Technical Report

NREL/TP-550-46100

September 2009

General Merchandise 50% 

Energy Savings 

Technical Support Document

Elaine Hale, Matthew Leach, Adam Hirsch, and

Paul Torcellini
National Renewable Energy Laboratory

1617 Cole Boulevard, Golden, Colorado 80401-3393

303-275-3000 • www.nrel.gov

NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy

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Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC

Contract No. DE-AC36-08-GO28308

Technical Report

NREL/TP-550-46100

September 2009

General Merchandise 50% 

Energy Savings 

Technical Support Document

Elaine Hale, Matthew Leach, Adam Hirsch, and

Paul Torcellini

Prepared under Task No. BEC71203
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i 

Acknowledgments 

The authors would like to thank the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Building 

Technologies and Drury Crawley, Technology Development Manager for Commercial 

Buildings. This document was prepared by the Commercial Buildings Group of the NREL 

Electricity, Resources, and Building Systems Integration Center as Deliverable 09-3.1.1 under 

Task BEC7.1203 in the Commercial Building Statement of Work. 

We are indebted to a number of retailers and building industry professionals for taking the time 

to review our analysis assumptions and earlier versions of this report. Jim Kirk of A&P Grocery 

Stores, Kathy Loftus of Whole Foods, and Scott Williams of Target, all members of the Retailer 

Energy Alliance, commented on our prototype and energy design measure (EDM) model 

assumptions based on their companies’ experiences and standard practices. Don Zerrip, Ben 

Butler, and H. J. Enck of CxGBS; Tim A. Speller of Speller Energy Consulting; and Thomas H. 

Phoenix of Moser Mayer Phoenix Associates reviewed an earlier draft of this report.

We extend our thanks to our colleagues Larry Brackney and Kristin Field for conducting formal 

internal reviews of this document, and to Stefanie Woodward for editing assistance. 

Several other National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) colleagues provided valuable 

guidance and information during the modeling process, either directly or through their past work. 

Ian Doebber and Michael Deru contributed insights gained through their work with grocery store 

owners and retailers. Jennifer Scheib and Rob Guglielmetti provided electric lighting and 

daylighting EDM data. We would also like to thank Don Shirey of the Florida Solar Energy 

Commission, and Hugh Henderson of CDH Energy Corporation for responding to several 

specific questions; and Merle McBride acting on behalf of the ASHRAE Standard 90.1 Envelope 

Subcommittee for providing recent cost data for mass wall constructions. 

Tens of thousands of EnergyPlus simulations were run for this report. This would not have been 

possible without the support of the NREL High Performance Computing Center managed by 

Wesley Jones and Jim Albin. 

Finally, a number of our colleagues in the Commercial Buildings Group helped set up and run 

our analysis and results extraction routines. We would especially like to thank Dan Macumber, 

Nicholas Long, Eric Bonnema, and Kyle Benne for programming assistance; and Brent Griffith, 

Dan Macumber, Kyle Benne, Michael Deru, and Ian Doebber for sharing their computing 

resources.
ii

Executive Summary

This Technical Support Document (TSD) was developed by the Commercial Buildings Group at 

NREL, under the direction of the DOE Building Technologies Program. It documents technical 

analysis and design guidance for general merchandise stores to achieve whole-building energy 

savings of at least 50% over ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004 and represents a step toward 

determining how to provide design guidance for aggressive energy savings targets. 

This report: 

• Documents the modeling and integrated analysis methods used to identify cost-effective 

sets of recommendations for different locations. 

• Demonstrates sets of recommendations that meet or exceed the 50% goal. There are 16

sets of recommendations, one for each climate zone location.

• Establishes methodology for providing a family of solutions, as opposed to a single 

solution, that meet the 50% goal as a means of exploring the relative importance of 

specific design strategies.

• Demonstrates the energy efficiency, and, to a lesser extent, cost implications, of using 

ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 instead of Standard 90.1-2004. 

• Explores the effect of floor area on energy use intensity in baseline and low-energy 

models. 

This report, along with a sister document for grocery stores (Leach et al. 2009), also evaluates 

the possibility of compiling a 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide (AEDG) in the tradition of 

the 30% AEDGs available through the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and AirConditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and developed by an interorganizational committee 

structure.

Methodology

To account for energy interactions between building subsystems, we used EnergyPlus to model 

the predicted energy performance of baseline and low-energy buildings to verify that 50% 

energy savings can be achieved. EnergyPlus computes building energy use based on the 

interactions between climate, building form and fabric, internal gains, HVAC systems, and 

renewable energy systems. Percent energy savings are based on a minimally code-compliant 

building as described in Appendix G of ASHRAE 90.1-2004, and whole-building, net site energy 

use intensity (EUI): the amount of energy a building uses for regulated and unregulated loads, 

minus any renewable energy generated within its footprint, normalized by building area.

The following steps were used to determine 50% savings: 

1. Define architectural-program characteristics (design features not addressed by ASHRAE 

90.1-2004) for typical general merchandise stores, thereby defining a prototype model. 

2. Create baseline energy models for each climate zone that are elaborations of the 

prototype models and are minimally compliant with ASHRAE 90.1-2004. 

3. Create a list of energy design measures (EDMs) that can be applied to the baseline 

models to create candidate low-energy models. 
iii

4. Use industry feedback to strengthen inputs for baseline energy models and EDMs. 

5. Simulate and select low-energy models for each climate zone that achieve 50% energy 

savings (or more). Give preference to those models that have low five-year total life 

cycle cost.

The simulations supporting this work were managed with the NREL commercial building energy 

analysis platform, Opt-E-Plus. Opt-E-Plus employs an iterative search technique to find EDM 

combinations that best balance percent energy savings with total life cycle cost for a given 

building in a given location. The primary advantages of the analysis platform are its abilities to: 

(1) transform high-level building parameters (building area, internal gains per zone, HVAC 

system configuration, etc.) into a fully parameterized input file for EnergyPlus; (2) conduct 

automated searches to optimize multiple criteria; and (3) manage distributed EnergyPlus 

simulations on the local CPU and a Linux cluster. In all, 118,231 EnergyPlus models were run. 

The economic criterion used to filter the recommendations is five-year total life cycle cost (using 

the January 2008 OMB real discount rate, 2.3%). The five-year analysis period was established 

in our statement of work and is assumed acceptable to a majority of developers and owners. 

The bulk of this report (Section 3.0) documents prototype building characteristics, baseline 

building model inputs, and modeling inputs for each EDM. The prototypes are 40,500 ft2

 (3,760 

m2

), one-story rectangular buildings with a 1.25 aspect ratio. We assume 1,000 ft2 (93 m2) of 

glazing on the façade, which gives a 22% window-to-wall ratio for that wall, and a 6% windowto-wall ratio for the whole building. The prototype buildings have masonry wall construction 

and a roof with all insulation above deck. HVAC equipment consists of 10-ton packaged rooftop 

units with natural gas furnaces for heating, and electric direct-expansion coils with air-cooled 

condensers for cooling. We examine two plug load levels, 0.29 W/ft2 (3.1 W/m2) and 1.32 W/ft2

(14.2 W/m2), the low and high plug load scenarios, respectively. The EDMs considered in this 

work fall into the following categories: 

• Lighting technologies. Reduced lighting power density, occupancy controls, and 

daylighting controls.

• Plug loads. Reduced nighttime loads. 

• Fenestration. Amounts and types of façade glazing and skylights; overhangs. 

• Envelope. Opaque envelope insulation, air barriers, and vestibules. 

• HVAC equipment. Higher efficiency equipment and fans, economizers, demand control 

ventilation (DCV), and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs). 

• Generation. Photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation. 

Findings

The results show that 50% net site energy savings can be achieved cost-effectively in general

merchandise stores. On-site generation technology (in this case, PV) was not necessary to meet 

the energy goal in any climate zone. Specific recommendations for achieving the 50% goal are 

tabulated for all climate zones. The following EDMs are recommended in all locations: 

• Reduce lighting power density by 47%, and install occupancy sensors in the active 

storage, mechanical room, restroom, and office zones.

• Add a vestibule to the front entrance to reduce infiltration.
iv

• Equip rooftop HVAC units with high efficiency fans.

• Install daylighting sensors tuned to a 46.5 fc (500 lux) set point. 

• Reduce south façade window-to-wall ratio by 50%. 

• Replace baseline exterior walls with better insulated constructions.

• Reduce plug loads to 10% of peak during off hours in high plug load stores. 

One EDM was not chosen for any location: 

• Shaded overhangs above the windows on the south façade. 

In general, EDM selection trends were as expected: 

• Skylights were selected in warm and hot climates where there is ample sunlight for 

daylighting. 

• High coefficient of performance (a 20% increase over baseline) HVAC rooftop units 

were selected in all but the cold and marine climates, which have low cooling loads. 

• Infiltration reduction measures (front entrance vestibule and envelope air barrier) were 

selected often, especially in humid and cold climates. 

• Economizers were generally forgone in favor of ERV because of the high availability of 

exhaust air. 

• ERV played an important role in achieving the energy savings goal, especially in humid 

and cold climates.

A comparison of baseline models that satisfy ASHRAE 90.1-2004 and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 

demonstrates that the newest standard does save energy, but at the expense of increased capital 

and lifetime costs (except in climate zone 8, where capital costs for the low-energy model are 

less than baseline).

Comparison of energy use intensities (EUIs) for the medium box (40,500 ft2

 [3,760 m2]) low 

plug load prototype to those for a big box (100,000 ft2 [9,290 m2]) low plug load prototype 

indicates that EUIs decrease with the surface area to volume ratio of the building. As this ratio 

decreases, the energy use associated with building envelope constructions have a reduced impact

on a per floor area basis. We also found it to be slightly easier to achieve 50% energy savings in 

the big box stores, as applying the same EDMs selected in the low-energy medium box models 

usually resulted in energy savings greater than 50%. The only exception to this was Los 

Angeles, California (climate zone 3B-CA), which achieved 44.4% energy savings. Of course, 

individual stores should look at total energy use, rather than EUI or energy savings, when 

comparing possible store sizes and configurations since total energy use is the true impact of any 

project.

A novel post-processing methodology designed to identify multiple designs that reach the energy 

savings goal while simultaneously answering questions like, “Is daylighting required to meet the 

goal?” was developed and applied to five climate zones and both plug load levels. It identified 

eight to ten additional designs per scenario, and demonstrated that ERV is required in Fairbanks, 

Alaska (climate zone 8), and HVAC improvements and ERV are required for the high plug load 
v

scenario in Miami, Florida (climate zone 1A), to reach the 50% energy savings goal (subject to 

the assumptions of this report). The successful designs are significantly different from each 

other in both composition and performance across several criteria of interest, including capital 

cost, lifetime cost, and maximum electricity demand. Perturbation information is also extracted 

and used to calculate the amount of PV required to replicate the energy savings associated with

the EDMs used in the original low-energy model. 

A number of modeling errors skewed the results of our original optimizations over the complete 

set of EDMs. The original results indicated that the low-energy models would require a larger 

initial capital investment than the corresponding baseline models and that in most of the climate 

zones they would not be able to save enough energy to offset those higher capital costs within 

the five-year analysis period. By correcting the modeling errors and performing abbreviated 

optimization runs to determine which of ERV, DCV, and PV should actually be included in each 

low-energy model, we were able to show that 50% energy savings can be achieved cost 

effectively. The corrected low-energy models all paid for themselves within the five-year 

analysis period, and only the climate zone 2A, high plug load scenario model showed increased 

capital costs over baseline. 

Although this TSD is fairly comprehensive and describes design packages that achieve the 50% 

energy savings goal cost effectively, future analyses may benefit from adopting some of the 

recommendations outlined in Section 5.0. For instance, EDMs we feel are deserving of

increased attention, but omitted because of modeling constraints, are: 

• Alternative HVAC systems such as ground source heat pumps, packaged variable air 

volume systems and radiant heating and cooling 

• Solar thermal technologies for service water heating and space conditioning 

• Direct and indirect evaporative cooling 

• Decreased pressure drop via improved duct design

• Advanced humidity control 
vi

Nomenclature

5-TLCC five-year total life cycle cost

AEDG Advanced Energy Design Guide 

AIA American Institute of Architects

ARI Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute 

ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and AirConditioning Engineers 

CBECS Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey 

CDD cooling degree day 

c.i. continuous insulation

CO2 carbon dioxide 

COP coefficient of performance

DEA Dedicated Exhaust Air

DOE U.S. Department of Energy 

DX direct expansion 

EA Exfiltrated Air

EER energy efficiency ratio

ERV energy recovery ventilator 

EUI energy use intensity

HDD heating degree day

HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

IECC International Energy Conservation Code 

IESNA Illuminating Engineering Society of North America

LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design 

LPD lighting power density 

NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory 

OA outside air

O&M operations and maintenance 

RTU rooftop unit 

PSZ A package single zone DX rooftop unit 

SHGC solar heat gain coefficient

5-TLCC total life cycle cost

TSD Technical Support Document 

USGBC U.S. Green Building Council 

VAV variable air volume

VLT visible light transmittance

w.c. water column

XML extensible markup language 
vii

Contents

Acknowledgments............................................................................................................................ i

Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ ii

Methodology ............................................................................................................................... ii

Findings ...................................................................................................................................... iii

Nomenclature ................................................................................................................................. vi

Contents ........................................................................................................................................ vii

Figures and Tables .......................................................................................................................... x

Figures ......................................................................................................................................... x

Tables ......................................................................................................................................... xi

1.0 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Objectives ......................................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Scope ................................................................................................................................ 2

1.3 Report Organization ......................................................................................................... 3

2.0 Methodology ........................................................................................................................ 4

2.1 Guiding Principles ............................................................................................................ 4

2.2 Definitions ........................................................................................................................ 4

2.2.1 Energy Use ................................................................................................................... 5

2.2.2 Percent Energy Savings ................................................................................................ 5

2.2.3 ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Baseline ...................................................................................... 5

2.3 Building Energy Modeling Methodology ........................................................................ 6

2.3.1 EnergyPlus .................................................................................................................... 6

2.3.2 Climate Zones ............................................................................................................... 6

2.4 Integrated Design Methodology ....................................................................................... 8

2.4.1 Initialization .................................................................................................................. 8

2.4.2 Execution ...................................................................................................................... 9

2.5 Post-Processing Methodology .......................................................................................... 9

2.5.1 Basic ............................................................................................................................. 9

2.5.2 Finding Families of Solutions..................................................................................... 10

2.6 External Review Process and Results ............................................................................ 10

3.0 Model Development and Assumptions .............................................................................. 12

3.1 Analysis Assumptions .................................................................................................... 12
viii

3.1.1 Integrity of Simulation Models................................................................................... 12

3.1.2 Economics .................................................................................................................. 12

3.2 Prototype Model ............................................................................................................. 16

3.2.1 Program ...................................................................................................................... 16

3.2.2 Form............................................................................................................................ 23

3.2.3 Fabric .......................................................................................................................... 26

3.2.4 Equipment ................................................................................................................... 26

3.2.5 Prototype Model Summary ......................................................................................... 29

3.3 Baseline Model ............................................................................................................... 32

3.3.1 Program ...................................................................................................................... 32

3.3.2 Form............................................................................................................................ 32

3.3.3 Fabric .......................................................................................................................... 33

3.3.4 Equipment ................................................................................................................... 38

3.4 Energy Design Measures ................................................................................................ 42

3.4.1 Form............................................................................................................................ 43

3.4.2 Fabric .......................................................................................................................... 43

3.4.3 Equipment ................................................................................................................... 47

4.0 Results ................................................................................................................................ 55

4.1 Baseline Models ............................................................................................................. 55

4.1.1 ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Baseline Models: Performance................................................. 56

4.1.2 ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Baseline Models: Performance................................................. 58

4.1.3 Comparison to CBECS ............................................................................................... 63

4.1.4 Discussion ................................................................................................................... 66

4.2 Selected Low-Energy Models ........................................................................................ 66

4.2.1 Description.................................................................................................................. 66

4.2.2 Performance ................................................................................................................ 75

4.2.3 Discussion ................................................................................................................... 83

4.3 Big Box Stores ............................................................................................................... 85

4.3.1 Baseline Model Performance ...................................................................................... 85

4.3.2 Selected Low-Energy Models .................................................................................... 86

4.4 Alternative Low-Energy Models .................................................................................... 90

4.4.1 Results ........................................................................................................................ 91

4.4.2 Discussion ................................................................................................................... 96
ix

4.5 Addressing Known Issues .............................................................................................. 96

5.0 Suggestions for Future Work ............................................................................................. 98

5.1.1 Problem Formulation .................................................................................................. 98

5.1.2 Economic Data ........................................................................................................... 99

5.1.3 Energy Modeling ........................................................................................................ 99

5.1.4 Search Algorithms .................................................................................................... 101

5.1.5 Advanced Energy Design Guide Format .................................................................. 101

6.0 Conclusions ...................................................................................................................... 102

7.0 References ........................................................................................................................ 104

Appendix A. Space Types and ASHRAE Standards .............................................................. 107

Appendix B. Baseline Schedules ............................................................................................ 108

B.1 Occupancy .................................................................................................................... 108

B.2 Lighting ........................................................................................................................ 109

B.3 Plug and Process Loads ................................................................................................ 110

B.4 Infiltration and HVAC ................................................................................................. 111

B.5 Thermostat Set Points................................................................................................... 113

B.6 Service Water Heating ................................................................................................. 115

Appendix C. Metric Unit Tables ............................................................................................ 116

Appendix D. Energy Use Data by End Use ............................................................................ 122

Appendix E. Alternative Low-Energy Model and Sensitivity Analysis Results.................... 128

E.1 Climate Zone 1A (Miami, Florida) .............................................................................. 128

E.2 Climate Zone 3B-NV (Las Vegas, Nevada) ................................................................. 134

E.3 Climate Zone 4C (Seattle, Washington) ...................................................................... 140

E.4 Climate Zone 5A (Chicago, Illinois) ............................................................................ 146

E.5 Climate Zone 8 (Fairbanks, Alaska) ............................................................................ 152

Appendix F. Corrected Results from Abbreviated Optimization ........................................... 158

Appendix G. General Merchandise and Grocery Store Technical Support Documents: 

Summary and Information Request ............................................................................................ 164
x

Figures and Tables 

Figures

Figure 2-1 DOE climate zones and representative cities............................................................................. 7

Figure 2-2 Example Opt-E-Plus output: climate zone 1A (Miami, Florida), high plug load scenario ........ 8

Figure 2-3 Example Opt-E-Plus output with PV post-processing: climate zone 3B (Las Vegas, 

Nevada), high plug load scenario ........................................................................................ 10

Figure 3-1 Area-weighted histogram of post-1970 medium box store open hours lighting percentage.... 21

Figure 3-2 Area-weighted histogram of post-1970 medium box store closed hours lighting percentage . 21

Figure 3-3 Area-weighted histograms of post-1970 medium box store shape characteristics.................... 24

Figure 3-4 Area-weighted histograms of post-1970 medium box store fenestration amounts.................. 25

Figure 3-5 Area-weighted histograms of post-1970 medium box store sunlight management ................. 25

Figure 3-6 Area-weighted histograms of post-1970 medium box store construction types ...................... 26

Figure 3-7 Area-weighted histograms of post-1970 medium box store heating and cooling equipment .. 27

Figure 3-8 Area-weighted histograms of post-1970 medium box store main heating source ................... 28

Figure 3-9 Area-weighted histograms of post-1970 medium box store service water heating 

characteristics...................................................................................................................... 29

Figure 3-10 General merchandise store prototype model floor plan ......................................................... 31

Figure 3-11 General merchandise store baseline model rendering: View from southwest....................... 33

Figure 3-12 Building flow balance diagram .............................................................................................. 37

Figure 3-13 Potential daylight sources for each zone ................................................................................ 47

Figure 4-1 EUI comparison for baseline and CBECS survey buildings.................................................... 64

Figure 4-2 Electricity use intensity comparison for baseline and CBECS survey buildings..................... 65

Figure 4-3 Natural gas intensity comparison for baseline and CBECS survey buildings.......................... 65

Figure 4-4 Energy intensity by end use for baseline and selected low-energy models in humid 

climates................................................................................................................................ 78

Figure 4-5 Energy intensity by end use for baseline and selected low-energy models in arid climates.... 79

Figure 4-6 Energy intensity by end use for baseline and selected low-energy models in marine and 

cold climates........................................................................................................................ 80

Figure 4-7 EUI comparison of the low plug load medium and big box baseline models, and CBECS 

survey results....................................................................................................................... 86

Figure 4-8 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the high plug load Miami, 

Florida store......................................................................................................................... 92

Figure 5-1 Key Pareto curve features to provide absolute EUI targets...................................................... 98

Figure E-1 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the low plug load Miami, 

Florida store....................................................................................................................... 128
xi

Figure E-2 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the high plug load Miami, 

Florida store....................................................................................................................... 131

Figure E-3 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the low plug load Las 

Vegas, Nevada store. ......................................................................................................... 134

Figure E-4 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the high plug load Las 

Vegas, Nevada store. ......................................................................................................... 137

Figure E-5 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the low plug load Seattle, 

Washington store............................................................................................................... 140

Figure E-6 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the high plug load Seattle, 

Washington store............................................................................................................... 143

Figure E-7 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the low plug load 

Chicago, Illinois store........................................................................................................ 146

Figure E-8 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the high plug load 

Chicago, Illinois store........................................................................................................ 149

Figure E-9 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the low plug load 

Fairbanks, Alaska store. .................................................................................................... 152

Figure E-10 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the high plug load 

Fairbanks, Alaska store. .................................................................................................... 155

Figure G-1 Grocery prototype floor plan................................................................................................. 167

Figure G-2 General merchandise prototype floor plan ............................................................................ 168

Tables

Table 3-1 Economic Parameter Values...................................................................................................... 13

Table 3-2 Electricity Tariff........................................................................................................................ 14

