‟s HighPerformance New Construction (HPNC) program.

EnbridgeDesign Advisory ProgramEncourages design activities aimed at improving a building‟s energy andenvironmental performance whether it is a new building, an addition to an existingbuilding or a major renovation.Requirements Incentive BenefitsThe DAP incentive must be used to develop a building simulation Fixed $3000 • Quantify benefits andmodel supporting a variety of activities that can lead to better, more costs of alternativeenergy efficient buildings: designs • Find the most cost-• Employing an Enbridge pre-approved DAP adviser to assist in effective design the design process solutions.• Developing energy simulation models using EE4, Equest or • Understand the DOE-2 software relationship between• Undertaking an environmental performance assessment using building systems. either LEED™ or Green Globes™ • Establish correct• Examining and evaluating design alternatives to improve equipment sizing to energy and/or environmental performance reduce capital costs• Following an integrated design process • Achieve ongoing energy savingsTo qualify for DAP incentive a project must be: without sacrificing• A new structure; OR other performance• A new addition to an existing structure; OR objectives• A renovation that upgrades the structure to meet MNECB • Improve building Mandatory Provisions environmental• The project must conform to Part 3 of the Ontario Building performance and Code (OBC) 2006 and be intended for commercial, institutional comfort or multi-unit residential occupancy • Enhance your building‟sProject must be located within the Enbridge Gas Distribution marketabilityfranchise territory

EnbridgeNew Building Construction ProgramThe NBCP is an two step incentive for energy savings that will result from addingnatural gas efficiency measures to a new building design.Requirements Incentive BenefitsTo qualify for NBCP incentive a project must be: $0.10 m3 of Building in energy• A new structure; OR projected efficiency ensures• A new addition to an existing structure; OR annual ongoing benefits:• A renovation that upgrades the structure to meet MNECB natural gas • Energy savings Mandatory Provisions savings to • Environmental• The project must conform to Part 3 of the Ontario Building maximum performance Code (OBC) 2006 and be intended for commercial, of $30,000 • Comfort institutional or multi-unit residential occupancy • Improved marketabilityProject must be located within the Enbridge Gas Distributionfranchise territory.Project savings must come from the design of a more energyefficient building and building systems and cannot be theresult of fuel substitution.Applicant must be an owner or developer of a project.All projects must have a simple payback of 1 year or greaterand a positive total resource cost (TRC) to qualify for anincentive, unless otherwise approved. Projects with simplepaybacks of up to 8 years typically have positive TRC

EnbridgeBusiness Partner Implementation SupportThis incentive is designed to help support design decision makers in encouragingbuilding owners to implement energy efficient design. It is intended to help offsetthe administrative cost of assessing and reporting the energy efficient designalternatives included a new building.Requirements Incentive BenefitsOnly eligible if your are applying for the New Building Fixed Helps offsets the costsConstruction Program. $2000 of hiring a professional design teamRecipient of incentive (business partner) is identified on theNBCP application.Only paid when the NBCP Request for Payment is completedand accepted by Enbridge.Enbridge pre-approval required

Ontario Power AuthorityHigh Performance New Construction ProgramThe high performance new construction program supports up to 100% of the costof modelling a building (up to $10,000) for the building owner.Requirements Incentive BenefitsEligible construction includes new: Prescriptive • IncentivesOffice buildings, industrial buildings, retail spaces, multi-unit • Up to $250 for every that offsetresidential buildings, affordable housing complexes, verified kilowatt saved and the cost ofcolleges, universities, schools, hospitals, long-term care up to $60 per appliance energyfacilities, agricultural buildings, hotels and motels. efficiencyAgricultural building projects are also encouraged to apply Custom measures • Up to 25% above code - • LowerLocated in Ontario (excluding 416 area code), conform to $250 for every kilowatt long-termPart 3 of the Ontario Building Code (OBC), and be intended saved operatingfor commercial, institutional, industrial or multi-unit • 25.5-50% above code - costsresidential occupancy. $300 for every kilowatt • Improved saved marketabiliTwo types: • Greater than 50% - $400 ty1. Prescriptive: Incentives are based on standard for every kilowatt saved • Occupant efficiency measures calculated using worksheets • Minimum of $5000 in comfort for Lighting, Motors, Unitary A/C, Agribusiness, and incentives • Offsets the Alternative measures for Space Cooling and Multi- cost of Residential In-Suite Appliances. Design decision-makers hiring a2. Custom: Incentives are based on assumed energy and (Architects, Engineers, profession demand savings from modelling software results, used Consultants, etc.): al design to determine the best energy-efficiency measures to Greater than 25% above code: team incorporate in a new building or major renovation. $50 for every verified kilowatt saved. Greater that 50% above Code: $100 for every verified kilowatt saved.

Summary of incentivesIncentive Incentive Financials DetailsEnbridgeDesign Advisory Program Fixed $3000 Offsets cost of hiring a pre- approved DAP advisorNew Building Construction $0.10 m3 of projected annual Must implement natural gasProgram natural gas savings to maximum energy efficiency measures of $30,000Business Partner Fixed $2000 Paid to business partner to offsetImplementation Support administration costsOntario Power AuthorityHigh Performance New Prescriptive - $250 per verified Buildings to be located inConstruction Program kW saved Ontario, excluding the 416 area code Custom - $250 to $400 per verified kW saved 100% cost of modelling helps offsets the costs of hiring a 100% cost of modelling, up to professional design team $10,000

Excellence in energy managementWith over 15 years in the industry, Energy Advantage has completedover 150 building simulations. We have saved over $3,000,000 in annualcombined cost-savings and have secured over $2,000,000 in incentivefunding for our clients. Below are two case studies of our work.Hudson’s Bay Company Sobeys Capital Inc.Helped write general building Completed 34 simulations and provedspecifications for future Hbc stores, annual savings of $1,600,000 with anincluding stores to be 25% better than incentive of $1,100,000 from NRCan.the MNECB. This specification wasimplemented before the changes in Evaluated the design and2006 to the Ontario Building Code. specifications of Sobeys‟ buildings by using a design charette andCompleted simulations of stores conducting eQUEST simulations toacross Canada to evaluate the 25% identify and assess potential energybenchmark in different climatic savings opportunities in its building‟sregions. operations and technologies.Completed 15 simulations and proved All future new construction for Sobeys‟annual savings of $640,000 with an store designs must meet the 25%incentive of $482,000 from NRCan. benchmark (Ontario Building Code).

Burlington, ON Montreal, QC Vancouver, BC www.energyadvantage.com5420 N. Service Road 276 Rue Saint-Jacques 422 Richards St. contactus@energyadvantage.comSuite 501 Bureau 802 Suite 300 www.energyadvantage.com/blogPhone: (905) 319 1717 Phone: (514) 843 4665 Phone: (877) 702 3992Charlotte, NC Monterrey, Mexico New Delhi, India15720 John J Delaney Dr. Apartado Postal Nro 52. Sucursal B Newbridge Business Centre All rights reserved.Suite 300 Colonia Jardines del Campestre 1st & 2nd Floor, Tower B © Energy Advantage Inc.Phone: (800) 354 1266 San Pedro Garza Garcia INOX Tower, Plot No. 17 Phone: +52 (181) 1066 8108 Sector 16A, Noida 201301 Phone: +91 9810387133Energy Advantage Inc. provides total energy and environmental management solutions to our customers‟ sustainability challenges, delivering them „bestresults‟ in managing their risk, reducing their costs, and enhancing their reputation within the markets and communities they serve.

Building Simulations | Understanding Your Building's Energy Profile

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