Table 3-3 National Average Natural Gas Tariff and Source Data in $/MCF ............................................ 15

Table 3-4 Medium Box Space Types and Sizes......................................................................................... 17

Table 3-5 Occupancy Density Mapping and Peak Values......................................................................... 18

Table 3-6 Peak Plug Loads........................................................................................................................ 19

Table 3-7 Occupancy Schedule, in Fraction of Peak Occupancy .............................................................. 20

Table 3-8 Lighting Schedule, in Fraction of Peak Lighting Density ......................................................... 22

Table 3-9 Prototype Plug Equipment Schedule, in Fraction of Peak Load................................................ 23

Table 3-10 General Merchandise Prototype Model Characteristics and Data Sources ............................. 30

Table 3-11 Space Type Floor Areas and Peak Plug Loads in the Medium Box General Merchandise 

Store Prototype Models....................................................................................................... 31

Table 3-12 Selected Baseline Modeling Assumptions............................................................................... 32

Table 3-13 Baseline Exterior Wall Constructions ..................................................................................... 34

Table 3-14 Baseline Roof Constructions................................................................................................... 34

Table 3-15 Baseline Window Constructions ............................................................................................. 35
xii

Table 3-16 Baseline Skylight Constructions.............................................................................................. 36

Table 3-17 Pressures Acting on Exterior Walls During Operating Hours................................................. 37

Table 3-18 Pressures Acting on Exterior Walls During Non-operating Hours.......................................... 37

Table 3-19 Baseline Lighting and Occupancy Loads by Space Type........................................................ 38

Table 3-20 Baseline Minimum Ventilation Rates...................................................................................... 39

Table 3-21 Baseline Fan System Total Pressure Drops............................................................................. 41

Table 3-22 Baseline HVAC Models Summary.......................................................................................... 42

Table 3-23 Exterior Wall EDMs................................................................................................................ 45

Table 3-24 Roof EDMs.............................................................................................................................. 45

Table 3-25 South Fenestration Construction EDMs.................................................................................. 46

Table 3-26 Skylight Fenestration Construction EDMs.............................................................................. 46

Table 3-27 Lighting Power Density EDMs ............................................................................................... 49

Table 3-28 EDM Plug Equipment Schedule.............................................................................................. 50

Table 3-29 HVAC System EDMs.............................................................................................................. 52

Table 3-30 Energy Recovery EDMs.......................................................................................................... 53

Table 4-1 ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Baseline Model Performance: Humid Climates..................................... 56

Table 4-2 ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Baseline Model Performance: Arid Climates......................................... 57

Table 4-3 ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Baseline Model Performance: Marine and Cold Climates..................... 58

Table 4-4 ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Baseline Exterior Wall Constructions..................................................... 59

Table 4-5 ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Baseline Roof Constructions................................................................... 59

Table 4-6 ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Baseline Window Constructions............................................................. 59

Table 4-7 ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Baseline Skylight Constructions ............................................................. 60

Table 4-8 ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Baseline Minimum Ventilation Rates ..................................................... 60

Table 4-9 ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Baseline Model Performance: Humid Climates..................................... 61

Table 4-10 ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Baseline Model Performance: Arid Climates....................................... 62

Table 4-11 ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Baseline Model Performance: Marine and Cold Climates................... 63

Table 4-12 Retail Building Climate Zone Weighting Factors................................................................... 64

Table 4-13 Selected Low-Energy Models, Low Plug: Humid Climates................................................... 69

Table 4-14 Selected Low-Energy Models, Low Plug: Arid Climates ...................................................... 70

Table 4-15 Selected Low-Energy Models, Low Plug: Marine and Cold Climates................................... 71

Table 4-16 Selected Low-Energy Models, High Plug: Humid Climates.................................................. 72

Table 4-17 Selected Low-Energy Models, High Plug: Arid Climates...................................................... 73

Table 4-18 Selected Low-Energy Models, High Plug: Marine and Cold Climates.................................. 74

Table 4-19 Selected Low-Energy Model Energy Performance: Humid Climates.................................... 75

Table 4-20 Selected Low-Energy Model Energy Performance: Arid Climates........................................ 76
xiii

Table 4-21 Selected Low-Energy Model Energy Performance: Marine and Cold Climates.................... 77

Table 4-22 Selected Low-Energy Model Costs: Humid Climates............................................................ 81

Table 4-23 Selected Low-Energy Model Costs: Arid Climates................................................................ 81

Table 4-24 Selected Low-Energy Model Costs: Marine and Cold Climates............................................ 82

Table 4-25 Selected Low-Energy Model Electricity Demand: Humid Climates...................................... 82

Table 4-26 Selected Low-Energy Model Electricity Demand: Arid Climates ......................................... 83

Table 4-27 Selected Low-Energy Model Electricity Demand: Marine and Cold Climates...................... 83

Table 4-28 Big Box Space Types and Sizes.............................................................................................. 85

Table 4-29 Large Store Selected Low-Energy Model Performance: Humid Climates............................. 87

Table 4-30 Large Store Selected Low-Energy Model Performance: Arid Climates ................................ 88

Table 4-31 Large Store Selected Low-Energy Model Performance: Marine and Cold Climates............. 89

Table 4-32 High Performance Building Strategies as used in the Algorithm for Identifying Alternative 

Low-Energy Models............................................................................................................ 90

Table 4-33 Summary of Low Energy Models for the High Plug Load Miami, Florida Store.................... 92

Table 4-34 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the 

High Plug Load Miami, Florida Store................................................................................. 93

Table 4-35 Low Plug Load Families of Low-Energy Models Summary................................................... 94

Table 4-36 High Plug Load Families of Low-Energy Models Summary .................................................. 94

Table 4-37 Low Plug Load Sensitivity Analysis Summary by Strategy.................................................... 95

Table 4-38 High Plug Load Sensitivity Analysis Summary by Strategy................................................... 95

Table A-1 Mapping between Analysis Space Types and ASHRAE Standard 62.1 ................................ 107

Table A-2 Mapping between Analysis Space Types and ASHRAE Standard 90.1 ................................ 107

Table B-1 Occupancy Schedule............................................................................................................... 108

Table B-2 Lighting Schedule ................................................................................................................... 109

Table B-3 Plug and Process Load Schedule ............................................................................................ 110

Table B-4 HVAC Schedule ..................................................................................................................... 111

Table B-5 Infiltration Schedule................................................................................................................ 112

Table B-6 Heating Set Point Schedule (oC)............................................................................................. 113

Table B-7 Cooling Set Point Schedule (oC)............................................................................................. 114

Table B-8 Service Water Heating Schedule ............................................................................................ 115

Table C-1 Baseline Exterior Wall Constructions (SI Units)..................................................................... 116

Table C-2 Baseline Roof Constructions (SI Units).................................................................................. 116

Table C-3 Baseline Window Constructions (SI Units)............................................................................ 116

Table C-4 Baseline Skylight Constructions (SI Units) ............................................................................ 117

Table C-5 Pressures Acting on Exterior Walls During Operating Hours (SI Units) ............................... 117
xiv

Table C-6 Pressures Acting on Exterior Walls During Non-Operating Hours (SI Units) ....................... 117

Table C-7 Baseline Fan System Total Pressure Drops (SI Units) ........................................................... 117

Table C-8 Baseline HVAC Models Summary (SI Units)........................................................................ 118

Table C-9 Exterior Wall EDMs (SI Units) .............................................................................................. 118

Table C-10 Roof EDMs (SI Units) .......................................................................................................... 119

Table C-11 South Fenestration Construction EDMs (SI Units)............................................................... 119

Table C-12 Skylight Fenestration Construction EDMs (SI Units) .......................................................... 120

Table C-13 Lighting Power Density EDMs (SI Units)............................................................................ 120

Table C-14 HVAC System EDMs (SI Units).......................................................................................... 121

Table C-15 Energy Recovery EDMs (SI Units) ...................................................................................... 121

Table D-1 Energy Use Intensity (kBtu/ft2

) Decomposed by End Use for Humid Climates.................... 122

Table D-2 Energy Use Intensity (kBtu/ft2

) Decomposed by End Use for Arid Climates........................ 123

Table D-3 Energy Use Intensity (kBtu/ft2

) Decomposed by End Use for Marine and Cold Climates.... 124

Table D-4 Percent of Site EUI (excluding PV) Devoted to Each End Use for Humid Climates............. 125

Table D-5 Percent of Site EUI (excluding PV) Devoted to Each End Use for Arid Climates ................ 126

Table D-6 Percent of Site EUI (excluding PV) Devoted to Each End Use for Marine and Cold 

Climates............................................................................................................................. 127

Table E-1 Summary of Low Energy Models for the Low Plug Load Miami, Florida Store. .................. 129

Table E-2 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the 

Low Plug Load Miami, Florida Store................................................................................ 130

Table E-3 Summary of Low Energy Models for the High Plug Load Miami, Florida Store................... 132

Table E-4 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the 

High Plug Load Miami, Florida Store............................................................................... 133

Table E-5 Summary of Low Energy Models for the Low Plug Load Las Vegas, Nevada Store. ........... 135

Table E-6 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the 

Low Plug Load Las Vegas, Nevada Store......................................................................... 136

Table E-7 Summary of Low Energy Models for the High Plug Load Las Vegas, Nevada Store............ 138

Table E-8 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the 

High Plug Load Las Vegas, Nevada Store. ....................................................................... 139

Table E-9 Summary of Low Energy Models for the Low Plug Load Seattle, Washington Store. .......... 141

Table E-10 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the 

Low Plug Load Seattle, Washington Store........................................................................ 142

Table E-11 Summary of Low Energy Models for the High Plug Load Seattle, Washington Store......... 144

Table E-12 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the 

High Plug Load Seattle, Washington Store. ...................................................................... 145

Table E-13 Summary of Low Energy Models for the Low Plug Load Chicago, Illinois Store............... 147
xv

Table E-14 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the 

Low Plug Load Chicago, Illinois Store. ............................................................................ 148

Table E-15 Summary of Low Energy Models for the High Plug Load Chicago, Illinois Store. ............. 150

Table E-16 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the 

High Plug Load Chicago, Illinois Store............................................................................. 151

Table E-17 Summary of Low Energy Models for the Low Plug Load Fairbanks, Alaska Store............. 153

Table E-18 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the 

Low Plug Load Fairbanks, Alaska Store........................................................................... 154

Table E-19 Summary of Low Energy Models for the High Plug Load Fairbanks, Alaska Store............ 156

Table E-20 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the 

High Plug Load Fairbanks, Alaska Store. ......................................................................... 157

Table F-1 Selected Low-Energy Model Corrected Energy Performance: Humid Climates................... 158

Table F-2 Selected Low-Energy Model Corrected Energy Performance: Arid Climates....................... 159

Table F-3 Selected Low-Energy Model Corrected Energy Performance: Marine and Cold Climates... 160

Table F-4 Selected Low-Energy Model Corrected Costs: Humid Climates........................................... 161

Table F-5 Selected Low-Energy Model Corrected Costs: Arid Climates............................................... 162

Table F-6 Selected Low-Energy Model Corrected Costs: Marine and Cold Climates........................... 163

Table G-1 TSD Prototype Characteristics and Related Questions*......................................................... 165

Table G-2 Space Types and Sizes in the Prototype Models .................................................................... 166

Table G-3 Peak Plug (Electric) and Process (Gas) Loads in the Prototype Models................................ 166

Table G-4 Grocery Prototype: Refrigerated Cases and Walk-In Units by Zone ..................................... 167

Table G-5 Energy Design Measure (EDM) Information Requests.......................................................... 169
1

1.0 Introduction

This report is often referred to as a Technical Support Document, or TSD, because it is a detailed 

compilation of the modeling assumptions, analysis techniques, and results that provide the 

technical basis for recommending building design packages that achieve a desired level of net 

energy savings as compared to a baseline general merchandise store model. Historically, there 

have been a series of TSDs for different building types and different energy savings levels, some 

of which have led to the production of volumes in the American Society of Heating, 

Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Advanced Energy Design Guide 

(AEDG) series. The AEDGs are user-friendly books containing the design recommendations of 

the TSDs plus relevant case studies and best practice tips. 

The TSDs and AEDGs are part of an inter-organizational effort to progressively facilitate the 

design, construction, and operation of more efficient buildings, with the eventual goal of 

achieving net zero energy buildings (Torcellini et al. 2006). The first phase concentrated on 

achieving 30% energy savings over ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004 (ASHRAE). 

The study presented here is part of the second phase of this effort as it provides design guidance 

that architects, designers, contractors, developers, owners and lessees of general merchandise 

stores can use to achieve whole-building net site energy savings of at least 50% compared to the 

minimum requirements of Standard 90.1-2004. The recommendations are given by climate 

zone, and address building envelope (including infiltration through walls and doors), fenestration 

quantities and types, electrical lighting systems, daylighting, HVAC systems, outside air (OA) 

quantity and treatment, plug load schedules, and photovoltaic (PV) systems. In all cases, the 

recommendations are not part of a code or a standard, and should be used as starting points for 

project-specific analyses. 

This TSD belongs to a first set of studies aimed at the 50% milestone on the path toward Zero 

Energy Buildings (ZEBs), which generate or purchase an amount of renewable energy equivalent 

to or greater than the fossil fuel-derived energy they purchase over the course of a year. A 

number of public, private, and nongovernmental organizations have adopted ZEB goals. 

Directly relevant to this report is this statement by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 

Efficiency and Renewable Energy Building Technologies Program (DOE 2005): 

By 2025, the Building Technologies Program will create technologies and design 

approaches that enable the construction of net-zero energy buildings at low incremental 

cost. A net-zero energy building is a residential or commercial building with greatly 

reduced needs for energy through efficiency gains, with the balance of energy needs 

supplied by renewable technologies.

The interorganizational AEDG effort is one pathway being pursued to help reach these goals. 

We hope that this TSD will result in the production of a General Merchandise 50% AEDG, in 

support of the ASHRAE Vision 2020 Committee and AEDG Scoping Committee goals to enable 

interested parties to achieve 50% energy savings by 2010 (Jarnagin et al. 2007; Mitchell et al. 

2006). This work will also reach its intended audience of architects, designers, contractors, 

developers, owners, and lessees of general merchandise stores through the DOE-sponsored 

Retailer Energy Alliance (REA) (DOE 2008a). 

This TSD was developed by the Commercial Buildings Section at the National Renewable 

Energy Laboratory (NREL), under the direction of the DOE Building Technologies Program, 

and in parallel with a sister TSD for grocery stores (Leach et al. 2009). It builds on previous 
2

work (Hale et al. 2008a; Hale et al. 2008b) that established a basic methodology for finding 

building designs that achieve 50% energy savings over ASHRAE 90.1-2004. These analyses 

improve on the earlier work in that (1) the analysis assumptions were reviewed by external 

experts; (2) an extended methodology for determining alternative 50% designs was developed; 

and (3) the extended methodology was applied to select climate zones.

1.1 Objectives

The modeling and analysis described in this report are intended to: 

• Develop recommendations that meet a numeric goal. The energy savings goal is a hard 

value, not an approximate target. All recommendation sets have been verified to give at least 

50% net site energy savings compared with Standard 90.1-2004. The savings are calculated 

on a whole-building energy consumption basis, which includes non-regulated loads.

• Develop recommendations that can assist a range of interested parties. Multiple designs 

that meet the 50% goal are provided in select climate zones (1A, 3B-NV, 4C, 5A, and 8). 

The method for producing those design packages also provides guidance as to whether 

particular strategies (types of design measures) or combinations of strategies are necessary to 

reach the target.

• Investigate and communicate the benefits of integrated design. An EnergyPlus-based 

building optimization tool, Opt-E-Plus, is used to find complementary combinations of 

efficiency measures that economically achieve the desired level of energy savings. The 

resulting recommendations demonstrate and quantify the benefits of considering the energy 

and economic implications of every design decision on a whole-building basis.

• Incorporate review of modeling assumptions by industry representatives. A condensed 

compilation of baseline and energy design measure (EDM) cost and performance 

assumptions was circulated to the REA to assess their validity. Several collaborating 

engineering firms reviewed an earlier draft of this document. Many of their comments were 

incorporated into this study or taken into consideration for future study. 

• Compare ASHRAE 90.1-2004 to ASHRAE 90.1-2007 as they apply to general 

merchandise stores. We report the energy use and approximate cost difference between 

baseline general merchandise stores that prescriptively satisfy ASHRAE 90.1-2004 and 

ASHRAE 90.1-2007 so interested parties can evaluate the progression of Standard 90.1. 

• Investigate sensitivity to store size. We report the energy use intensities (EUIs) of the 

baseline and low-energy selected models for a 100,000 ft2 (9,290 m2

) prototype store and 

compare them with those of the standard 40,500 ft2 (3,763 m2) prototype store in order to 

bracket the general merchandise subsector (medium box to big box). 

1.2 Scope

This document provides recommendations and design assistance to designers, developers, and 

owners of general merchandise stores that will encourage steady progress toward net zero energy 

buildings. To ease the burden of designing and constructing energy-efficient general 

merchandise stores, we describe a set of designs that reach the 50% energy savings target for 

each climate zone. The recommendations and discussion apply to general merchandise stores of 
3

20,000 to 140,000 ft2 (1,860 m2 to 13,000 m2), with plug loads and accent lighting loads up to 

1.32 W/ft2

 (14.2 W/m2). 

The TSD is not intended to substitute for rating systems or other references that address the full 

range of sustainable issues, such as acoustics, productivity, indoor environmental quality, water 

efficiency, landscaping, and transportation, except as they relate to operational energy 

consumption. It is also not a design text—we leave detailed design to the experts working on 

particular projects. Our results are intended to demonstrate the advantages of integrated wholebuilding design, and to suggest sets of design features that seem to work well together in each 

climate zone. 

1.3 Report Organization

This report is organized into four sections. The introduction, Section 1.0, gives background, 

overview and scope information. Section 2.0 introduces our modeling methodology including 

definitions, analysis framework, post-processing of results, and industrial review. Section 3.0

describes all our modeling assumptions, starting with a single prototype model, and followed by 

detailed cost and performance data first for climate-specific baseline buildings, and then for 

EDMs, which may provide energy savings in one or more climates. Section 4.0 contains the 

results of the modeling study, including cost and energy use intensity (EUI) of baseline and lowenergy models, the EDMs chosen in different climate zones to reach the energy savings goal, and 

the post-processing results showing alternative paths to 50% energy savings. We also show how 

the baseline energy use changes when using ASHRAE 90.1-2007/62.1-2004 instead of 90.1-

2004/62.1-1999, how baseline and low-energy use changes when the prototype model is 

expanded from 40,500 ft2

 (3,763 m2) to 100,000 ft2 (9,290 m2), and compare baseline results 

with the 2003 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) dataset. 
4

2.0 Methodology

This chapter describes the methodology and assumptions used to develop early stage building 

designs that achieve 50% energy savings. We begin with an overall approach of the study to 

modeling energy savings in general merchandise stores, including the energy and economic 

metrics used and the scope of EDMs that are considered in the analysis. We describe how we 

found models that meet the 50% energy savings goal, and conclude with a summary of our 

solicitations for retailer and engineering review and the results of that activity.

2.1 Guiding Principles

Our objective is to find general merchandise store designs that achieve 50% energy savings over 

ASHRAE 90.1-2004. We also seek designs that are cost effective over a five-year analysis 

period. These objectives lead us to examine the Percent Net Site Energy Savings and the FiveYear Total Life Cycle Cost (5-TLCC) of candidate buildings. Of course, other objectives could 

be used; this choice best fits the mandate for this project.

Achieving 50% savings cost effectively requires integrated building design—a design approach 

that analyzes buildings as holistic systems, rather than as disconnected collections of individually 

engineered subsystems. Indeed, accounting for and taking advantage of interactions between 

subsystems is a paramount concern. As an example, a reduction in installed lighting power 

density (LPD) can often be accompanied by a smaller HVAC system, but only if an integrated 

design process allows for it. (In one instance, we found that the capacity of the HVAC system 

could be reduced by 0.7 tons cooling for every kilowatt reduction in installed lighting power.) 

Candidate designs are chosen by applying one or more perturbations to a baseline building. The 

perturbations are called Energy Design Measures (EDMs) to reflect that they are meant to have 

an impact on energy use. We use the following guiding principles to develop a list of 

prospective EDMs:

• We recommend off-the-shelf technologies that are available from multiple sources, as 

opposed to technologies or techniques that are available only in limited quantities or from 

one manufacturer. 

• The EDMs are limited to technologies that can be modeled with EnergyPlus and the 

NREL Opt-E-Plus platform.

The methodology for developing candidate integrated designs is discussed in Sections 2.4 and 

2.5. That the recommended low-energy designs achieve 50% energy savings is verified during 

the process of model development and simulation. The recommended designs are also expected 

to be reasonably cost effective, but not necessarily the most cost effective, given the difficulty of 

obtaining accurate and timely cost data on all the technologies required to reach 50% savings in 

all climate zones. 

2.2 Definitions

This section specifies how we calculate building energy use and percent energy savings relative 

to ASHRAE 90.1-2004. This description includes the site boundary used to calculate net site 

energy use, how we deal with energy demands not treated by the ASHRAE Standards, and how 

Appendix G of ASHRAE 90.1 is applied. 
5

2.2.1 Energy Use

Building energy use can be calculated a number of ways based on where the energy is assumed 

to originate, and on which loads are included in the calculation. The assumptions used in this 

TSD follow.

2.2.1.1 Net Site Energy Use

The percent energy savings goal is based on net site energy use: the amount of energy delivered 

to a building by the utility (typically in the form of electricity or natural gas) minus any 

renewable energy generated within its footprint. Other metrics, such as energy cost savings, 

source energy savings, and carbon savings, could be used (Torcellini et al. 2006). Each metric 

has advantages and disadvantages in calculation and interpretation, and each favors different 

technologies and fuel types. This TSD uses net site energy savings to retain consistency with the 

previous AEDGs, and to serve as a milestone on the path to the DOE goal of zero net site energy. 

2.2.1.2 Whole Building Energy Use

Historically, energy savings have been expressed in two ways: for regulated loads only and for 

all loads (the whole building). Regulated loads metrics do not include plug and process loads 

that are not code regulated. Whole-building energy savings calculations, on the other hand, 

include all loads, whether regulated or not. In general, whole-building savings are more 

challenging than regulated loads savings given the same numerical target, but more accurately 

represent a building’s impact on the national energy system. 

We use the whole-building energy savings method to determine 50% energy savings, in line with 

the current ASHRAE and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) practices 

specified in Appendix G of ASHRAE 90.1-2004 and in LEED 2.2. However, we do not limit 

our recommendations to the regulated loads, as was done in the 30% AEDGs, and we study 

multiple plug load levels to reflect the variations in the general merchandise store subsector.

2.2.2 Percent Energy Savings

Percent energy savings are based on the notion of a minimally code-compliant building as 

described in Appendix G of ASHRAE 90.1-2004 (ASHRAE 2004a). The following steps were 

used to determine 50% savings: 

1. Define architectural program characteristics (design aspects not addressed by ASHRAE 

90.1-2004) for typical general merchandise stores, thereby defining prototype models. 

2. Create baseline energy models for each climate zone that are elaborations of the 

prototype models and are minimally compliant with ASHRAE 90.1-2004. 

3. Create a list of EDMs that can be applied to the baseline models to create candidate lowenergy models. 

4. Select low-energy models for each climate zone that achieve 50% energy savings as 

compared to the baseline models, giving preference to those models that have low 

5-TLCC. 

2.2.3 ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Baseline

The 50% level of savings achieved by each low-energy building model is demonstrated in 

comparison with a baseline model that minimally satisfies the requirements of 

ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004 (ASHRAE 2004a). The baseline models are 

constructed in a manner similar to what was used in the previous TSDs (Hale et al. 2008a; Hale 

et al. 2008b; Jarnagin et al. 2006; Liu et al. 2006; Pless et al. 2007), and in compliance with 
6

Appendix G of Standard 90.1-2004 when appropriate. Notable deviations from Standard 90.1-

2004 Appendix G include: 

• Glazing amounts (window area and skylight area) are allowed to vary between the 

baseline and low-energy models. We thereby demonstrate the effects of optimizing 

window and skylight areas for daylighting and thermal considerations. 

• Fan efficiencies are set slightly higher than code minimum1

• Net site energy use, rather than energy cost, is used to calculate energy savings.

to represent a more realistic 

split of energy efficiency ratio (EER) between the supply fan and the 

compressor/condenser system in a packaged rooftop direct expansion HVAC unit. 

• Mass walls are modeled in the baseline and low-energy models to ensure that our 

baseline accurately reflects typical design practice.

2.3 Building Energy Modeling Methodology

2.3.1 EnergyPlus

EnergyPlus Version 3.1 (DOE 2009), a publicly available building simulation engine, is used for 

all energy analyses. The simulations are managed with the NREL analysis platform, Opt-E-Plus, 

which transforms user-specified, high-level building parameters (building area, internal gains per 

zone, HVAC system configuration, etc.) stored in XML files into an input file for EnergyPlus. 

Opt-E-Plus can automatically generate the XML files, or it can manage XML files that have been 

assembled or modified elsewhere. Working with the XML files is much faster than modifying 

EnergyPlus input files directly, because a single XML parameter usually maps to multiple 

EnergyPlus inputs.

We selected EnergyPlus because it is a detailed DOE simulation tool that computes building 

energy use based on the interactions between climate, building form and fabric, internal gains, 

HVAC systems, and renewable energy systems. The simulations were run with EnergyPlus 

Version 3.1 compiled on local personal computers (PCs), and a 64-bit cluster computer at NREL. 

EnergyPlus is a heavily tested program with formal BESTEST validation efforts repeated for 

every release (Judkoff and Neymark 1995). 

2.3.2 Climate Zones 

The AEDGs contain a unique set of energy efficiency recommendations for each International 

Energy Conservation Code (IECC)/ASHRAE climate zone. The eight zones and 15 subzones in 

the United States are depicted in Figure 2-1. The zones are categorized by heating degree days 

(HDDs) and cooling degree days (CDDs), and range from the very hot Zone 1 to the very cold 

Zone 8. Subzones indicate varying moisture conditions. Humid sub-zones are designated by the 

letter A, dry subzones by B, and marine subzones by C. This document may also be beneficial 

for international users, provided the location of interest can be mapped to a climate zone 

(ASHRAE 2006). 

 

1 We use the code-minimum EER value with a typical value for the compressor/condenser coefficient of 

performance (COP) and the total static pressure to calculate fan power. The resulting horsepower per 1000 cfm is 

lower than code-maximum.
7

Figure 2-1 DOE climate zones and representative cities

To provide a concrete basis for analysis, the 16 specific locations (cities) used in the Benchmark 

Project (Deru et al. 2008) are designated as representatives of their climate zones. The cities are 

marked in Figure 2-1 and listed below. Larger cities were chosen, as their weather and utility 

data directly apply to a large fraction of building floor area. Two cities are provided for Zone 3B 

to account for the microclimate effects in California. Climate zone-specific recommendations 

were validated by running baseline and low-energy model simulations with the same weather file 

(one set of simulations for each city). 

Zone 1A: Miami, Florida (hot, humid)

Zone 2A: Houston, Texas (hot, humid)

Zone 2B: Phoenix, Arizona (hot, dry)

Zone 3A: Atlanta, Georgia (hot, humid)

Zone 3B: Las Vegas, Nevada (hot, dry) and Los Angeles, California (warm, dry)

Zone 3C: San Francisco, California (marine)

Zone 4A: Baltimore, Maryland (mild, humid)

Zone 4B: Albuquerque, New Mexico (mild, dry)

Zone 4C: Seattle, Washington (marine)

Zone 5A: Chicago, Illinois (cold, humid)

Zone 5B: Denver, Colorado (cold, dry)

Zone 6A: Minneapolis, Minnesota (cold, humid)

Zone 6B: Helena, Montana (cold, dry)

Zone 7: Duluth, Minnesota (very cold)

Zone 8: Fairbanks, Alaska (extremely cold)
8

2.4 Integrated Design Methodology

We used Opt-E-Plus, an internal NREL building energy and cost optimization research tool, to 

determine combinations of EDMs that best balance two objective functions: net site energy 

savings and Five-Year Total Life Cycle Cost (5-TLCC, see Section 3.1.2.6). After the user 

specifies these functions, a baseline building, and a list of EDMs, Opt-E-Plus generates new 

building models, manages EnergyPlus simulations, and algorithmically determines optimal 

combinations of EDMs. The building models are first specified in high-level eXtensible Markup 

Language (XML) files. The NREL preprocessor then translates them into EnergyPlus input 

files. The output of the optimization is a 5-TLCC versus Percent Energy Savings graph (see 

Figure 2-2) that includes one point for each building, and a curve that connects the minimum 

cost buildings starting at 0% savings (the baseline building) and proceeding to the building with 

maximum percent savings. 

Figure 2-2 Example Opt-E-Plus output: climate zone 1A (Miami, Florida), high plug load scenario

The buildings along the portion of this curve, which starts at the minimum cost building 

(5-TLCC intensity of ~125 $/ft2

 and percent energy savings of ~40%) and continues toward

higher percent energy savings, are called Pareto Points. For such buildings, if one objective is 

improved, the other must deteriorate. For instance, for a given Pareto point, moving to a less 

expensive building necessitates that it will have a lower level of energy savings, and moving to a 

more energy-efficient building necessitates higher total life cycle costs. The set of Pareto points

determines a Pareto front, which in general is a curve that represents the most cost-effective 

pathway to achieving low-energy buildings (given the limitations of our input data and search 

algorithm). This is the portion of the black curve in Figure 2-2 from about 40% savings to 75% 

savings. 

2.4.1 Initialization

To set up the analysis, we apply methods to a custom defined high-level building model to create 

a code-compliant building for each desired location. These location-sensitive methods apply 

code minimum building constructions and other values specified by ASHRAE 90.1-2004 and 
9

ASHRAE 62-1999 (ASHRAE 1999; ASHRAE 2004a). Economizers are manually added to the 

baseline buildings in climate zones 3B, 3C, 4B, 4C, 5B, and 6B (see Section 2.3.2 for climate 

zone definitions). All the EDMs described in Section 3.4 are available in all climate zones. 

Although climate considerations could have allowed us, for instance, to eliminate the highest 

levels of insulation in Miami, all measures were retained to simplify the initialization procedures, 

and to ensure that a potentially useful measure was not unintentionally excluded. 

2.4.2 Execution

Opt-E-Plus searches for lowest cost designs starting from the baseline model at 0% energy 

savings, and proceeds to designs with higher and higher predicted energy savings. An iterative 

search algorithm is used to avoid an exhaustive search of all possible EDM combinations. Each 

iteration starts at the most recently found Pareto point, and then creates, simulates and analyzes 

all the models that are single-EDM perturbations of that point. The algorithm stops when it 

cannot find additional Pareto points. Cost is measured in terms of 5-TLCC, which is described 

in Section 3.1.2.6, and is calculated using the economic data in Sections 0, 3.3, and 3.4. 

Even with the sequential search algorithm, an Opt-E-Plus search often requires numerous 

simulations. For this study, each optimization required 1,290 to 3,020 simulations, each of 

which took 5 to 19 minutes of computer time to complete. Such computational effort requires 

distributed computing. Opt-E-Plus manages two pools of simulations: local simulations (if the 

PC contains multiple cores) and those sent to a Linux cluster. The Linux cluster can, on average, 

run 64 simulations simultaneously. When the simulations are complete, the Opt-E-Plus database 

run manager specifies the next batch of simulations and distributes them based on the available 

resources.

2.5 Post-Processing Methodology

2.5.1 Basic

Once the search for the lowest cost designs is complete, we select a point along the Pareto front 

that satisfies our percent energy savings goal. All the EDMs besides photovoltaic (PV) panels 

are treated as discrete design choices that are either applied or not. The number of roof-mounted 

PV panels, on the other hand, is automatically selected to just reach the 50% energy savings 

goal, subject to a cap on the allowable amount of roof coverage (see Section 3.4.3.6). 

Figure 2-2 shows an example Opt-E-Plus search with the selected building identified by an 

orange circle. In this case, PV was not needed to reach the target and the selected point was 

simulated during the normal course of running the search algorithm. The percent savings goal is 

exceeded by about 1%. 

When PV is required to reach the 50% energy savings goal, the first Pareto front point beyond 

50% is used to determine exactly how much PV is needed to just reach the goal. The resulting 

model with reduced PV is run, and shows up on the Opt-E-Plus plot as a ‘+’ (see Figure 2-3). 

The selected point (again, identified by an orange circle), is identical to the first Pareto point 

after the long straight segment associated with adding PV at maximum roof coverage (near 88% 

energy savings in the figure), except that the PV coverage has been scaled back to achieve 50% 

net savings. 
10

Figure 2-3 Example Opt-E-Plus output with PV post-processing: climate zone 3B (Las Vegas, 

Nevada), high plug load scenario 

2.5.2 Finding Families of Solutions

For most climate zones, this TSD presents a single low-energy model for each plug load 

scenario. However, we appreciate that one size does not fit all. Design teams are subject to 

constraints imposed by the owner and other stakeholders, and may be interested in alternative 

designs that also reach 50% energy savings. 

Although the standard Opt-E-Plus output appears to produce a number of models near the 50% 

target, those models are closely related to the Pareto front models and are thus not able to fully 

answer questions such as, “Is daylighting required to reach my target?” 

To address this issue, we created a new post-processing routine for Opt-E-Plus that creates new 

searches based on turning sets of EDMs off and on. For instance, to determine whether 

daylighting is required to reach the target, we remove daylighting controls and skylights from the 

selected point and from the search options. The resulting search will then either reach the energy 

target or not, and the best building design (determined in the same way as described in Section 

2.5.1) from that search is identified. 

Starting with the selected low-energy model, one new search is created for each strategy (each 

group of EDMs the user clusters together) used in that model. Then, if at least one of the new 

searches is able to reach the target, more searches can be created to see if the goal can be reached 

without combinations of two strategies. This process may be repeated as often as the user 

wishes, as long as new searches that reach the goal remain unexplored.

This analysis is computationally intensive, so it was not completed for all climate zones, and we 

conducted only the first iteration of searches. Section 4.4 describes the results of this analysis for 

a subset of climate zones that we feel represents the categories of climates in the full set: 1A, hot 

and humid; 3B, hot and arid; 4C, marine; 5A, cold and humid; and 8, very cold. 

2.6 External Review Process and Results

Our assumptions were reviewed by several members of the REA (DOE 2008a) and by several 

engineering firms. All retailers in the REA were invited to submit comments on a document that 
11

summarized our prototype model assumptions and our list of EDMs. NREL has contractual 

relationships with several engineering firms that were asked to review an earlier draft of this 

document that contained our assumptions (Section 3.0) and preliminary results (parts of Section

4.0).

Everyone in the REA was invited to comment. Our request form was quite brief, but the e-mail 

request for review (see Appendix E) produced only a few responses. We were also able to obtain 

helpful information from NREL’s National Account partners. Both sources provided 

information about occupancy and HVAC schedules, LPDs, HVAC equipment, and plug loads. 

An early draft of this report was reviewed by CxGBS, Speller Energy Consulting, and Moser 

Mayer Phoenix Associates. The comments we received led us to: 

• Update the baseline exterior wall construction prices using recent data from the ASHRAE 

90.1 Envelope Subcommittee. 

• Correct the EDM window costs to reflect the inflation of the original data to 2008 dollars. 

• Investigate adding a tankless water heater EDM. In the end, we did not add one because its 

implementation would require a significant programming effort and hot water accounts for 

only about 0.5% of baseline energy use. 

• Modify the inputs for and the implementation of our ERV EDM. 
12

3.0 Model Development and Assumptions

This section documents the development of model inputs. Section 3.1 describes assumptions 

that apply to the entire study, including our economic assumptions and methodology. Section

3.2 describes the programmatic characteristics of a typical general merchandise store, and uses 

them to develop a high-level, prototype model. Section 3.3 elaborates on Section 3.2 to define 

the EnergyPlus baseline models that provide a reference for determining percent savings and are 

minimally compliant with Standard 90.1-2004. Section 3.4 describes the list of EDMs used to 

create low-energy models. 

3.1 Analysis Assumptions

Most of Section 3.0 concerns the assembly of valid and useful building energy and cost models, 

component by component. Here we touch on two types of assumptions that color our entire 

analysis: the often implicit assumptions required to conduct building energy simulation studies, 

and our economic model. 

3.1.1 Integrity of Simulation Models

We made the following assumptions in this study: 

1. The models developed in this work represent typical general merchandise stores well 

enough to provide climate-specific guidance as to the kinds of design changes that should 

be considered first when plans for a high-performance general merchandise store are 

developed. 

2. These virtual buildings are well maintained and operated. 

In reality, the anticipated energy savings are often not achieved or erode over time because they 

are not properly commissioned, operated, or maintained. For example, economizer dampers are 

notorious for failing, and rooftop HVAC equipment must be shielded from adverse weather 

conditions such as hail to maintain performance. Periodic recommissioning finds and resolves 

some of these problems.

3.1.2 Economics

One outcome of this project is a list of cost-effective design recommendations. The objective 

function of interest is 5-TLCC, which is further described in Section 3.1.2.6. 

3.1.2.1 Building Economic Parameters

Our statement of work mandates that the design recommendations be analyzed for cost 

effectiveness based on a five-year analysis period, which is assumed acceptable to a majority of 

developers and owners. The other basic economic parameters required for the 5-TLCC

calculation were taken from RSMeans and the Office of Management and Budget (Balboni 

2008b; OMB 2008). 

This analysis uses the real discount rate, which accounts for the projected rate of general 

inflation found in the Report of the President’s Economic Advisors, Analytical Perspectives, and 

is equal to 2.3% for a five-year analysis period (OMB 2008). By using this rate, we do not have 

to explicitly account for energy and product inflation rates. 

Regional capital cost modifiers are used to convert national averages to regional values. These

are available from the RSMeans data sets and are applied before any of the additional fees listed 

in Table 3-1, three of which are also provided by RSMeans (Balboni 2008b). 
13

Table 3-1 Economic Parameter Values

Economic Parameter Value Data Source

Analysis period 5 years DOE

Discount rate 2.3% OMB

O&M cost inflation 0% OMB

Gas cost inflation 0% OMB

Electricity cost inflation 0% OMB

Bond fee 10% RSMeans 

Contractor fee 10% RSMeans

Contingency fee 12% RSMeans

Commissioning fee 0.5% Assumption

3.1.2.2 Energy Design Measure Cost Parameters

Each EDM has its own cost data. The cost categories for each are the same, but the units vary: 

• Units define how the EDM is costed (e.g. $/m2

, $/kW cooling, $/each). 

• Expected life is the time (in years) that the EDM is expected to last. Once that period 

has expired, the EDM is replaced; that is, the full materials and installation costs are 

added to that year’s cash flows. 

• Capital cost is the per-unit cost of all materials and installation required for the EDM. 

• Fixed operations & maintenance (O&M) is a per-unit, per-year cost.

• Variable O&M is a per-unit, per-year cost.

We report fixed and variable O&M costs together as a single maintenance cost.

3.1.2.3 Costing Methodology

Unless otherwise stated, all costs are in 2008 dollars. Costs originally from another year are 

adjusted according to the Consumer Price Index inflation calculator (Labor 2009). 

The cost data used for the EDMs and the baseline walls, roofs, windows, lighting systems, and 

HVAC equipment are adapted from multiple sources and adjusted to 2008 dollars. The envelope 

costs were acquired from personal communications with the ASHRAE 90.1 Envelope 

Subcommittee (ASHRAE 2007a; ASHRAE 2008). The ABO Group developed a cost database 

for energy efficient overhang designs (Priebe 2006). The HVAC cost data were generated by the 

RMH Group (2006), a mechanical design contractor who received price quotes on a range of 

HVAC system types and sizes. All other cost data, including maintenance costs, come from the 

RSMeans data set (Balboni 2008a; Balboni 2008b; Greene 2008; Mossman 2005; Plotner 2009; 

Waier 2008; Waier 2005), the PNNL AEDG TSDs (Liu et al. 2006; Liu et al. 2007), and other 

sources (Emmerich et al. 2005; Roth et al. 2005). The cost data sources and values are listed 

explicitly throughout Section 3.3 and Section 3.4. 

3.1.2.4 Baseline Capital Costs

Cost estimates at early planning stages are not very accurate. This report includes data on 

technologies that are not fully mature, so the reported costs may be even less accurate than usual. 
14

Nevertheless, we wanted to start with reasonable baseline costs, so we adjusted our baseline cost 

per unit area to match that found for one-story department stores in the 2008 RSMeans Square 

Foot Costs book (Balboni 2008b). The adjustment is made before regional adjustments, 

contractor fees, and architecture fees are applied, and results in an approximate baseline cost of 

$81.60/ft2 ($878.34/m2) in 2008 dollars. This cost assumes stucco on concrete block, bearing 

exterior walls; a floor area of 40,500 ft2 (3,673 m2); a perimeter of 810 ft (75.3 m2); and a height 

of 20 ft (6.1 m). The cost is implemented in Opt-E-Plus, under a category that is not affected by 

any EDMs. The baseline capital cost is therefore fixed, thus enabling realistic estimates of the 

percent change in 5-TLCC when the low-energy models are compared to the baselines.

3.1.2.5 Utility Tariffs

One set of utility tariffs is used for all locations to make the results from each climate zone easier 

to compare. We chose Florida Power & Light’s 2008 General Service Demand (GSD-1) 

electricity tariff because of data availability, the closeness of Florida’s average commercial 

electricity rates to the national average, and the electricity demand of our models (generally 

within the required range of 20–500 kW) (EIA 2009b; Florida Power & Light 2008). The tariff 

is summarized in Table 3-2. The tax rate is a population-weighted average of state plus average 

county and city sales taxes from Sales Tax Clearinghouse (Sales Tax Clearinghouse 2009; U.S. 

Census Bureau 2009). 

Table 3-2 Electricity Tariff

Tariff Name General Service Demand

Monthly charge $33.10

Base demand charge $5.10/kW

Demand capacity charge $1.63/kW

Nonfuel energy charge $0.01392/kWh

Fuel energy charge $0.05564/kWh

Conservation energy charge $0.00133/kWh

Environmental energy charge $0.00038/kWh

Taxes 7.1%

A national average gas tariff was calculated by averaging the Energy Information Administration 

compilation of national average monthly prices for April 2006 through March 2009 (EIA 2007; 

EIA 2009a). Multiple years were averaged together, rather than simply taking the last year’s 

worth of data, because recent prices are highly volatile. The resulting tariff and source data is 

reproduced in Table 3-3. While using a national-average tariff might lead to some design 

solutions that are suboptimal because of regional tariff variability, it allows us to isolate climate 

variability as a driving factor in designing buildings to save energy. For specific case studies, it 

is recommended that both regional tariff structures and incentives be considered in the economic 

side of the analysis.
15

Table 3-3 National Average Natural Gas Tariff and Source Data in $/MCF

Year

Month 2006 2007 2008 2009 Tariff 

January – 11.15 11.01 11.04 11.07

February – 11.21 11.32 10.68 11.07

March – 11.79 11.81 10.1 11.23

April 11.57 11.49 12.44 – 11.83

May 11.61 11.48 13.24 – 12.11

June 11.09 11.86 14.39 – 12.45

July 10.98 11.61 15.45 – 12.68

August 11.2 11.16 14.04 – 12.13

September 11.16 10.9 13.02 – 11.69

October 10.05 10.9 11.83 – 10.93

November 11.05 11.19 11.45 – 11.23

December 11.61 11.02 11.32 – 11.32

3.1.2.6 Total Life Cycle Cost

Our objective is to simultaneously achieve 50% net site energy savings and minimize 5-TLCC. 

The 5-TLCC is the total expected cost of the whole building (capital and energy costs) over the 

five-year analysis period. The 5-TLCC uses the real discount rate to account for inflation of 

energy and O&M costs, instead of using the nominal discount rate paired with explicit estimates 

of energy and O&M inflation. 

The annual cash flow is summed over the analysis period to calculate the 5-TLCC. The annual 

energy use is assumed constant over the whole analysis period. Equation 3-1 defines the annual 

cash flows.

eg

J

j

Cn CCn FOM n VOM n ++ CC 













 = ∑ ++ =0

Where:

Cn = cost in year n

J = total number of unique energy efficiency measures 

CCn = capital cost

FOMn = fixed O&M costs

VOMn = variable O&M costs

Cg = annual cost of gas consumption 

Ce = annual cost of electricity consumption

The 5-TLCC is determined in Equation 3-2. 

( ) ∑= + =−

5

0 1

5 n

n

n

d

C TLCC

(3-1)

(3-2)
16

Where:

5-TLCC = present value of the five-year 5-TLCC

Cn = cost in year n

d = annual discount rate

3.2 Prototype Model

We surveyed a number of reports and datasets to develop typical general merchandise store 

characteristics and obtain energy performance estimates. These include: 

• 2003 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) (EIA 2005) 

• DOE Commercial Building Research Benchmarks for Commercial Buildings (Deru et al. 

2008) 

• Methodology for Modeling Building Energy Performance Across the Commercial Sector

(Griffith et al. 2008) 

Each data source is described briefly; then the reasoning behind the prototype model 

assumptions is described in several functional groupings. The general merchandise store 

prototype models are summarized in Section 3.2.5. 

3.2.1 Program

This section addresses programmatic considerations that are not affected by Standard 90.1-2004: 

building size, space types, and internal loads.

3.2.1.1 Building Size

This TSD assumes that general merchandise stores have 20,000 to 140,000 ft2 (1,860 m2 to 

13,000 m2) of floor area. The lower bound originates from the inclusion of stores up to 20,000 

ft2 (1,860 m2) in the Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Retail Buildings (ASHRAE et al. 

2006). The upper bound encompasses so-called medium box and some big box stores according 

to the definitions in Hale et al. (2008b). 

Our main prototype store has a floor area of 40,500 ft2

, and is thus a medium box store. Some of 

its characteristics are developed by examining the 33 2003 CBECS non-mall retail buildings that 

are in the medium box range of 20,000 ft2

 to 100,000 ft2 (1,860 m2 to 9,290 m2) and were built 

since 1970 and renovated since 1980. 

To better bracket general merchandise stores, we also examine a big box store with a floor area 

of 100,000 ft2

 (9,290 m2). (This floor area actually represents the boundary between medium 

box and big box defined in Hale et al. (2008b).) The big box store model development and 

results are discussed in Section 4.3. 

3.2.1.2 Space Types

85% of the gross floor area is allocated to sales display in the 40,500 ft2 (3,763m2) prototype 

model. The remaining 15% is subdivided to reflect the typical layout of a medium box general 

merchandise store: 8% for active storage, 1% for a meeting room, 1% for a dining room, 2% for 

restrooms, and roughly 3% total for several other spaces such as an enclosed office, a mechanical 

room, a corridor, and a vestibule. Table 3-4 provides a detailed space breakdown.
17

Table 3-4 Medium Box Space Types and Sizes

Space Type Floor Area (ft2) Floor Area (m2) Percent of Total

Main Sales 31,500 2,926 77.8

Perimeter Sales 3,076 286 7.6

Enclosed Office 300 28 0.7

Meeting Room 500 47 1.2 

Dining Room 500 47 1.2 

Restroom 625 58 1.5

Mechanical Room 200 19 0.5

Corridor 450 42 1.1 

Vestibule 300 28 0.7

Active Storage 3,050 283 7.5

Total 40,500 3,763 100.0

3.2.1.3 Internal Load Densities

Internal loads include the heat generated by occupants, lights, and appliances (plug and process 

loads). This section addresses the aspects of these loads not addressed in Standard 90.1, 

including peak occupant and plug load densities. 

3.2.1.3.1 Occupancy Density

Occupancy density values by space type are defined according to ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004 

(ASHRAE 2004b). The mapping between each space type and the standard and the resulting 

occupancy density value are presented in Table 3-5. Values for space types without direct 

mapping to the standard were estimated. Restrooms were assumed to be a continuation of the 

sales areas, and thus assigned the corresponding occupancy density value. Mechanical rooms 

were assumed empty most of the time, and thus were assigned an occupancy density value of 

zero. The occupancy density value for the active storage zone was taken from the benchmark

report (Deru et al. 2008). 
18

Table 3-5 Occupancy Density Mapping and Peak Values

Space Type Mapping to 62.1-2004 Occupancy Density

(#/1000 ft2) (#/100 m2) 

Main Sales Retail::Sales 15 16.15

Perimeter Sales Retail::Sales 15 16.15

Enclosed Office Offices::Office space 5 5.38

Meeting Room Offices::Conference/meeting 50 53.82

Dining Room Food & Beverage::Restaurant dining rooms 70 75.35

Restroom Retail::Sales 15 16.15

Mechanical Room CUSTOM VALUE 0 0.00

Corridor Retail::Sales 15 16.15

Vestibule Retail::Sales 15 16.15

Active Storage CUSTOM VALUE 3.33 3.59

3.2.1.3.2 Plug and Process Loads

Plug and process loads are notoriously difficult to estimate. Griffith et al. (2008) tried to 

reconcile the 2003 CBECS and Commercial End Use Survey (CEUS) data on such loads, settling 

on an area-weighted average peak plug load of 0.346 W/ft2 (3.73 W/m2) in the 2003 CBECS 

medium-sized, post-1970 general merchandise building models (with little variation—the loads 

ranged from 0.345 to 0.353 W/ft2 [3.71 to 3.80 W/m2]). Liu et al. (2006) cites a 2004 study that 

gives plug load density ranges of 0.20 to 0.60 W/ft2 (2.2 to 6.5 W/m2) during peak hours, and 0 

to 0.20 W/ft2

 (0 to 2.2 W/m2) during off hours (PNNL 2004). That document also specifies 

varying levels of accent lighting, which can reasonably be modeled as a plug load, in its 

prototype stores. Those accent lighting levels varied from zero to 3.9 W/ft2

 (42 W/m2) in the 

merchandising area. 

The Standard 90.1-2004 space-by-space method allows accent lighting on a display area basis 

(horizontal or vertical). Most merchandise may be lit at 1.6 W/ft2

 (17.2 W/m2); high-value items 

such as jewelry, china, silver, and art are allowed 3.9 W/ft2 (42 W/m2

). 

For this work, there are two prototype models based on whole-building plug load densities of 

approximately 0.29 W/ft2 (low plug load store), and 1.32 W/ft2 (high plug load store) (3.12 W/m2 

and 14.21 W/m2, respectively). We use the benchmark study plug loads for all low plug load 

zones except the sales zones (Deru et al. 2008). Peak plug loads for the low plug load sales 

zones are estimated based on the above plug load survey. Plug loads for the high plug load 

prototype are based on industry feedback. The low plug load level is meant to model stores such 

as bookstores, which have little to no accent lighting or plug-in merchandise. A typical high 

plug load store would be an electronics store, which has a much larger amount of plug-in 

merchandise and accent lighting. The peak plug loads for both the low and high plug load 

prototypes are listed by space type in Table 3-6. 
19

Table 3-6 Peak Plug Loads 

Space Type

Low Plug Load Store High Plug Load Store

Electric 

(W/ft2) 

Accent 

Lighting 

(W/ft2) 

Total 

(W/ft2) 

Electric 

(W/ft2) 

Accent 

Lighting 

(W/ft2) 

Total 

(W/ft2) 

Main Sales 0.2 0 0.2 0.7 0.8 1.5

Perimeter Sales 0.4 0 0.4 0.6 0 0.6

Enclosed Office 0.75 0 0.75 1.1 0 1.1

Meeting Room 0.75 0 0.75 1.1 0 1.1

Dining Room 2.6 0 2.6 2.6 0 2.6

Restrooms 0.1 0 0.1 0.1 0 0.1

Mechanical Room 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Corridor 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Vestibule 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Active Storage 0.75 0 0.75 0.75 0 0.75

Average 0.29 1.32

The sector-wide methodology study determined that general merchandise stores are subject to 

small gas appliance process loads; however, the peak densities were only 0.009 W/ft2

 to 0.028 

W/ft2 (0.097 W/m2 to 0.301 W/m2). Thus, most stores likely have no such loads, and this small 

amount probably results from a few stores having significantly larger loads. We assume the 

prototypical medium box general merchandise store has no gas process loads.

3.2.1.4 Schedules

3.2.1.4.1 Operating Hours

The operating hours are defined according to ASHRAE 90.1-1989 (ASHRAE 1989): Monday 

through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and Sunday and 

Holidays, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

3.2.1.4.2 Occupancy Schedule

The occupancy schedule for the prototypes is defined according to ASHRAE 90.1-1989 

(ASHRAE 1989) (see Table 3-7). 
20

Table 3-7 Occupancy Schedule, in Fraction of Peak Occupancy

Hour Weekdays Saturdays Sundays, 

Holidays, Other

1 0 0 0 

2 0 0 0 

3 0 0 0 

4 0 0 0 

5 0 0 0 

6 0 0 0 

7 0 0 0 

8 0.10 0.10 0 

9 0.20 0.20 0 

10 0.50 0.50 0.10

11 0.50 0.60 0.20

12 0.70 0.80 0.20

13 0.70 0.80 0.40

14 0.70 0.80 0.40 

15 0.70 0.80 0.40 

16 0.80 0.80 0.40 

17 0.70 0.80 0.40 

18 0.50 0.60 0.20 

19 0.50 0.20 0.10

20 0.30 0.20 0 

21 0.30 0.20 0 

22 0 0.10 0 

23 0 0 0 

24 0 0 0 

3.2.1.4.3 Lighting Schedule

The 2003 CBECS data indicate that almost no medium box, post-1970 general merchandise

buildings have independent lighting controls or sensors. However, 71% of floor area is subject 

to an energy management control system that controls lighting, and 80% of floor area is lighted 

with electronic ballast fixtures. Figure 3-1 and Figure 3-2 show the distribution of lighting 

percentage when the store is open and closed, respectively. These figures and the abundance of 

energy management control systems support a lighting schedule with significant reductions 

during unoccupied hours. The lighting schedule for this TSD is defined according to ASHRAE 

90.1-1989 and is listed in Table 3-8. 
21

Figure 3-1 Area-weighted histogram of post-1970 medium box store open hours lighting 

percentage

Figure 3-2 Area-weighted histogram of post-1970 medium box store closed hours lighting 

percentage
22

Table 3-8 Lighting Schedule, in Fraction of Peak Lighting Density

Hour Weekdays Saturdays Sundays, 

Holidays, Other

1 0.05 0.05 0.05

2 0.05 0.05 0.05

3 0.05 0.05 0.05

4 0.05 0.05 0.05

5 0.05 0.05 0.05

6 0.05 0.05 0.05

7 0.05 0.05 0.05

8 0.20 0.10 0.05

9 0.50 0.30 0.05

10 0.90 0.60 0.10

11 0.90 0.90 0.40

12 0.90 0.90 0.40

13 0.90 0.90 0.60

14 0.90 0.90 0.60

15 0.90 0.90 0.60

16 0.90 0.90 0.60

17 0.90 0.90 0.60

18 0.90 0.90 0.40

19 0.60 0.50 0.20

20 0.60 0.30 0.05

21 0.20 0.30 0.05

22 0.20 0.10 0.05

23 0.05 0.05 0.05

24 0.05 0.05 0.05

Total Hours/Day 10.85 9.85 5.20

3.2.1.4.4 Plug Load Schedule

The sector-wide methodology study set the plug load schedule to 95% on during operating hours, 

and to a value between 10% and 95% on during closed hours. The off-hours percentage was 

derived directly from the 2003 CBECS variable RDOFEQ8, which specifies whether equipment 

is turned off during off hours. The Small Retail TSD plug load schedule was simply 0.4 W/ft2

(4.3 W/m2

) peak density, 5% of peak during off hours, 90% of peak during operating hours, and 

an hour-long transition at 50% of peak (Liu et al. 2006). The benchmark plug load schedule 

increases the percentage on during off-hours to account for more computing equipment (15% to 

20% on), and is quite complex, with long ramp-up and ramp-down periods (Deru et al. 2008). 
23

We used a modified version of the plug load schedule (see Table 3-9) from the benchmark study 

(Deru et al. 2008), increasing the percentage on during off hours based on industry feedback. 

Table 3-9 Prototype Plug Equipment Schedule, in Fraction of Peak Load 

Hour Weekdays Saturdays Sundays, 

Holidays, Other

1 0.33 0.30 0.30

2 0.33 0.30 0.30

3 0.33 0.30 0.30

4 0.33 0.30 0.30

5 0.33 0.30 0.30

6 0.33 0.30 0.30

7 0.33 0.30 0.30

8 0.4 0.30 0.30

9 0.7 0.50 0.30

10 0.9 0.80 0.30

11 0.9 0.90 0.60

12 0.9 0.90 0.60

13 0.9 0.90 0.80

14 0.9 0.90 0.80

15 0.9 0.90 0.80

16 0.9 0.90 0.80

17 0.9 0.90 0.80

18 0.9 0.90 0.60

19 0.8 0.70 0.40

20 0.8 0.50 0.30

21 0.70 0.50 0.30

22 0.40 0.30 0.30

23 0.33 0.30 0.30

24 0.33 0.30 0.30

Total Hours/Day 14.87 13.50 10.70

3.2.2 Form

This section completes the characterization of the prototype model’s shape and size by 

specifying aspect ratio, floor-to-floor and ceiling height, and fenestration amount and placement. 

3.2.2.1 Building Shape

Based on 2003 CBECS statistics (see Figure 3-3), the 40,500 ft2 (3,760 m2) prototype stores are 

one-story rectangular buildings with a 1.25 aspect ratio, resulting in a footprint of 225 ft × 180 ft 

(68.6 m × 54.9 m). 
24

The Small Retail TSD assumed an 11-ft (3.4 m) ceiling and a 14-ft (4.3 m) floor-to-floor height 

for the strip mall prototype, and a 12-ft (3.7 m) ceiling and a 16-ft (4.9 m) floor-to-floor height 

for the standalone prototype. Larger stores tend to have a more open feel, so we assume a ceiling 

height of 20 ft (6.1 m)—there is no drop ceiling or plenum. 

Figure 3-3 Area-weighted histograms of post-1970 medium box store shape characteristics

3.2.2.2 Fenestration

The 2003 CBECS reports on several aspects of fenestration form. Figure 3-4 shows statistics on 

the amount and distribution of windows. Figure 3-5 gives statistics on window shading (with 

awnings or overhangs), skylights, and percentage of floor area that is daylit. These data indicate 

that our prototype store should have 10% or less of its wall area glazed, and that the glazing 

should be unevenly distributed. We adopt the typical glazing distribution for medium box

general merchandise stores, which is to install all of the glazing in the main entrance wall, the 

south façade in this case. Although the 2003 CBECS supports overhangs, they are not included 

in the prototype stores because of the procedures in Appendix G of Standard 90.1-2004. The 

baseline stores do not include skylights or daylighting controls. 
25

Figure 3-4 Area-weighted histograms of post-1970 medium box store fenestration amounts 

Figure 3-5 Area-weighted histograms of post-1970 medium box store sunlight management

The Small Retail TSD had all glazing on the front façade—in particular, 70% of the front wall

was glazed in both prototypes. This results in overall window-to-wall ratios (WWRs) of 20% 

and 17% for the strip mall and the standalone store, respectively. According to building 

dimensions, those WWRs amount to 980 ft2 (91.0 m2) of glazing for the strip mall and 1,344 ft2

(124.9 m2) of glazing for the standalone building. We assume that the amount of glazing on a 

general merchandise store is fairly independent of store size and that a reasonable range for 

glazing area is 200 ft2 to 1,400 ft2 (18.6 m2 to 130.1 m2). For our prototype, we select a glazing 
26

area of 1,000 ft2 (92.9 m2), which corresponds to a 22% WWR for the south façade, and a 6.2% 

WWR for the entire building. 

3.2.3 Fabric

This section specifies the types of envelope and interior constructions used in the prototype and 

baseline models. Specific fenestration constructions and insulation levels are listed in Section 

3.3.3, as Standard 90.1-2004 specifies the minimum performance of these components. 

3.2.3.1 Construction Types

The 2003 CBECS data for wall and roof construction types are shown in Figure 3-6. The 

prototype building has masonry wall construction (which includes the brick, stucco, and concrete 

construction categories) and a roof with all insulation above deck (which includes the built-up 

and plastic/rubber/synthetic sheeting construction categories). The masonry wall assumption

ignores the 34% of medium box general merchandise buildings that have metal walls.

Figure 3-6 Area-weighted histograms of post-1970 medium box store construction types

3.2.3.2 Interior Partitions and Mass

We assume that the interior partitions that separate zones are composed of 4-in. (0.1-m) thick 

steel-frame walls covered with gypsum board. Internal mass is modeled as 81,000 ft2 (7,525 m2) 

of 6-in. (0.15-m) thick wood. 

3.2.4 Equipment

This section specifies the types of HVAC and service water heating equipment used in the 

prototype and baseline models. Performance and cost data are discussed in Sections 3.3.4.2 and 

3.3.4.3. 

3.2.4.1 Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning

According to the 2003 CBECS, all medium box general merchandise stores have some heating 

and cooling. More than 70% of floor area is in stores that are 100% heated; about 55% is in 

stores that are 100% cooled. We therefore assume that the prototypes are fully heated and 

cooled. 
27

Figure 3-7 summarizes the 2003 CBECS statistics on the types of heating and cooling equipment 

used in medium box general merchandise stores. All cooling is electric; the types of fuel used 

for heating are shown in Figure 3-8. Most stores (about 75% of the floor area) do not have 

secondary heating sources.

Based on these findings, the prototype HVAC equipment consists of packaged rooftop units 

(RTUs) with natural gas furnaces for heating, and electric direct expansion (DX) coils with aircooled condensers for cooling. Primarily for humid climates, we control relative humidity to a 

set point of 60%, which, according to our thermostat set points (see Appendix B.5), corresponds 

to a dew point of approximately 14°F (57°F). The standard dehumidification strategy is 

subcooling and superheat, where a reheat coil uses DX condenser waste heat (superheat) to 

reheat the subcooled, dehumidified air stream at zero additional energy cost (notwithstanding the 

pressure drop that occurs across the reheat coil). Accordingly, each RTU is equipped with a 

superheat coil and each thermal zone is equipped with a humidistat to monitor humidity. The 

units do not have variable air volume (VAV) systems, because the 2003 CBECS reports that just 

27% of medium box general merchandise floor area uses them. Economizers are applied as per 

Standard 90.1-2004. 

According to the 2003 CBECS, most stores reduce heating and cooling during unoccupied hours. 

About 60% use a thermostat schedule; 30% use an energy management control system; the rest 

rely on manual reset. Our prototype store captures such behavior with a thermostat schedule (see

Table B-6 and Table B-7). 

Figure 3-7 Area-weighted histograms of post-1970 medium box store heating and cooling 

equipment
28

Figure 3-8 Area-weighted histograms of post-1970 medium box store main heating source 

3.2.4.2 Service Water Heating

Figure 3-9 shows 2003 CBECS data that indicate that most medium box general merchandise

stores have centralized, tank storage hot water heaters that run on electricity or natural gas, and 

serve moderate hot water loads. Other CBECS variables suggest that instant hot water heaters 

and alternative fuel types are not widely used. The prototype store has an electric water heater, 

since that is the type used to service a majority of the 2003 CBECS floor area, sized according to

the ASHRAE (ASHRAE 2003) (see Section 3.3.4.3). 
29

Figure 3-9 Area-weighted histograms of post-1970 medium box store service water heating 

characteristics

3.2.5 Prototype Model Summary

This section summarizes the building characteristics that define the medium box general 

merchandise prototype models. In particular, they must specify characteristics that are not found 

in ASHRAE 90.1-2004 or ASHRAE 62-1999 (ASHRAE 1999; ASHRAE 2004a), but are needed 

to develop baseline and low-energy models. Many characteristics are summarized in Table 3-10, 

the space type sizes and plug load levels are in Table 3-11, and the floor plan is shown in Figure 

3-10. The two levels of plug loads developed in Section 3.2.1.3.2 and shown in Table 3-11

define two distinct prototype models that will be carried forward through the remainder of this 

work. They will be referred to as the low and high plug load models or scenarios. 
30

Table 3-10 General Merchandise Prototype Model Characteristics and Data Sources 

Retail Store 

Characteristic

Medium Box General Merchandise TSD 

Prototype Source 

Program

 Size 40,500 ft2 (3,763 m2) 2003 CBECS

 Space types See Table 3-11 Assumption

 Operating hours

Monday through Friday, 7:00:00 a.m. to 

9:00:00 p.m.; Saturday, 7:00:00 a.m. to 

10:00:00 p.m.; and Sunday and Holidays, 

9:00:00 a.m. to 7:00:00 p.m.

ASHRAE 90.1-1989

 Occupancy See Table 3-5 for density;

see Table 3-7 for schedule

ASHRAE 62.1-2004; 

DOE Benchmark Retail; 

Assumption; 

ASHRAE 90.1-1989

 Lighting See Table 3-8 for schedule ASHRAE 90.1-1989

 Plug and process

See Table 3-6 for density;

see Table 3-9 for schedule

DOE Benchmark Retail; 

Industry Feedback

Form

 Number of floors 1 2003 CBECS

 Aspect ratio 1.25 2003 CBECS; Assumption

 Floor-to-floor height 20 ft (6.10 m) Assumption

 Window area 1,000 ft2 (93 m2, 0.062 WWR) 2003 CBECS; Assumption

 Floor plan See Figure 3-10 Assumption

Fabric

 Wall type Mass (brick, stone, stucco or concrete) 2003 CBECS

 Roof type All insulation above deck 2003 CBECS

 Interior partitions 2 x 4 steel-frame with gypsum boards Assumption

 Internal mass 81,000 ft2 (7,525 m2) of 6” wood Assumption

Equipment 

 HVAC system type

Unitary rooftop units with DX coils, natural 

gas heating, and constant volume fans; 

Economizer as per ASHRAE 90.1-2004

2003 CBECS

 HVAC unit size 10 tons (35 kW) cooling Assumption

 HVAC controls Setback during unoccupied hours 2003 CBECS

 Service water heating Electric resistance heating with storage tank 2003 CBECS
31

Table 3-11 Space Type Floor Areas and Peak Plug Loads in the Medium Box General Merchandise

Store Prototype Models

Space Type NameFloor Area (ft2)Percent of Total Peak Plug Load (W/ft2

) 

Low Plug High Plug

Main Sales 31,500 77.8 0.2 1.5

Perimeter Sales 3,076 7.6 0.4 0.6

Enclosed Office 300 0.7 0.75 1.1

Meeting Room 500 1.2 0.75 1.1

Dining Room 500 1.2 2.6 2.6

Restroom 625 1.5 0.1 0.1

Mechanical Room 200 0.5 0 0 

Corridor 450 1.1 0 0 

Vestibule 300 0.7 0 0 

Active Storage 3,050 7.5 0.75 0.75

Figure 3-10 General merchandise store prototype model floor plan

N
32

3.3 Baseline Model

This section contains a topic-by-topic description of the baseline building models’ EnergyPlus 

inputs, including the building form and floor plate; envelope characteristics; internal loads; 

HVAC equipment efficiency, operation, control, and sizing; service water heating; and 

schedules. We also list the costs that were used by Opt-E-Plus to compute 5-TLCC. The 

baseline models for medium box general merchandise stores were developed by applying the 

criteria in ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004 and ASHRAE Standard 62-1999 (ASHRAE 1999; 

ASHRAE 2004a) to the prototype characteristics. (ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004 explicitly 

references, and thereby includes, Standard 62.1-1999.)

3.3.1 Program

3.3.1.1 Occupancy

The internal load derived from the occupants is calculated assuming 120 W (409 Btu/h) of heat 

per person, which falls between the values listed for “seated, very light work” and “standing, 

light work; walking” in Chapter 30 of (ASHRAE 2005). Occupant comfort is calculated 

assuming clothing levels of 1.0 clo October through April, and 0.5 clo May through September; 

and an in-building air velocity of 0.66 ft/s (0.2 m/s). 

3.3.2 Form

The prototype characteristics, together with a few modeling assumptions, are used to generate 

the baseline models’ forms and floor plates. Per Appendix G of ASHRAE 90.1-2004, overhangs 

are not included in the baseline models. 

Form and floor plate parameters are listed in Table 3-12. A rendering of the general 

merchandise baseline model is shown in Figure 3-11, which shows an isometric view of the 

baseline model from the southwest. All parameters except glazing sill height are specified in the 

prototype model. 

Table 3-12 Selected Baseline Modeling Assumptions

Model Parameters Value

Floor area 40,500 ft2 (3,763 m2) 

Aspect ratio 1.25

Ceiling height 20 ft (6.096 m)

Fraction of fenestration to gross wall area 5.6%

Glazing sill height 3.609 ft (1.1 m)
33

Figure 3-11 General merchandise store baseline model rendering: View from southwest 

3.3.3 Fabric

Based on the 2003 CBECS and engineering experience, we assume that general merchandise

stores are typically constructed with mass exterior walls, built-up roofs, and slab-on-grade floors. 

These choices are further developed to meet the prescriptive design option requirements of 

ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Section 5.5. Layer-by-layer descriptions of the exterior surface 

constructions were used to model the building thermal envelope in EnergyPlus. 

3.3.3.1 Exterior Walls

The baselines are modeled with mass wall constructions. The layers consist of stucco, concrete 

block, rigid isocyanurate insulation, and gypsum board. The assembly U-factors vary based on 

the climate zone and are adjusted to account for standard film coefficients. R-values for most of 

the layers are derived from Appendix A of ASHRAE 90.1-2004. Continuous insulation (c.i.) Rvalues are selected to meet the minimum R-values required in Section 5 of ASHRAE 90.1-2004. 

The baseline exterior walls’ performance metrics, including costs, are listed in Table 3-13 (see 

Table C-1 for metric units). The mass wall includes the following layers:

• Exterior air film (calculated by EnergyPlus)

• 1-in (2.5-cm) exterior stucco, 116 lb/ft3 (1858 kg/m3) 

• 8-in. (20.3-cm) heavyweight concrete block with solid grouted cores, 140 lb/ft3 (2243 

kg/m3) 

• 1-in. (2.5-cm) metal clips with rigid insulation (R-value varies by climate)

• 0.5-in. (1.3-cm) thick gypsum board, 49 lb/ft3

 (785 kg/m3) 

• Interior air film (calculated by EnergyPlus). 

The materials and installation costs are based on personal communication with the ASHRAE 

90.1 Envelope Subcommittee (ASHRAE 2008). The thermal performance of the interior and 

exterior air films are calculated with the EnergyPlus “detailed” algorithm for surface heat 
34

transfer film coefficients, which is based on linearized radiation coefficients separate from the 

convection coefficients determined by surface roughness, wind speed, and terrain. 

Table 3-13 Baseline Exterior Wall Constructions

Properties Climate Zones 

1–2 

Climate Zones 

3–4 

Climate Zone 

5 

Climate Zone 

6 

Climate Zone 

7 

Climate Zone 

8 

Key

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

No c.i.

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

R-5.7 c.i.

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

R-7.6 c.i. 

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

R-9.5 c.i.

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

R-11.4 c.i.

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

R-13.3 c.i.

U-factor 

(Btu/

h·ft2

·°F)

0.754 0.173 0.137 0.114 0.0975 0.0859

Capital 

cost 

($/ft2

) 

$20.37 $21.06 $21.42 $21.68 $21.80 $21.86

3.3.3.2 Roofs

The baseline model roofs are built-up, with rigid insulation above a structural metal deck. The 

layers consist of roof membrane, insulation, and metal decking. The assembly U-factors vary by 

climate zone and are adjusted to account for the standard film coefficients. R-values for most of 

the layers are derived from Appendix A of ASHRAE 90.1-2004. Insulation R-values for 

continuous insulations are selected to meet the minimum R-values required in ASHRAE 90.1-

2004, which vary by climate zone. The thermal performance metrics and construction costs are 

listed by climate zone in Table 3-14 (see Table C-2 for metric units). The costs are estimated 

based on (Balboni 2008a) and assume: 

• A 60-mil (0.15-cm) thick, mechanically-fastened ethylene propylene diene monomer 

single-ply membrane 

• Polyisocyanurate insulation, including a tapered drainage piece finished with 7/16-in. 

(1.11-cm) strand board 

• 0.05-in. (0.13-cm) base flashing and edging around the perimeter of the roof. 

Table 3-14 Baseline Roof Constructions

Properties Climate Zones 1–7 Climate Zone 8 

Key Baseline Roof Construction, 

R-15 c.i.

Baseline Roof Construction, 

R-20 c.i.

U-Factor (Btu/h·ft2·°F) 0.0675 0.0506

Capital Cost ($/ft2) $8.69 $9.11

The prescriptive portion of Standard 90.1-2004 does not specify performance characteristics such 

as roof reflectance or absorption. Appendix G states that the reflectivity of reference buildings 

should be 0.3. We assume the baseline roof ethylene propylene diene monomer membrane has a 

solar reflectance of 0.3, a thermal absorption of 0.9, and a visible absorption of 0.7. 

3.3.3.3 Slab-on-Grade Floors

The baseline buildings are modeled with slab-on-grade floors, made up of carpet pad over 8 in. 

(0.2 m) thick heavyweight concrete. A separate program, slab.exe, was used to model the 

ground coupling (DOE 2008b). It determines the temperature of the ground under the slab based 
35

on the area of the slab, the location of the building. It also reports the type of insulation under or 

around the slab and reports the perimeter ground monthly temperatures, the core ground monthly 

temperatures, and average monthly temperatures. For this analysis, the core average monthly 

temperatures are passed to EnergyPlus to specify the ground temperatures under the slab.

3.3.3.4 Fenestration

The baseline general merchandise stores’ fenestration systems are modeled as three windows on 

the façade totaling 1,000 ft2 (92.9 m2) of glazing area. Windows are collected into a single 

object per zone; frames are not explicitly modeled to reduce complexity in EnergyPlus and make 

the simulations run faster. However, the U-factors and solar heat gain coefficients (SHGCs) are 

whole-assembly values that include frames. Those performance criteria are set to match the 

requirements of Appendix B of ASHRAE 90.1-2004. If a particular climate zone has no 

ASHRAE 90.1-2004 SHGC recommendation, its SHGC value is set to that of the previous (next 

warmest) climate zone.

The multipliers from the visible light transmittance (VLT) table, Table C3.5 in ASHRAE 90.1-

2004 Appendix C (ASHRAE 2004a), are used to calculate VLT values for the baseline windows. 

An iterative process is used to refine the material properties in the layer-by-layer descriptions to 

just match the required assembly performance level. The baseline window constructions and 

costs are summarized in Table 3-15 (see Table C-3 for metric units). The costs are based on 

personal communication with the ASHRAE 90.1 Envelope Subcommittee (ASHRAE 2007a). 

Table 3-15 Baseline Window Constructions

Properties Climate Zones 

1– 2 

Climate Zone

3 

Climate Zones 

4–6 

Climate Zone

7 

Climate Zone

8 

Key

Baseline 

Window 

Construction

Baseline 

Window 

Construction

Baseline 

Window 

Construction

Baseline 

Window 

Construction

Baseline 

Window 

Construction

SHGC 0.250 0.390 0.490 0.490 0.490

VLT 0.250 0.495 0.622 0.490 0.490

U-Factor 

(Btu/h·ft2

·°F) 1.21 0.570 0.570 0.570 0.460

Capital Cost 

($/ft2

) $44.00 $47.23 $46.65 $47.23 $49.97

Fixed O&M 

Cost ($/ft2

) $0.22 $0.22 $0.22 $0.22 $0.22

Some of the recommended designs for 50% energy savings include skylight-facilitated 

daylighting. Four of the skylight construction choices match the fenestration performance 

criteria outlined in Appendix B of ASHRAE 90.1-2004. These baseline skylight constructions 

are summarized in Table 3-16 (see Table C-4 for metric units). Costs based on personal 

communication with the ASHRAE 90.1 Envelope Subcommittee are also listed (ASHRAE 

2007a).
36

Table 3-16 Baseline Skylight Constructions

EDM Instance Climate Zones 

1–3 

Climate Zones 

4–6 

Climate Zone 

7 

Climate Zone 

8 

Key

Baseline 

Skylight 

Construction 

Baseline 

Skylight 

Construction 

Baseline 

Skylight 

Construction 

Baseline 

Skylight 

Construction 

SHGC 0.36 0.490 0.490 0.490

VLT 0.457 0.622 0.490 0.490

U-factor (Btu/h·ft2·°F) 1.22 0.690 0.690 0.580

Capital cost ($/ft2) $46.28 $47.23 $47.22 $51.04

Fixed O&M cost ($/ft2) $0.22 $0.22 $0.22 $0.22

3.3.3.5 Infiltration

Building air infiltration is addressed indirectly in ASHRAE 90.1-2004 through requirements for 

building envelope sealing, fenestration, door air leakage, etc. The air infiltration rate is not 

specified. This analysis assumes that the peak infiltration rate is 0.291 air changes per hour 

(ACH) during operating hours, when the HVAC system is on and customers are entering and 

leaving the store. At night, when the HVAC system is off and the doors are closed, we assume 

that the infiltration rate reduces to 0.081 ACH (see Appendix B.4 for the hourly infiltration 

schedule). Infiltration through a surface is dependent on the pressure gradient acting on the 

surface. We calculated pressure gradients for each of the four walls according to the following 

assumptions: 

• A constant 8 mph (3.6 m/s) wind blows directly into the front (south facade) of the store. 

• The wind creates a constant, uniform, positive pressure (0.023 in. w.c. [5.8 Pa]) on the 

front wall and a constant, uniform, negative pressure of equal magnitude (0.023 in. w.c. 

[5.8 Pa]) on the back wall. 

• The wind exerts no external pressure on the side walls. 

• When the HVAC system is on, the building is pressurized to 0.016 in. w.c. (4 Pa) above 

the ambient air pressure. 

• When the HVAC system is off, the building is not pressurized with respect to the outside 

air. 

The resulting pressures (magnitudes and directions) acting on each exterior wall during operating and 

non-operating hours are listed in Table 3-17 and Table 3-18, respectively (see Table C-5 and Table C-6

for metric units), and presented graphically in Figure 3-12. 
37

Table 3-17 Pressures Acting on Exterior Walls During Operating Hours

Exterior Wall

Resultant Pressure Gradient

Magnitude (Pa) Direction

Front 1.8 Infiltration

Back 9.8 Exfiltration

Side 4.0 Exfiltration

Table 3-18 Pressures Acting on Exterior Walls During Non-operating Hours 

Exterior Wall

Resultant Pressure Gradient

Magnitude (Pa) Direction

Front 5.8 Infiltration

Back 5.8 Exfiltration

Side 0 NA

Figure 3-12 Building flow balance diagram 

Front Wall

Back Wall

Side

Wall

Side

Wall

HVAC Pressure

Wind Pressure

Net Pressure
38

Pressure gradients driving infiltration are used to calculate infiltration rates for the building. The 

envelope infiltration rate is derived from CIBSE-T23 building tightness specifications for good 

construction practice (CIBSE 2000). The infiltration through the sliding doors is modeled using 

the door opening event modeling of Yuill et al. (2000). Pressure gradients driving exfiltration 

are used to calculate exfiltration rates, which have implications in regards to the flow of air 

available for ERV. See Section 3.4.3.5.2 for more detail.

3.3.4 Equipment

This section describes the performance and cost of our baseline buildings’ lighting, HVAC and 

service water heating equipment. 

3.3.4.1 Lighting

3.3.4.1.1 Interior

The baseline interior LPD for each space type is derived using the space-by-space method 

described in ASHRAE 90.1-2004 (ASHRAE 2004a). The mapping between each space type and 

the standard, and the resulting baseline LPDs are presented in Table 3-19. For the location of 

each space type, see Figure 3-10. 

Table 3-19 Baseline Lighting and Occupancy Loads by Space Type

Space Type Mapping to ASHRAE 90.1-2004 LPD (W/ft2) LPD (W/m2) 

Main Sales Sales area 1.7 18.3

Perimeter Sales Sales area 1.7 18.3

Enclosed Office Office-enclosed 1.1 11.8

Meeting Room Conference/meeting/multipurpose 1.3 14.0

Dining Room Dining area 0.9 9.7

Restrooms Restrooms 0.9 9.7

Mechanical Room Electrical/mechanical 1.5 16.1

Corridor Corridor/transition 0.5 5.4

Vestibule Corridor/transition 0.5 5.4

Active Storage Active storage 0.8 8.6

Whole Building 1.6 17.0

The baseline cost of the lighting system is modeled as $7.42/ft2 ($24.35/m2, $4,706/kW) for 

capital costs, and $0.12/ft2∙yr ($0.40/m2∙yr, $77.24/kW∙yr) for maintenance, where kW refers to 

the total installed lighting power. The material and installation costs are estimated based on 

(Balboni 2008b); the maintenance costs are estimated using (Plotner 2009). Thus, the baseline 

capital costs are approximately $300,500, and the baseline maintenance costs are about 

$4,930/yr. 

3.3.4.1.2 Exterior

The baseline general merchandise stores have 1 W/ft (3.28 W/m) of exterior façade lighting, per 

ASHRAE 90.1-2004, Table 9.4.5 (ASHRAE 2004a). The model does not include a parking lot 

or parking lot lighting.
39

3.3.4.2 HVAC Systems and Components

3.3.4.2.1 System Type and Sizing

This TSD assumes packaged single-zone (PSZ) unitary heating and cooling equipment, based on 

the 2003 CBECS. These systems are modeled by placing an autosized PSZ system with a 

constant volume fan, DX cooling, and gas-fired furnace in each thermal zone (the disjoint 

rectangles in Figure 3-10). To apply ASHRAE 90.1-2004, we develop performance data 

consistent with 10-ton, 4,000 cfm (1.88 m3

/s) RTUs, under the assumption that the larger zones 

would be served by multiple such units. 

We use the design-day method to autosize the cooling capacity of the DX cooling coil and the 

heating capacity of the furnace in the packaged RTUs. The design-day data for all 16 climate 

locations are developed from (ASHRAE 2005). In those data sets, we base the heating design 

condition on 99.6% annual percentiles, and the cooling design condition on 0.4% annual 

percentiles. The internal loads (occupancy, lights, and plug loads) were scheduled as zero on the 

heating design day, and at their peak on the cooling design day. A 1.2 sizing factor was applied 

to all autosized heating and cooling capacities and air flow rates. Because EnergyPlus autosizes

HVAC equipment according to sensible load, additional sizing factors needed to be applied in 

humid climates to zones with large outdoor air requirements to handle the large latent loads.

3.3.4.2.2 Outside Air

Ventilation rates by zone are defined according to ASHRAE Standard 62-1999 (ASHRAE 

1999). The mapping between each space type and the standard and the resulting ventilation rate 

are presented in Table 3-20. Rates for spaces without direct mapping to the standard were 

estimated. ASHRAE 62-1999 requires 50 cfm (24 L/s) of OA per toilet for restrooms, and we 

assume an area of roughly 48 ft2 (4.5 m) per toilet. Mechanical rooms were assigned a 

ventilation rate of zero, based on the assumption that they are unoccupied most of the time.

Table 3-20 Baseline Minimum Ventilation Rates

Space Type Mapping to ASHRAE 62-1999 Ventilation per Person Ventilation per Area

cfm/person L/s∙person cfm/ft2 L/ s∙m2 

Main Sales Retail::Basement and street – – 0.30 0.15

Perimeter Sales Retail::Basement and street – – 0.30 0.15

Enclosed Office Offices::Office space 20.0 10.0 – – 

Meeting Room Offices::Conference rooms 20.0 10.0 – – 

Dining Room Food & Beverage::Dining rooms 20.0 10.0 – – 

Restrooms CUSTOM VALUE – – 1.04 0.52

Mechanical Room CUSTOM VALUE – – 0.00 0.00

Corridor Public Spaces::Corridors & utilities – – 0.05 0.03

Vestibule Public Spaces::Corridors & utilities – – 0.05 0.03

Active Storage Retail::Shipping and receiving – – 0.15 0.08
40

OA intake follows the same schedule as the HVAC system, which turns on an hour before the 

store is occupied in the morning and turns off when the store closes in the evening. The HVAC 

system also runs intermittently during off hours to adhere to the off hours temperature 

requirements.

3.3.4.2.3 Economizers

In accordance with ASHRAE 90.1-2004, Section 6.5.1, an economizer is required in climate 

zones 3B, 3C, 4B, 4C, 5B, 5C, and 6B for systems between 65,000 Btu/h (19 kW) and 135,000 

Btu/h (40 kW) cooling capacity. Therefore, the 10-ton (120,000 Btu/h, 35.16 kW) baseline 

RTUs include economizers in these climate zones only. 

3.3.4.2.4 Minimum Efficiency

The code-minimum efficiency for cooling equipment is determined based on cooling system type 

and size. To apply ASHRAE 90.1-2004, we assume baseline RTUs with 10 tons cooling and 

4,000 cfm (1.88 m3/s) air flow. ASHRAE 90.1-2004 requires single packaged unitary air 

conditioners of this size (between 65,000 Btu/h [19 kW] and 135,000 Btu/h [40 kW]) and with 

nonelectric heating units to have a minimum EER of 10.1. The gas-fired furnace efficiency 

levels were set to 80% to match the efficiency requirements for gas heating. 

The ASHRAE 90.1-2004 minimum EER values include fan, compressor, and condenser power. 

EnergyPlus, however, models compressor and condenser power separately from fan power. We 

assume EER and compressor/condenser coefficient of performance (COP) values, and then use 

them to calculate fan efficiency. As stated above, the EER is 10.1. We assume a 

compressor/condenser COP of 3.69, based on publically available industrial spec sheets for EER 

10.1 units. 

3.3.4.2.5 Fan Power Assumptions

We assume that the package RTU contains only a supply fan, and no return or central exhaust 

fans. The constant volume supply fan energy use is determined from three primary input 

parameters: system-wide EER, compressor/condenser COP, and total static pressure drop. 

ASHRAE 90.1-2004 specifies maximum fan motor power, which, together with static pressure 

drop, can be used to determine fan efficiency and compressor/condenser COP for a given EER. 

We choose to deviate from this practice to obtain a more realistic split between fan and 

compressor/condenser power; we recognize, however, that our fan efficiencies are better than 

code minimum. 

The total supply fan static pressure drops are based on the 10-ton units modeled in Liu et al. 

(2007) plus 50% more supply and return ductwork. Table 3-21 (see Table C-7 for metric units) 

summarizes the breakdown of the fan total static pressure for the baseline RTU. The 10-ton unit 

without an economizer has a total fan static pressure of 1.53 in. (w.c.) (381 Pa); those with 

economizers have a total static pressure of 1.62 in. w.c. (404 Pa). 
41

Table 3-21 Baseline Fan System Total Pressure Drops

Component 

Package Rooftop, Constant 

Volume, 10-ton, 4000 cfm, no 

Economizer (in. w.c.)

Package Rooftop, Constant 

Volume, 10-ton, 4000 cfm, with 

Economizer (in. w.c.)

Internal Static Pressure Drop 0.67 0.76

External Static Pressure Drop 0.86 0.86

Total Static Pressure Drop 1.53 1.62

* Used friction rate of 0.1 in. w.c./100 ft (25 Pa/30 m) for the baseline duct pressure drop.

We back out the baseline total fan efficiency from the 10.1 EER requirement, the static 

pressures, and a combined compressor and condenser COP of 3.69. This calculation proceeds in 

three steps:

1. Determine the portion of the EER dedicated to the supply fan by subtracting out the 

compressor/condenser contribution: 

After converting EER and COP to units of tons of cooling per kilowatt of electricity, one 

finds that the supply fan uses 0.235 kW (801.9 Btu/h) of electricity for every ton of 

cooling. 

coolington EER COP

kW powerfan 516.312 −=

2. Determine the nameplate motor power per supply air volume: 

Assuming 400 cfm per ton of cooling (0.054 (m3/s)/kW), the fan power per volumetric unit 

of air is 0.788 hp/1000 cfm (1,245 W/(m3

/s)). This is well within the Standard 90.1-2004 

requirement that units with less than 20,000 cfm (9.44 m3/s) have fans with nameplate motor 

power less than 1.2 hp/1000 cfm (1896 W/(m3/s)). 

1341

400

1

1000 = ⋅ ⋅ cfm

coolington

coolington

kW powerfan

cfm

hpmotor

3. Calculate fan efficiency:

The fan efficiency is equal to the total static pressure (using the external static pressure value 

specified by the ARI standard) divided by the nameplate motor power per supply air volume, 

in compatible units. Thus the RTUs without economizers have a fan efficiency of 30.6%; 

those with economizers have an efficiency of 32.4%. 

3.3.4.2.6 Summary and Costs

This report uses HVAC system cost data prepared for NREL by the RMH Group (2006). The 

10-ton RTUs described in that report have EER values of 9.0, 10.4, and 11.0. The baseline unit 

costs are assumed to be the same as the lowest efficiency unit’s even though the EER of our 

baseline unit is higher (10.1 instead of 9.0). This cost is $8,478 plus $1.89/cfm ($4,005/(m3/s))

for ductwork materials and installation. Assuming 400 cfm per ton of cooling (0.054 

(m3/s)/kW), the cost of ductwork for a 10-ton unit is $7,560, and the total system capital cost is 

$1603.75/ton of cooling ($456.13/kW). The cost of an economizer, including controls and an 

additional relief hood, is given as $1,002 for a 10-ton unit, that is, an extra $100.20/ton of 

cooling ($28.48/kW). Maintenance costs for the 10-ton unit are $160/year for fixed O&M plus 

$1,240/yr for repair and replacement costs: $140/ton∙yr ($39.87/kW∙yr) total. Table 3-22 (see 
42

Table C-8 for metric units) summarizes the primary HVAC performance characteristics and cost 

data for the baseline general merchandise stores. 

Table 3-22 Baseline HVAC Models Summary

HVAC Input

ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Baseline 

PSZ DX, Gas Furnace, 

No Economizer

ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Baseline 

PSZ DX, Gas Furnace, 

with Economizer

System EER 10.1 10.1

COP of compressor/condenser 3.69 3.69

Heating efficiency 80% 80%

Fan power 0.788 hp/1000 cfm 0.788 hp/1000 cfm

Fan static pressure 1.53 in. w.c. 1.62 in. w.c.

Fan efficiency 30.6% 32.4% 

Economizers None Included

Capital cost ($/ton cooling) $1,604 $1,704

O&M cost ($/ton cooling·yr) $140 $140

3.3.4.3 Service Water Heating

The baseline service water heating system is an electric storage water heater that meets the 

ASHRAE 90.1-2004 requirements. We assume a thermal efficiency of 86.4% to meet the energy 

factor requirement for units with rated input power less than 12 kW (40.95 kBtu/h). 

The consumption rates of hot water are determined using (ASHRAE 2003), specifically Chapter 

49, Table 8. That table does not have an entry for retail, so we assume that the hot water use in 

general merchandise buildings is similar to that in office buildings. The baseline general 

merchandise stores’ peak hot water consumption rate is modeled as 18 gph (1.9E-5 m3/s), based 

on 40 gph (4.2E-5 m3/s) for sinks and 20 gph (2.1E-5 m3/s) for public lavatories, multiplied by a 

demand factor of 0.3. The storage tank has a volume of 50 gallons (0.19 m3

) based on a storage 

capacity factor of 2.0 and 71.4% usable volume percentage. The consumption schedule as a 

fraction of peak load is shown in Table B-8. The hot water outlet temperature is assumed to be 

104oF (40oC). The water heater set point is 140oF (60oC). 

3.4 Energy Design Measures

The optimization algorithm described in Section 2.4 determines which EDMs are applied to the 

baseline models to create low-energy models that meet the 50% energy savings target. This 

section contains a topic-by-topic description of the EDMs under consideration. They fall into the 

following categories: 

• Reduced LPD and occupancy controls 

• Reduced plug and process load densities 

• PV electricity generation

• Varying levels of façade glazing and skylights 

• Overhangs to shade the façade glazing

• Daylighting controls
43

• Enhanced opaque envelope insulation 

• Window and skylight glazing constructions 

• Reduced infiltration via an air barrier or vestibule

• Higher efficiency HVAC equipment 

• Higher efficiency fans

• Demand controlled ventilation (DCV) 

• ERVs

• Economizers 

The low-energy building models are built by perturbing the baseline models with the efficiency 

measures described below. Any aspect of the building previously discussed but not mentioned 

below is constant across all models.

We were not able to include all efficiency measures of interest in this analysis. For a discussion 

of items that could be included in a subsequent study, see Section 5.0. 

3.4.1 Form

3.4.1.1 Fenestration

These EDMs change the amount of horizontal and vertical glazing. None has an inherent cost; 

instead, each determines the amount of glazing. Window and skylight costs are calculated by 

multiplying the glazing areas (as determined by the baseline glazing amount and these EDMs) by 

the cost per unit area of the selected glazing types (see Section 3.4.2.3).

3.4.1.1.1 Front Façade Windows

One EDM reduces the amount of façade fenestration by 50%. This results in a reduction in the 

south façade WWR from 22.2% to 11.1%. The sill height for this EDM is consistent with that of 

the baseline building. 

3.4.1.1.2 Skylights

Another set of EDMs adds skylights to the baseline building. Skylights can be added to all zones 

except the perimeter sales and vestibule zones (see Figure 3-13). The skylight EDMs result in 

2%, 3%, or 4% coverage of the roof area in the applicable zones.

3.4.1.2 Overhangs

Roof-framed overhangs were added assuming a 0.82 ft (0.25 m) offset from the top of each 

window, and a projection factor of 0.5 to 1.1, in steps of 0.2. This yields four EDMs, which 

were all priced at $10.09/ft2

 ($108.63/m2) of overhang in 2008 dollars (ABO Group 2006). The 

size of each overhang was determined using the height of the window, the offset, and the 

projection factor. For instance, a 3-ft (0.91-m) wide, 2-ft (0.61-m) tall window, a 0.25-ft (0.076-

m) offset, and a projection factor of 1.1 yield a 2.475-ft (0.75-m) deep by 3-ft (0.91-m) wide 

overhang. 

3.4.2 Fabric

3.4.2.1 Exterior Walls

The mass wall EDMs are shown in Table 3-23 (see Table C-9 for metric units), along with 

capital costs that are based on personal communication with the ASHRAE 90.1 Envelope 

Subcommittee (ASHRAE 2008). Construction method, insulation material and insulation 
44

thickness are listed independently for each exterior wall construction to provide sufficient means 

for comparison. 

The interior insulation construction is the baseline construction (see Section 3.3.3.1). Its layers 

are:

• Exterior air film (calculated by EnergyPlus)

• 1-in (2.5-cm) exterior stucco, 116 lb/ft3 (1,858 kg/m3) 

• 8-in. (20.3-cm) heavyweight concrete block with solid grouted cores, 140 lb/ft3 (2,243 kg/m3) 

• 1-in. (2.5-cm) metal clips with rigid insulation (R-value varies by climate)

• 0.5-in. (1.3-cm) thick gypsum board, 49 lb/ft3 (785 kg/m3) 

• Interior air film (calculated by EnergyPlus). 

The exterior insulation construction has a different insulation location and slightly different layer 

materials and thicknesses from those reported above. The latter differences stem from the fact 

that the exterior insulation construction is representative of the most recent ASHRAE 90.1 

Envelope Subcommittee data, whereas the interior insulation construction was developed from 

an earlier data set. The layers of the exterior insulation construction are:

• Exterior air film (calculated by EnergyPlus) 

• 0.75-in (1.9-cm) exterior stucco, 120 lb/ft3 (1,920 kg/m3

) 

• Rigid insulation (R-value varies by climate)

• 7.625-in. (20.1-cm) lightweight concrete block with partially grouted cores, 38 lb/ft3 (609 

kg/m3

) 

• 1-in. (2.5-cm) metal clips with air

• 0.5-in. (1.3-cm) thick gypsum board, 49 lb/ft3

 (785 kg/m3) 

• Interior air film (calculated by EnergyPlus). 

The brick cavity construction consists of two “skin” layers, in this case an exterior brick layer 

and an interior concrete block layer, separated by a hollow space (cavity) that can be filled with 

insulation. Cavity walls are more expensive to build, but provide better sound and heat 

insulation and have a higher resistance to rain penetration. The layers of the brick cavity 

construction are identical to those of the exterior insulation construction, except that the stucco 

layer is replaced with brick: 

• Exterior air film (calculated by EnergyPlus)

• 3.625-in (9.2-cm) medium-weight brick, 110 lb/ft3 (1,760 kg/m3

) 

• Rigid insulation (R-value varies by climate)

• 7.625-in. (20.1-cm) lightweight concrete block with partially grouted cores, 38 lb/ft3 (609 

kg/m3) 

• 1-in. (2.5-cm) metal clips with air

• 0.5-in. (1.3-cm) thick gypsum board, 49 lb/ft3 (785 kg/m3) 

• Interior air film (calculated by EnergyPlus). 
45

Table 3-23 Exterior Wall EDMs

Insulation

R-value,

Nominal 

Assembly

U-Factor 

(Btu/h·ft2·°F)

Construction 

Method

Insulation

Material

Insulation

Thickness 

(in)

Capital

Cost 

($/ft2) 

R-5.7 c.i. 0.1754 Interior insulation Isocyanurate 1.3 $21.06

R-9.5 c.i. 0.1053 Interior insulation Isocyanurate 2.2 $21.68

R-13.3 c.i. 0.0752 Interior insulation Isocyanurate 3.1 $21.86

R-15.0 c.i. 0.0532 Exterior insulation Polystyrene extruded 3 $22.42

R-19.5 c.i. 0.0430 Exterior insulation Polyisocyanurate 3 $22.75

R-22.5 c.i. 0.0372 Brick cavity Polyurethane foam 3.75 $28.35

R-28.5 c.i. 0.0303 Brick cavity Polyurethane foam 4.75 $28.83

3.4.2.2 Roofs

The insulation above deck roof EDMs are shown in Table 3-24 (see Table C-10 for metric units), 

along with capital costs that are estimated based on (Balboni 2008a). The construction of the 

EDM roofs in the EnergyPlus models is identical to that of the baseline roofs, except for the 

amount of c.i. and the possible addition of high albedo (cool) roof membranes. Thus, the roofs 

are described by the R-value of the c.i. and the presence or absence of a cool roof. 

The high albedo/cool roofs have a Solar Reflective Index of 78 and an outer layer with a thermal 

absorption of 0.9, a solar reflectivity of 0.7, and a visible absorption of 0.3. 

Table 3-24 Roof EDMs

EDM Key U-Factor 

(Btu/h·ft2·°F) Capital Cost ($/ft2

) 

R-20 c.i. 0.0507 $5.43

R-20 c.i. with cool roof 0.0507 $5.43

R-25 c.i. 0.0405 $5.82

R-25 c.i. with cool roof 0.0405 $5.82

R-30 c.i. 0.0332 $6.25

R-30 c.i. with cool roof 0.0332 $6.25

R-35 c.i. 0.0289 $6.64

R-35 c.i. with cool roof 0.0289 $6.64

R-40 c.i. 0.0229 $7.20

R-50 c.i. 0.0201 $7.60

R-60 c.i. 0.0161 $8.43

R-75 c.i. 0.0134 $9.29

R-95 c.i. 0.0109 $10.13
46

3.4.2.3 Fenestration

3.4.2.3.1 Front Façade Windows

Table 3-25 (see Table C-11 for metric units) lists the seven window EDMs, including a short 

description, performance data, and cost data. The set is selected from a list of glazing systems 

compiled by the ABO Group to provide a good mix of available performances (Priebe 2006). 

Table 3-25 South Fenestration Construction EDMs

EDM Key SHGC VLT U-Factor 

(Btu/h·ft2·°F)

Capital 

Cost 

($/ft2) 

Fixed O&M 

Cost 

($/ft2·yr)

Single pane with clear glass 0.810 0.881 1.08 $37.40 $0.21

Single pane with pyrolytic low-e 0.710 0.811 0.745 $40.70 $0.21

Double pane with low-e and argon 0.564 0.745 0.264 $44.00 $0.21

Double pane with low-e2 and argon 0.416 0.750 0.235 $50.60 $0.21

Double pane with low-e2 and tinted glass 0.282 0.550 0.288 $50.60 $0.21

Triple layer with low-e polyester film 0.355 0.535 0.215 $59.75 $0.21

Quadruple layer with low-e polyester 

films and krypton 0.461 0.624 0.136 $62.59 $0.21

3.4.2.3.2 Skylights

Several skylight EDMs are similarly chosen from a list of constructions provided by the 

ASHRAE 90.1 Envelope Subcommittee (ASHRAE 2007a) in an attempt to select high/low Ufactors and high/low SHGCs, see Table 3-26 (Table C-12 for metric units). 

Table 3-26 Skylight Fenestration Construction EDMs

EDM Key SHGC VLT U-Factor 

(Btu/h·ft2·°F)

Capital 

Cost 

($/ft2) 

Fixed O&M 

Cost 

($/ft2·yr)

Single pane with high solar gain 0.610 0.672 1.22 $47.22 $0.24

Single pane with medium solar gain 0.250 0.245 1.22 $51.22 $0.24

Single pane with low solar gain 0.190 0.174 1.22 $51.22 $0.24

Double pane with high solar gain 0.490 0.622 0.580 $45.68 $0.24

Double pane with low-e and high solar gain 0.460 0.584 0.451 $45.78 $0.24

Double pane with medium solar gain 0.390 0.495 0.580 $57.70 $0.24

Double pane with low-e and medium solar gain 0.320 0.406 0.451 $63.17 $0.24

Double pane with low solar gain 0.190 0.241 0.580 $58.83 $0.24

Double pane with low-e and low solar gain 0.190 0.240 0.451 $63.54 $0.24

3.4.2.4 Infiltration

The infiltration EDMs reduce the baseline infiltration rate by applying an envelope air barrier or 

a front entrance vestibule. The air barrier is assumed to reduce the envelope infiltration from 

0.038 to 0.015 ACH, based on CIBSE-T23 building tightness specifications for good and best 
47

construction practice, respectively (CIBSE 2000). The cost of the air barrier is estimated at 

$1.40/ft2

 ($15.07/m2) of exterior wall area (Emmerich et al. 2005). A vestibule is assumed to 

reduce the front door infiltration from 0.253 to 0.158 ACH, based on the door opening event 

modeling of Yuill et al. (2000). The cost of this EDM is assumed to be that of replacing two, 8-ft 

(2.44-m) tall sliding doors with a total surface area of 120 ft2 (11.15 m2

) with four, 7-ft (2.13-m) 

tall sliding doors (adding the vestibule requires a second set of doors) with a total surface area of 

210 ft2 (19.51 m2

) and adding 30 linear feet (9.14 m) of interior walls (based on a 15-ft. [4.6 m] 

deep vestibule), corresponding to an additional interior wall area of 600 ft2 (55.74 m2). According 

to that assumption, the cost associated with adding a vestibule is $5,853 (Waier 2008). 

3.4.3 Equipment

3.4.3.1 Daylighting Controls

The daylighting EDM adds light sensors and dimming controls to zones with windows or 

skylights. Skylights or windows (depending on the source of daylighting for the zone) are not 

added by this EDM, rather, the EDM impact and cost are dependent on how many skylights or 

windows are installed.

Each zone has access to, at most, one daylighting source. As depicted in Figure 3-13, most of the 

store only receives daylight from skylights, which may or may not be included in a given model. 

The front zones containing windows are limited to a depth of 15 ft. to ensure good sidelighting of 

those zones.

Figure 3-13 Potential daylight sources for each zone 

Active Storage

Main Sales

Windows

Skylights

Enclosed

Office

Mechanical

Room

Restroom 

Perimeter Sales

Meeting

Room

Dining

Room

Corridor

Vestibule N

Perimeter Sales
48

There is one light sensor per zone, placed in the center at a height of 2.95 ft (0.90 m) from the 

floor. For zones daylit by skylights, the sensor is placed between two skylights (if a skylight is 

directly above the center). The dimming controls are continuous; they start dimming when the 

lighting set point is exceeded, linearly decreasing until the lighting set point is met or the input 

power decreases to 30% of its maximum (where the light output is 20% of its maximum), 

whichever comes first.

Based on feedback from retailers, we chose a daylighting set point of 46.5 fc (500 lux). The cost 

of this set point system is $0.38/ft2 ($4.10/m2) of daylit area (Liu et al. 2007). 

3.4.3.2 Interior Lighting

Two whole-building LPD reductions are considered: 30% and 47%. For the sales areas, this 

corresponds to LPDs of 1.20 W/ft2

 (12.9 W/m2) and 0.90 W/ft2 (9.7 W/m2), respectively. 

The baseline system is modeled as T12 lamps with electronic ballasts in a basic luminaire with 

40.3 ft2 (3.74 m2) per fixture. The ballast factor is 0.85, and the luminaire efficiency is 0.90. 

The first EDM (30% reduction) corresponds to super T8s, ballast factors of 0.88, and a luminaire 

efficiency of 0.93. This system covers 44.6 ft2 (4.15 m2) with a single fixture, and has an 

incremental capital cost of $82/kW of lighting power reduction. The total incremental cost is 

thus $1,879, because the EDM reduces the lighting power installed in the store from 63.9 kW to 

44.7 kW. 

The second EDM system can be realized with some combination of luminaires that do not direct 

any light upward, and modest reductions in lighting levels. For instance, with super T8s and 

ballast factors of 0.88, a basic luminaire (with 17% of the light directed upward) results in an 

LPD of 1.19 W/ft2 (12.8 W/m2) at 49 fc (527 lux), and 0.72 W/ft2 (7.8 W/m2) at 30 fc (323 lux). 

On the other hand, a more directed luminaire requires just 1.06 W/ft2 (11.4 W/m2) to achieve 49 

fc (527 lux), and 0.64 W/ft2 (6.9 W/m2) for 29 fc (312 lux). We model the 47% reduction (0.90 

W/ft2 [9.69 W/m2

]) as costing an additional $225/kW of lighting power reduction over the EDM 

1 level. Thus, the total incremental cost of EDM 2 over baseline is $4,321. 

The first EDM maintenance costs are the same as the baseline case: $4,932/yr. The second 

EDM includes an increase in the cost of changing out a lamp, but a decrease in the number of 

lamps and in the frequency of lamp change-outs (from 5 years in the baseline and first EDM

scenarios to 5.5 years) resulting in maintenance costs of $2,981/yr. 

Each LPD EDM includes a 1% LPD reduction based on the inclusion of occupancy sensors in all 

of the back-of-store zones (storage, restrooms, office, etc.). The whole-building LPD reduction 

of 1% is calculated by assuming that the sensors achieve 10% savings in the areas where they are 

installed. Because those areas comprise just 14% (5,625 ft2 [58 m2]) of the building and have 

lower LPDs than the sales floor, one arrives at a conservative whole-building LPD reduction of 

approximately 1%. 

The cost of one occupancy sensor is $150.00, including materials and labor (Greene 2008). The 

cost of a power pack, which powers the occupancy sensors and activates the lighting control 

relay, is $63.50. Two sensors and one power pack are required for every 1000 ft2 (93 m2) (Roth 

et al. 2005), such that the approximate cost of this EDM is $0.36/ft2

 ($3.88/m2). 

In Opt-E-Plus, the lighting costs are expressed in dollars per installed kilowatt. Each EDM

results in fewer installed kilowatts, so the baseline and marginal costs are summed on a wholebuilding basis, and then divided by the actual installed kilowatts to arrive at the EDM cost. The 

resulting EDM LPDs and costs are shown in Table 3-27 (see Table C-13 for metric units). 
49

Table 3-27 Lighting Power Density EDMs

EDM Key LPD

(W/ft2) 

Capital Cost 

($/kW)

Capital Cost 

($/ft2) 

Fixed O&M Cost 

($/kW·yr)

Fixed O&M Cost 

($/ft2·yr)

Baseline 1.58 $4,706 $7.42 $77.24 $0.12

30% LPD reduction 1.10 $6,909 $7.63 $110.34 $0.12

47% LPD reduction 0.84 $9,242 $7.72 $128.73 $0.07

3.4.3.3 Plug Loads

The plug load EDM reduces plug load densities to 10% of their peak values at night, see Table 

3-28. The baseline plug load schedule (Table 3-9) reduces plug load densities to no less than 

30% of their peak values at night, depending on the day, such that this EDM saves more than two 

thirds of the energy plug equipment consumes during off hours. This amounts to an overall plug 

load reduction of 15%. 

A minimum amount of equipment must presumably remain on at all times. For the high plug 

load store, we estimate this minimum to be roughly 10% of peak value. For the low plug load 

store, which has considerably lower peak plug load densities, we feel that the baseline schedule 

provides appropriate off-hour densities. Accordingly, this EDM is applied only to the high plug 

load store.

We assume that this EDM can be realized by installing contactors in the electrical subpanels that 

serve the sales floor plug load equipment. This would allow the store’s energy management 

system (EMS) to fully turn off plug loads that might otherwise be left on during nighttime hours. 

An electrical engineering firm estimates that a high plug load, general merchandise store of this 

size would require seven contactors (for seven subpanels), at a cost of $4,500 for materials and 

$7,500 for labor. This is because plug equipment is often distributed onto a number of 

subpanels, without much concern given to organization or consolidation. We assume that in new 

construction, the electrical subpanels could be organized to place all of the sales floor plug load 

equipment on two subpanels, such that the total capital cost of this EDM is $3,425 ($1,285 for 

materials and $2,140 for labor). 
50

Table 3-28 EDM Plug Equipment Schedule 

Hour Weekdays Saturdays Sundays, 

Holidays, Other

1 0.10 0.10 0.10

2 0.10 0.10 0.10

3 0.10 0.10 0.10

4 0.10 0.10 0.10

5 0.10 0.10 0.10

6 0.10 0.10 0.10

7 0.10 0.10 0.10

8 0.4 0.30 0.10

9 0.7 0.50 0.30

10 0.9 0.80 0.30

11 0.9 0.90 0.60

12 0.9 0.90 0.60

13 0.9 0.90 0.80

14 0.9 0.90 0.80

15 0.9 0.90 0.80

16 0.9 0.90 0.80

17 0.9 0.90 0.80

18 0.9 0.90 0.60

19 0.8 0.70 0.40

20 0.8 0.50 0.10

21 0.70 0.50 0.10

22 0.40 0.30 0.10

23 0.10 0.10 0.10

24 0.10 0.10 0.10

Total Hours/Day 12.80 11.70 8.10

3.4.3.4 HVAC Systems and Components

3.4.3.4.1 Direct Expansion Coil Efficiency

Possible DX coil efficiency improvements are developed from publically available industry spec 

sheets for 10-ton unitary DX units with constant volume supply fans over an EER range of 10.1 

to 12.3. These data suggest that the COP of the 10-ton RTUs, which includes compressor and 

condenser, but not supply fan, power, can be improved as much as 20% over the baseline of 

3.69. Thus, we have two EDMs that improve DX coil efficiency: a 10% increase in COP that 

increases capital cost by $61.43/ton cooling ($17.47/kW); and a 20% increase in COP that 

increases capital cost by $123.94/ton cooling ($35.25/kW). The incremental cost for these 

improvements is taken as the cost to upgrade from the baseline model to each of the two higher 
51

efficiency units mentioned in Section 3.3.4.2.6: from 9.0 to 10.4 EER and from 9.0 to 11.0 EER, 

respectively (RMH Group 2006). 

3.4.3.4.2 Higher Efficiency Fans

The baseline HVAC unit has an EER of 10.1, a COP of 3.69, and a total static pressure drop of 

1.53 in. w.c. (381.1 Pa) (without an economizer). We use those specifications to calculate a 

baseline fan efficiency of 30.6%. We set our EDM fan efficiency to 63%, which, according to 

industry data, is near the upper bound for RTU fan efficiency. The cost of the EDM for 

increased fan efficiency is assumed to be 10% of the baseline HVAC system capital cost, that is, 

an additional $160.38/ton cooling ($45.61/kW). This cost premium is roughly based on the 

incremental cost of upgrading from a constant volume supply fan to a VAV supply fan 

(Mossman 2005). 

3.4.3.4.3 Economizers

In this analysis, economizers can be combined with any available HVAC system. They are 

controlled with a mix of dry bulb temperature (OA of 36oF to 66oF [2oC to 19oC]) and enthalpy 

limits (OA less than 14 Btu/lb [32,000 J/kg]). An economizer increases system cost by 

$100.20/ton cooling ($28.48/kW), adds 0.09 in. w.c. (22.4 Pa) of static pressure, and replaces 

gravity dampers with motorized dampers. 

The DX coil efficiency, fan efficiency, and economizer EDMs are implemented together as 

HVAC system EDMs. A summary of the available systems is presented in Table 3-29 (see 

Table C-14 for metric units). 

3.4.3.5 Outside Air

This report considers two options beyond code-minimum for reducing OA loads: carbon dioxide 

(CO2) DCV, and energy recovery from exhaust air. 

3.4.3.5.1 Demand-Controlled Ventilation

The CO2 DCV EDM is modeled by matching the outdoor air schedules (by person and by area) 

to the occupancy schedules using the Ventilation:Mechanical object in EnergyPlus. A motorized 

OA damper is applied with DCV to prevent unwanted OA from entering. The cost of installing 

DCV is equal to that of installing one CO2 sensor per RTU, since the RTUs should be able to 

implement DCV without major modification. The cost of one sensor is $185.50, such that DCV 

has a capital cost of $18.55/ton cooling ($5.28/kW) (Greene 2008). 

3.4.3.5.2 Energy Recovery Ventilators

ERVs with sensible effectiveness of 60% or 80%, and latent effectiveness 10 percentage points 

lower are available as EDMs. For each ERV unit, Table 3-30 (see Table C-15 for metric units) 

lists the associated pressure drop and implementation cost, which vary with effectiveness.
52

Table 3-29 HVAC System EDMs

EDM Key

Cooling 

COP 

(Ratio)

Heating 

Efficiency 

(%)

Economizer Motorized 

Damper 

Fan 

Efficiency 

(%)

Fan Static 

Pressure 

(in. w.c.)

Capital

Cost 

($/ton) 

Fixed O&M 

Cost 

($/ton·yr) 

Baseline without economizer 3.69 80.0 No No 30.6 1.53 $1,603.75 $140.18 

10% increased COP 4.06 80.0 No No 30.6 1.53 $1,665.18 $140.18

Baseline with economizer 3.69 80.0 Yes Yes 32.4 1.62 $1,703.89 $140.18

20% increased COP 4.43 80.0 No No 30.6 1.53 $1,727.69 $140.18

Baseline COP with efficient fan 3.69 80.0 No No 63.0 1.53 $1,747.31 $140.18

10% increased COP with economizer 4.06 80.0 Yes Yes 32.4 1.62 $1,765.31 $140.18

10% increased COP with efficient fan 4.06 80.0 No No 63.0 1.53 $1,808.74 $140.18

20% increased COP with economizer 4.43 80.0 Yes Yes 32.4 1.62 $1,827.83 $140.18

Baseline COP with economizer and

efficient fan 3.69 80.0 Yes Yes 64.8 1.62 $1,847.48 $140.18

20% increased COP with efficient fan 4.43 80.0 No No 63.0 1.53 $1,871.25 $140.18

10% increased COP with economizer 

and efficient fan 4.06 80.0 Yes Yes 64.8 1.62 $1,908.91 $140.18

20% increased COP with economizer 

and efficient fan 4.43 80.0 Yes Yes 64.8 1.62 $1,973.46 $140.18
53

Table 3-30 Energy Recovery EDMs

EDM Key

Sensible 

Effectiveness 

(%)

Latent 

Effectiveness 

(%)

Pressure Drop

(in. w.c.) 

Capital Cost

($/unit) 

Capital Cost

($)

Low effectiveness 60.0 50.0 0.42 $9,243 $18,486

High effectiveness 80.0 70.0 0.60 $13,368 $26,736

 

In general, more effective ERVs have higher pressure drops. The pressure drops listed in Table 

3-30 (see Table C-15 for metric units) are based on internal data, which predict the pressure drop 

through one side of the high effectiveness energy recovery wheel at 1 in. w.c. (249 Pa). Based 

on the fact that air passes through the wheel twice (once when it enters the store as 

unconditioned OA and once when it leaves the store as conditioned return air), and on the 

assumption of roughly 30% OA, an overall pressure drop of 0.6 in. w.c. (150 Pa) is applied to the 

implementation of high effectiveness ERV. The pressure drop for the low effectiveness ERV 

unit (0.42 in. w.c. [105 Pa]) is scaled according to our internal ERV data. 

The modeling of ERV in EnergyPlus assumes that the exhaust air stream, which powers the 

ERVs, is equal in magnitude to the OA intake. For this assumption to be valid, the building must 

be airtight and all the exhaust air must be usable. Neither is generally the case for a general 

merchandise store, so we performed an air flow balance calculation to determine the fraction of 

OA that would be available for energy recovery. The air flow balance can be defined as follows.

OA

DEAOA EA FERV

−− =

where, 

FERV = the fraction of OA available for energy recovery 

DEA = the amount of dedicated exhaust air from which energy cannot be recovered 

EA = the amount of air that leaves the building through exfiltration, which is driven by 

HVAC and wind pressurization. 

Infiltrated air is intentionally omitted from this equation because unconditioned air cannot be 

used for energy recovery. All air quantities are measured in units of flow (cfm or m3

/s).

For a general merchandise store, DEA comprises restroom exhaust. Per Table 3-20, restroom 

DEA was given a value of 1.04 cfm/ft2

 (0.005 (m3/s)/m2), which amounts to a total flow rate of 

approximately 650 cfm (0.31 m3/s). 

EA is calculated according to the pressurization analysis described in Section 3.3.3.5. From the 

exfiltration pressure gradients in Table 3-17, we estimated a peak exfiltration rate of 0.215 ACH 

(2,900 cfm [1.4 m3

/s]) during operating hours, when the HVAC system is on (ERV units operate 

only when the HVAC system is on). ASHRAE 62-1999 requires 12,750 cfm (6.0 m3/s) of OA 

intake, such that FERV for the baseline general merchandise store is 0.72. With the application of 

infiltration reduction EDMs (addition of envelope air barrier and vestibule), FERV increases to 

(3-3)
54

0.86. The appropriate value for FERV is achieved by adding (in EnergyPlus) idealized, energy 

free exhaust fans to each zone to exhaust the fraction of OA not available for ERV ( − FERV 1 ). 

The cost of implementing the least-effective ERV unit is adapted from the cost of 6000 cfm (2.8 

m3/s) ERVs given by (Greene 2008). We assume two units could serve the entire building (up to 

10,965 cfm [5.2 m3/s] of air is available for energy recovery). 

3.4.3.6 Photovoltaic Panels

Ignoring any electricity tariff changes associated with varying amounts of PV, 5-TLCC and the 

amount of electricity generated by the PV panels vary linearly with panel area. We thus include 

a single PV EDM, and then use a post-processing step to determine the PV panel area needed to 

reach 50% energy savings. 

We assume the following in all cases: 

• The panels are 10% efficient, 

• The DC to AC inverters are 90% efficient. 

• The panels are installed flat on the roof. 

• The PV efficiency does not degrade with increasing temperature

• The panels do not shade the roof. 

• The cost is $6.65 for materials and $1.16 for installation per installed Watt based on the 

price of a 10-kW, grid-connected system (Greene 2008) minus the 30% Federal Tax 

Credit that is available through 2016 (DSIRE 2009). 

• The EDM used by Opt-E-Plus covers 60% of the net roof area (total area minus skylight 

area) with PV panels and is sized assuming 1000 W/m2 incident solar radiation. 
55

4.0 Results

This section describes simulation results for a number of building models. Section 4.1 describes 

the baseline models, both the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 (ASHRAE 2004a) baselines that serve as the 

standard for our percent energy savings calculations, and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 (ASHRAE 

2007b) baselines that are provided for reference purposes (for individuals wishing to compare 

the two and to see what 50% energy savings versus 90.1-2004 means when it is replaced by 

90.1-2007). Section 4.2 describes the selected low-energy models for each climate zone, and 

compares their energy and economic performance to the baseline. The low-energy models are 

described by enumerating which EDM perturbations were applied to the baseline model to arrive 

at the low-energy model. Section 4.3 explores the effect of floor area on energy use intensity 

(using a 100,000 ft2 [9,290 m2] prototype store) for both the baseline and low-energy models. 

Finally, Section 4.4 briefly describes some alternative low-energy models for selected climate 

zones. These models are not described in full, but we report whether we were able to achieve the 

50% energy savings goal without certain strategies. 

In this section, we report performance using the following metrics:

• Net site EUI. This is reported in MJ/m2·yr or kBtu/ft2·yr. It is the whole-building net 

site yearly energy use (Section 2.2.1) divided by the building floor area.

• 5-TLCC intensity. This is reported in $/m2 or $/ft2. It is the 5-TLCC divided by the 

building floor area. It represents the total cost of the building for a five-year analysis 

period (see Section 3.1.2.6). 

• Electricity intensity. This is reported in kWh/m2·yr or kWh/ft2·yr and is the yearly 

electrical consumption divided by the building floor area.

• Natural gas intensity. This is reported in kWh/m2·yr or therms/ft2·yr and is the yearly 

natural gas consumption divided by the building floor area.

• PV power intensity. This is reported in kWh/m2·yr or kWh/ft2·yr and is the yearly 

electricity production of the PV panels divided by the building floor area.

• Capital cost. This is reported in $/m2 or $/ft2 and is the total cost for materials, 

installation, fees and commissioning divided by the building floor area.

• Min/max monthly electricity demand. This is reported in kW and is the net electrical 

demand, taking credit for electricity produced by PV, computed for each month of the 

annual simulation. 

• Min/max monthly load factor. This is the average net monthly electricity demand (net 

kilowatt-hours divided by the number of hours in the month), divided by the overall net 

electricity demand. 

4.1 Baseline Models 

This section summarizes the energy and economic performance of the baseline models described 

in Section 3.3. 
56

4.1.1 ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Baseline Models: Performance

The energy and cost intensities of the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 baseline models are shown in Table 

4-1 to Table 4-3. The EUIs vary substantially across the climate zones, such that the difficulty in 

achieving 50% energy savings and the amount of energy saved in doing so vary by climate zone. 

Costs vary in response to climate-specific constructions, equipment, and thermal loads. 

Table 4-1 ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Baseline Model Performance: Humid Climates

Building 

Type Units Metric Humid

1A 2A 3A 4A 5A 6A

Low Plug 

General 

Merchandise

SI 

EUI (MJ/m2

·yr) 1,250 1,190 914 1,02

0 

1,05

0 

1,22

0 

5-TLCC intensity ($/m2) 1,350 1,340 1,260 1,26

0 

1,20

0 

1,21

0 

Electricity intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 346 313 213 201 146 144

Natural gas intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 0.444 17.8 40.9 83.1 145 195

Capital cost ($/m2) 1,190 1,180 1,150 1,14

0 

1,09

0 

1,10

0 

IP

EUI (kBtu/ft

2

yr) 110 105 80.5 89.9 92.1 107

5-TLCC intensity ($/ft2) 126 124 117 117 111 112

Electricity intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 32.1 29.1 19.8 18.6 13.5 13.3

Natural gas intensity 

(Therms/ft2

yr) 0.00141 0.0563 0.130 0.263 

0.46

0 

0.61

7 

Capital cost ($/ft2) 110 110 106 106 102 102

N/A

Max. elec. demand (kW) 387 408 326 326 211 211

Min. load factor 0.332 0.286 0.282 0.27

4 

0.30

1 

0.28

8 

High Plug 

General 

Merchandise

SI 

EUI (MJ/m2

·yr) 1,590 1,500 1,160 1,21

0 

1,18

0 

1,34

0 

5-TLCC intensity ($/m2) 1,410 1,390 1,300 1,30

0 

1,23

0 

1,23

0 

Electricity intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 442 406 296 280 216 214

Natural gas intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 0.188 11.0 25.4 56.7 111 157

Capital cost ($/m2) 1,200 1,190 1,150 1,15

0 

1,10

0 

1,10

0 

IP

EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 140 132 102 107 104 118

5-TLCC intensity ($/ft2) 131 129 121 121 114 114

Electricity intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 41.1 37.7 27.5 26.1 20.1 19.9

Natural gas intensity 

(therms/ft2

yr)

0.00059

4 0.0348 0.0805 

0.18

0 

0.35

2 

0.49

8 

Capital cost ($/ft2) 112 111 107 107 102 102

N/A

Max. elec. demand (kW) 473 483 369 388 270 262

Min. load factor 0.370 0.336 0.371 0.30

8 

0.36

6 

0.36

0 
57

Table 4-2 ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Baseline Model Performance: Arid Climates

Building 

Type Units Metric 

Arid

2B 3B-CA 3B-NV 4B 5B 6B

Low Plug 

General 

Merchandise

SI 

EUI (MJ/m2

·yr) 747 541 689 747 842 1,040

5-TLCC intensity ($/m2) 1,180 1,150 1,170 1,160 1,160 1,170

Electricity intensity (kWh/m2yr) 189 137 161 142 131 125

Natural gas intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 18.8 13.4 30.7 65.4 102 163

Capital cost ($/m2) 1,080 1,080 1,080 1,080 1,080 1,070

IP

EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 65.8 47.6 60.7 65.8 74.1 91.4

5-TLCC intensity ($/ft2) 109 107 108 108 108 109

Electricity intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 17.5 12.7 14.9 13.2 12.2 11.6

Natural gas intensity 

(therms/ft2

yr) 0.0597 0.0423 0.0972 0.207 0.324 0.517

Capital cost ($/ft2) 100 100 100 100 99.9 99.8

N/A

Max. elec. demand (kW) 227 170 200 180 168 161

Min. load factor 0.393 0.336 0.383 0.384 0.377 0.361

High Plug 

General 

Merchandise

SI 

EUI (MJ/m2

·yr) 989 758 910 931 996 1,150

5-TLCC intensity ($/m2) 1,220 1,190 1,210 1,200 1,200 1,210

Electricity intensity (kWh/m2yr) 262 204 234 214 204 195

Natural gas intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 12.7 6.36 19.1 44.6 73.2 125

Capital cost ($/m2) 1,090 1,080 1,090 1,090 1,090 1,090

IP

EUI (kBtu/ft2

yr) 87.1 66.7 80.1 82.0 87.7 101

5-TLCC intensity ($/ft2) 113 110 112 112 112 112

Electricity intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 24.3 19.0 21.7 19.9 18.9 18.1

Natural gas intensity 

(therms/ft2

yr) 0.0403 0.0202 0.0605 0.141 0.232 0.395

Capital cost ($/ft2) 101 101 101 101 101 101

N/A

Max. elec. demand (kW) 284 219 260 238 227 221

Min. load factor 0.426 0.401 0.428 0.425 0.424 0.409
58

Table 4-3 ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Baseline Model Performance: Marine and Cold Climates

Building 

Type Units Metric 

Marine Cold

3C 4C 7 8 

Low Plug 

General 

Merchandise

SI 

EUI (MJ/m2

·yr) 586 787 1,350 1,940

5-TLCC intensity ($/m2) 1,130 1,150 1,190 1,270

Electricity intensity (kWh/m2yr) 115 118 122 121

Natural gas intensity (kWh/m2yr) 48.1 101 251 416

Capital cost ($/m2) 1,060 1,070 1,080 1,130

IP

EUI (kBtu/ft2

yr) 51.6 69.3 118 170

5-TLCC intensity ($/ft2) 105 107 111 118

Electricity intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 10.6 10.9 11.4 11.3

Natural gas intensity (therms/ft2yr) 0.152 0.320 0.797 1.32

Capital cost ($/ft2) 98.8 99.6 100 105

N/A

Max. elec. demand (kW) 149 161 171 139

Min. load factor 0.350 0.327 0.323 0.391

High Plug 

General 

Merchandise

SI 

EUI (MJ/m2

·yr) 752 908 1,420 1,960

5-TLCC intensity ($/m2) 1,170 1,180 1,220 1,300

Electricity intensity (kWh/m2yr) 183 185 191 185

Natural gas gntensity (kWh/m2yr) 25.9 67.4 203 360

Capital cost ($/m2) 1,080 1,080 1,090 1,140

IP

EUI (kBtu/ft2

yr) 66.2 80.0 125 173

5-TLCC intensity ($/ft2) 109 110 113 120

Electricity intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 17.0 17.2 17.7 17.2

Natural gas intensity (Therms/ft2yr) 0.0822 0.214 0.645 1.14

Capital cost ($/ft2) 99.9 100 101 106

N/A

Max. elec. demand (kW) 207 217 225 188

Min. load factor 0.400 0.378 0.380 0.445

4.1.2 ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Baseline Models: Performance

For comparison, we also constructed baseline models that satisfy ASHRAE 90.1-2007 and 

ASHRAE 62.1-2004 (ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 explicitly references, and thereby includes, 

Standard 62.1-2004). The differences between the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 and ASHRAE 90.1-

2007 baselines are the window, wall, and roof performance requirements, and the OA 

requirements. The OA requirements differ in structure and amount: starting in 2004, ASHRAE 

62.1 started specifying OA requirements per area and per person in many space types. ASHRAE 

62-1999 (the ventilation standard corresponding to ASHRAE 90.1-2004), on the other hand, 

specifies OA requirements as either per area or per person. For instance, in applying ASHRAE 

62.1-2004 instead of ASHRAE 62-1999 for a retail sales zone, the ventilation prescription 

changes from a flat per area requirement of 0.30 cfm/ft2

 (0.0015 (m3/s)/m2) to a combined per 

area and per person requirement of 0.12 cfm/ft2

 (0.0006 (m3/s)/m2) and 7.5 cfm/person (0.0038 

(m3/s)/person), where the number of people is taken as the peak occupancy of that zone. 
59

For completeness, the 90.1-2007 baseline windows, walls, and roofs are summarized in Table 

4-4 to Table 4-7. The OA requirements are summarized in Table 4-8. To compare to the 90.1-

2004 values, see Table 3-13 to Table 3-16, and Table 3-20.

Table 4-4 ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Baseline Exterior Wall Constructions

Properties Climate Zone 

1 

Climate Zone 

2 

Climate Zone 

3 

Climate Zone 

4 

Climate Zone 

5 

Climate Zone 

6 

Climate Zones 

7–8 

Key

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

No c.i. 

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

R-5.7 c.i. 

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

R-7.6 c.i. 

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

R-9.5 c.i. 

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

R-11.4 c.i. 

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

R-13.3 c.i. 

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

R-15.2 c.i. 

U-factor 

(Btu/h·ft2

·°F) 0.754 0.173 0.137 0.114 0.0975 0.0859 0.0756 

Capital cost 

($/ft2

) $20.37 $21.06 $21.42 $21.68 $21.80 $21.86 $21.97 

Table 4-5 ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Baseline Roof Constructions

Properties Climate Zone 1 Climate Zones 2–8 

Key Baseline Roof Construction, R-15 c.i. Baseline Roof Construction, R-20 c.i.

U-factor (Btu/h·ft2·°F) 0.0675 0.0506

Capital cost ($/ft2) $8.69 $9.11

Table 4-6 ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Baseline Window Constructions

Properties Climate Zones 1–3 Climate Zones 4–6 Climate Zones 7–8 

Key Baseline Window 

Construction

Baseline Window 

Construction

Baseline Window 

Construction

SHGC 0.390 0.400 0.450

VLT 0.495 0.508 0.450

U-factor (Btu/h·ft2·°F) 0.570 0.550 0.450

Capital cost ($/ft2) $47.23 $47.57 $47.23

Fixed O&M cost ($/ft2) $0.22 $0.22 $0.22
60

Table 4-7 ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Baseline Skylight Constructions

Properties Climate Zones 

1–2 

Climate Zone

3 

Climate Zones 

4–6 

Climate Zone

7 

Climate Zone

8 

Key

Baseline 

Skylight 

Construction

Baseline 

Skylight 

Construction

Baseline 

Skylight 

Construction

Baseline 

Skylight 

Construction

Baseline 

Skylight 

Construction

SHGC 0.360 0.390 0.490 0.680 0.710

VLT 0.457 0.490 0.622 0.680 0.710

U-factor 

(Btu/h·ft2

·°F) 1.22 0.690 0.690 0.690 0.580

Capital cost 

($/ft2

) $46.28 $48.91 $47.24 $45.90 $50.46

Fixed O&M

cost ($/ft2

) $0.22 $0.22 $0.22 $0.22 $0.22

Table 4-8 ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Baseline Minimum Ventilation Rates

Space Type Mapping to ASHRAE 62.1-2004 Ventilation per Person Ventilation per Area

cfm/person L/s∙person cfm/ft2 L/s∙m2 

Main Sales Retail::Sales 7.5 3.8 0.12 0.60

Perimeter Sales Retail::Sales 7.5 3.8 0.12 0.60

Enclosed Office Office Buildings::Office space 5.0 2.5 0.06 0.30

Meeting Room Offices::Conference/meeting 5.0 2.5 0.06 0.30

Dining Room Food & Beverage::Restaurant dining 

rooms

7.5 3.8 0.18 0.90

Restrooms CUSTOM VALUE 7.5 3.8 0.06 0.30

Mechanical Room CUSTOM VALUE – – 0.00 0.00

Corridor General::Corridors – – 0.06 0.30

Vestibule General::Corridors – – 0.06 0.30

Active Storage General::Storage rooms – – 0.12 0.60
61

The performance of the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 baseline models is summarized in Table 4-9 to 

Table 4-11. 

Table 4-9 ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Baseline Model Performance: Humid Climates

Building 

Type Units Metric

Humid

1A 2A 3A 4A 5A 6A

Low Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

SI

EUI (MJ/m2

·yr) 1,180 1,080 832 889 883 1,010 

5-TLCC intensity ($/m2) 1,400 1,390 1,310 1,310 1,250 1,250 

Electricity intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 327 292 207 195 145 143 

Natural gas intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 0.271 6.84 24.2 52.1 101 139 

Capital cost ($/m2) 1,240 1,240 1,200 1,210 1,150 1,150 

IP

EUI (kBtu/ft2

yr) 104 94.8 73.2 78.3 77.7 89.4 

5-TLCC intensity ($/ft2) 130 129 122 122 116 116 

Electricity intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 30.3 27.1 19.2 18.1 13.4 13.3 

Natural gas intensity 

(therms/ft2

yr) 0.000859 0.0217 0.0769 0.165 0.319 0.440 

Capital cost ($/ft2) 115 115 112 112 107 107 

N/A

Max. elec. demand (kW) 373 374 307 309 211 206 

Min. load factor 0.338 0.286 0.293 0.284 0.338 0.304 

High Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

SI

EUI (MJ/m2

·yr) 1,520 1,410 1,100 1,110 1,030 1,150 

5-TLCC intensity ($/m2) 1,450 1,440 1,360 1,350 1,280 1,280 

Electricity intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 423 388 293 278 215 213 

Natural gas intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 0.0635 2.60 11.9 29.0 70.6 106 

Capital cost ($/m2) 1,250 1,250 1,210 1,210 1,160 1,160 

IP

EUI (kBtu/ft2

yr) 134 124 96.7 97.3 90.6 101 

5-TLCC intensity ($/ft2) 135 134 126 126 119 119 

Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 39.3 36.0 27.2 25.8 20.0 19.8 

Natural gas intensity 

(therms/ft2

yr) 0.000201 0.00823 0.0376 0.0921 0.224 0.336 

Capital cost ($/ft2) 116 116 113 113 108 107 

N/A

Max. elec. demand (kW) 456 450 373 380 262 257 

Min. load factor 0.381 0.337 0.397 0.351 0.361 0.369 
62

Table 4-10 ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Baseline Model Performance: Arid Climates

Building 

Type Units Metric

Arid

2B 3B-CA 3B-NV 4B 5B 6B 

Low Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

SI

EUI (MJ/m2

·yr) 656 513 633 658 722 863 

5-TLCC intensity ($/m2) 1,230 1,210 1,220 1,220 1,220 1,220 

Electricity intensity (kWh/m2yr) 173 136 157 141 131 125 

Natural gas intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 9.79 6.71 19.2 42.1 69.1 114 

Capital cost ($/m2) 1,140 1,140 1,140 1,140 1,140 1,140 

IP

EUI (kBtu/ft2

yr) 57.8 45.1 55.7 58.0 63.6 76.0 

5-TLCC intensity ($/ft2) 114 113 114 113 113 114 

Electricity intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 16.0 12.6 14.5 13.1 12.2 11.6 

Natural gas intensity 

(therms/ft2

yr) 0.031 0.0213 0.0608 0.133 0.219 0.363 

Capital cost ($/ft2) 106 106 106 106 106 106 

N/A

Max. elec. demand (kW) 208 172 194 169 160 154 

Min. load factor 0.411 0.341 0.397 0.398 0.391 0.377 

High Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

SI

EUI (MJ/m2

·yr) 918 740 866 856 892 990 

5-TLCC intensity ($/m2) 1,270 1,250 1,270 1,260 1,260 1,260 

Electricity intensity (kWh/m2yr) 251 204 231 214 204 196 

Natural gas intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 4.61 1.96 9.72 24.1 43.5 79.5 

Capital cost ($/m2) 1,150 1,150 1,150 1,150 1,150 1,150 

IP

EUI (kBtu/ft2

yr) 80.9 65.1 76.2 75.3 78.5 87.2 

5-TLCC intensity ($/ft2) 118 116 118 117 117 117 

Electricity Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 23.3 18.9 21.4 19.8 19.0 18.2 

Natural gas intensity 

(therms/ft2

yr) 0.0146 0.00621 0.0308 0.0763 0.138 0.252 

Capital cost ($/ft2) 107 106 107 107 107 107 

N/A

Max. elec. demand (kW) 266 219 256 229 220 214 

Min. load factor 0.455 0.397 0.440 0.436 0.437 0.423 
63

Table 4-11 ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Baseline Model Performance: Marine and Cold Climates

Building 

Type Units Metric

Marine Cold

3C 4C 7 8 

Low Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

SI

EUI (MJ/m2

·yr) 512 660 1,090 1,630 

5-TLCC intensity ($/m2) 1,200 1,210 1,240 1,260 

Electricity intensity (kWh/m2yr) 114 118 123 120 

Natural gas intensity (kWh/m2yr) 28.0 65.3 180 331 

Capital cost ($/m2) 1,130 1,140 1,140 1,130 

IP

EUI (kBtu/ft2

yr) 45.1 58.1 95.8 143 

5-TLCC intensity ($/ft2) 111 113 115 117 

Electricity intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 10.6 11.0 11.4 11.2 

Natural gas intensity (therms/ft2yr) 0.0888 0.207 0.570 1.05 

Capital cost ($/ft2) 105 106 106 105 

N/A

Max. elec. demand (kW) 142 156 177 137 

Min. load factor 0.364 0.339 0.316 0.394 

High Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

SI

EUI (MJ/m2

·yr) 696 795 1,180 1,670 

5-TLCC intensity ($/m2) 1,230 1,240 1,270 1,280 

Electricity intensity (kWh/m2yr) 182 185 191 185 

Natural gas intensity (kWh/m2yr) 11.3 35.4 138 278 

Capital cost ($/m2) 1,140 1,140 1,150 1,140 

IP

EUI (kBtu/ft2

yr) 61.3 70.0 104 147 

5-TLCC intensity ($/ft2) 114 115 118 119 

Electricity Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 16.9 17.2 17.8 17.2 

Natural gas intensity (therms/ft2yr) 0.0358 0.112 0.436 0.882 

Capital cost ($/ft2) 106 106 107 106 

N/A

Max. elec. demand (kW) 198 211 227 186 

Min. load factor 0.403 0.391 0.383 0.453 

4.1.3 Comparison to CBECS

To compare the EUIs of the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 baseline models to 

the 2003 CBECS data, we use climate zone weighting factors from (Deru et al. 2008) to calculate 

average baseline EUIs, electricity intensities, and natural gas intensities for each numerical 

climate zone. The weightings are shown in Table 4-12; the resulting EUIs, electricity intensities, 

and natural gas intensities are depicted graphically in Figure 4-1 to Figure 4-3, where they are 

compared against the corresponding values from the 2003 CBECS survey. Only retail stores

built since 1980, or built since 1970 and renovated since 1980, which were occupied for the full 

survey year, with floor areas between 20,000 ft2

 and 70,000 ft2 (1,858 m2 to 6,503 m2) are used: 

26 CBECS buildings match that description. The climate zone for each is determined by 

following the procedure described in (Griffith et al. 2008). No CBECS buildings are located in 

climate zones 1 and 8; and only one building each is located in climate zones 2 and 7. 
64

Table 4-12 Retail Building Climate Zone Weighting Factors

ASHRAE Climate Zone Weighting Factor

1A 80.57

2A 570.62

2B 125.71

3A 648.97

3B-CA 607.32

3B-NV 97.03

3C 27.85

4A 1,137.03

4B 35.98

4C 129.68

5A 1,144.83

5B 288.69

6A 321.90

6B 4.94

7 45.22

8 2.93

Figure 4-1 EUI comparison for baseline and CBECS survey buildings 

0.0

20.0

40.0

60.0

80.0

100.0

120.0

140.0

160.0

180.0

200.0

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Site Energy Use Intensity (kBtu/ft2 yr)

ASHRAE/DOE Climate Zone

Low Plug Load 90.1-2004 Low Plug Load 90.1-2007 High Plug Load 90.1-2004

High Plug Load 90.1-2007 CBECS 2003
65

Figure 4-2 Electricity use intensity comparison for baseline and CBECS survey buildings

Figure 4-3 Natural gas intensity comparison for baseline and CBECS survey buildings 

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

30.0

35.0

40.0

45.0

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Electricity Use Intensity (kWh/ft2 yr)

ASHRAE/DOE Climate Zone

Low Plug Load 90.1-2004 Low Plug Load 90.1-2007 High Plug Load 90.1-2004

High Plug Load 90.1-2007 CBECS 2003

0.000

0.200

0.400

0.600

0.800

1.000

1.200

1.400

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Natural Gas Use Intensity (Therm/ft2 yr)

ASHRAE/DOE Climate Zone

Low Plug Load 90.1-2004 Low Plug Load 90.1-2007 High Plug Load 90.1-2004

High Plug Load 90.1-2007 CBECS 2003
66

4.1.4 Discussion

There is reasonable agreement between our data and the 2003 CBECS data, considering the small 

CBECS sample sizes. The overall EUIs are most out of agreement in climate zone four. The 

CBECS buildings in climate zones 6 and 7 on average use less natural gas and more electricity 

than our models, which follows from the fact that one of the four climate zone 6 buildings, and 

the single climate zone 7 building, use electricity rather than natural gas for heating. (Overall, 

seven of the 2003 CBECS buildings are heated with electricity, and 18 use natural gas.) 

The ASHRAE 90.1-2007 baseline models use less energy than the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 baseline 

models for the low and high plug load cases in each climate zone. This result is to be expected 

since ASHRAE 90.1-2007 has more stringent requirements for energy efficiency than ASHRAE 

90.1-2004. 

The improved energy performance of the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 baselines comes at the expense of 

an increase in capital cost (in all climate zones except zone 8, in which capital costs held steady). 

This is because ASHRAE 90.1-2007 requires better insulated, and thus costlier, opaque envelope 

and fenestration constructions than those required by ASHRAE 90.1-2004 (again, except in 

climate zone 8). Although ASHRAE 90.1-2007 requires a lower ventilation rate in sales areas

than does ASHRAE 90.1-2004, the resulting reduction in overall HVAC system size in the 90.1-

2007 baseline models did not lower capital costs enough to offset the increase in costs of the 

opaque envelope and fenestration constructions. 

The energy savings provided by the updates required to satisfy ASHRAE 90.1-2007 were not 

enough to offset the associated increase in capital cost, resulting in larger 5-TLCC values for the 

ASHRAE 90.1-2007 baseline models than for the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 baseline models (except 

in climate zone 8). 

As ASHRAE 90.1 evolves to require more and more energy efficiency, it will become 

increasingly difficult to achieve the same percent energy savings targets. This point is discussed 

further in Section 5.1.1, which contains a general discussion of alternative metrics that might be 

of interest for future AEDG work.

4.2 Selected Low-Energy Models

The models described in this section meet the goal of 50% energy savings over ASHRAE 90.1-

2004 as defined in Section 2.2. The models are assembled by applying a number of the Energy 

Design Measures described in Section 3.4 to the baseline models described in Section 3.3. The 

models are chosen according to the procedures outlined in Sections 2.4 and 2.5.1. 

4.2.1 Description

The selected low-energy models are described in terms of which EDMs were chosen to achieve 

50% energy savings. These choices are summarized for each climate zone in Table 4-13 to

Table 4-18. The data reveal several options in all climate zones:

• South façade WWR ratio is reduced by 50%, likely because opaque constructions are less 

expensive than fenestration constructions and have better insulation properties. 

• Vestibules are added to the front entrance. In the baseline models, 87% of infiltrated air 

enters the store through the front entrance. Adding a vestibule is a relatively inexpensive 

way to significantly reduce infiltration through the front entrance. 

• HVAC RTUs are equipped with efficient fans.
67

• LPD is reduced by 47%, and occupancy sensors are installed in the active storage, 

mechanical room, restroom, and office zones. 

• Daylighting sensors (with 46.5 fc [500 lux] set points) are installed. Note that skylights 

are not included in every climate zone. In the absence of skylights, daylighting controls 

are installed only in the zones adjacent to the south façade fenestration (within 15 ft [4.6 

m] of the view glass. 

• Exterior walls with improved insulation properties over baseline (either the R-18.1 or R22.6 construction in each case) are selected (See Table 4-18).

• Plug loads are reduced to 10% of peak during off hours in all high plug load stores. 

One EDM was not chosen for any location: 

• Shaded overhangs above the windows on the south façade. 

Some general trends noted are: 

• Skylights are chosen in warm climates only (zones 1 through 5 in low plug load stores, 

and 1 through 6 in high plug loads), likely because colder climates receive too little sun 

for the energy saved by daylighting to compensate for the increase in capital costs and 

reduction in insulation associated with skylights. In all cases where skylights are

installed, high solar gain constructions are selected. This is likely because high solar gain 

skylights also have the highest VLT values, which maximize daylighting performance. 

• Fenestration constructions with poor insulation properties are selected in the hottest, most 

humid climates. The sensible heat being added by the poorly insulated glazing may be 

replacing some portion of the reheat needed to meet the high latent load and still maintain 

the temperature requirements. In that case, less expensive windows with poorer 

insulation properties can be selected without adding to overall energy use. All selected 

skylights have double-pane constructions (most also have low-e and argon) except the 

skylights selected in the 1A and 2A low plug load stores and in the 1A high plug load 

store, which have single-pane constructions. All selected windows are double pane with 

low-e and argon, except those selected in the 1A, 2A, and 3A low plug load stores and in 

the 1A high plug load stores, which have single pane constructions. The fact that this 

phenomenon occurs in less high plug load stores than in low plug load stores can likely 

be attributed to the higher plug loads, which add to the overall sensible load. Thus, high 

plug load stores can allow less solar gain into the space before incurring an energy 

penalty. 

• In general, baseline roof constructions are selected. The exception occurs in climate zone 

8, the coldest climate, where a roof construction with improved insulation (R-25, as 

opposed to R-20) seems reasonable.

• Infiltration reduction EDMs are selected quite often. Vestibules are chosen in all 

climates. Envelope air barriers (which reduce infiltration by eliminating cracks in the 

envelope) are selected in all low plug load stores in humid (except 4A) and cold (5 

through 8) climates; and in all high plug load stores except those in hot dry climates (2B 

and 3B-NV).
68

• Twenty percent increased COP is selected for RTUs in low plug load stores in all except 

very cold (6, 7, and 8) climates and those classified as marine; and in high plug load 

stores in all but the coldest climates (7 and 8). This is likely because not enough cooling 

is needed in cold or mild climates to justify the cost associated with upgrading RTU 

COPs. That increased COP is selected in more climates for high plug load stores than for 

low plug load stores reflects the larger cooling loads experienced by high plug load stores 

(because of the sensible heat that plug loads add to the space). 

• Economizers are not selected in any climate except 3B-CA, in the high plug load case. 

This appears to go hand in hand with the fact that ERV is selected so often.

• Because of a modeling artifact (see Section 5.1.3), DCV and ERV could be selected 

individually, but not in combination. ERV is selected in all climates except the hottest 

arid climates (2B, and 3B-CA), where DCV is selected instead. ERV is likely selected so 

often because of the large fraction of the OA intake available for energy recovery, 

especially where infiltration reduction measures were also selected. The current trend 

shows that ERV should be effective in all but the mildest climates, especially in humid 

and cold climates, so we expect that DCV and ERV would work well in combination in 

many cases, such that DCV and ERV would have been selected in more climates were it 

not for the modeling artifact.
69

Table 4-13 Selected Low-Energy Models, Low Plug: Humid Climates

Category Subcategory EDM Type

Humid

1A 2A 3A 4A 5A 6A

Form

Fenestration 

Skylight 

Fraction 

4% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones 

3% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones 

2% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones 

2% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones None None 

South 

Window 

Fraction 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

Shading Shading 

Depth None None None None None None 

Fabric

Fenestration 

Skylights Baseline Skylight 

Construction 

Baseline Skylight 

Construction 

Double pane with 

high solar gain 

Double pane with 

low-e and high 

solar gain 

Baseline Skylight 

Construction 

Baseline Skylight 

Construction 

South 

Windows 

Baseline Window 

Construction 

Single pane with 

clear glass 

Single pane with 

pyrolytic low-e 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Infiltration Infiltration 

Tighter envelope 

and front door 

vestibule. 

Tighter envelope 

and front door 

vestibule. 

Tighter envelope 

and front door 

vestibule. 

Front door 

vestibule 

Tighter envelope 

and front door 

vestibule. 

Tighter envelope 

and front door 

vestibule. 

Opaque 

Constructions 

Walls

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-18.1 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-18.1 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-18.1 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-22.6 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-22.6 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-22.6 

Roof 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, R15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, R15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, R15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, R15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, R15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, R15 c.i. 

Equipment 

Energy 

Generation PV None None None None None None 

HVAC System System 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

Lighting 

Daylighting 

Controls 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 

LPD 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

Outdoor Air 

DCV None None None None None None 

ERV 70% effective 70% effective 50% effective 70% effective 70% effective 70% effective 
70

Table 4-14 Selected Low-Energy Models, Low Plug: Arid Climates

Category Subcategory EDM Type

Arid

2B 3B-CA 3B-NV 4B 5B 6B 

Form

Fenestration 

Skylight 

Fraction 

3% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones 

4% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones 

3% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones 

3% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones 

2% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones None 

South 

Window 

Fraction 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

Shading Shading 

Depth None None None None None None 

Fabric

Fenestration 

Skylights 

Double pane with 

low-e and high 

solar gain 

Double pane with 

low-e and high 

solar gain 

Double pane with 

low-e and high 

solar gain 

Double pane with 

low-e and high 

solar gain 

Double pane with 

low-e and high 

solar gain 

Baseline Skylight 

Construction 

South 

Windows 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Infiltration Infiltration Front door 

vestibule 

Front door 

vestibule 

Front door 

vestibule 

Front door 

vestibule 

Tighter envelope 

and front door 

vestibule. 

Tighter envelope 

and front door 

vestibule. 

Opaque 

Constructions 

Walls

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-22.6 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-18.1 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-22.6 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-18.1 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-22.6 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-22.6 

Roof 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, R15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, R15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, R15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, R15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, R15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, R15 c.i. 

Equipment 

Energy 

Generation PV None 1.1% of net roof area None None None None 

HVAC System System 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

Baseline COP 

with efficient fan 

Lighting 

Daylighting 

Controls 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 

LPD 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

Outdoor Air 

DCV Installed Installed None None None None 

ERV None None 50% effective 50% effective 50% effective 70% effective 
71

Table 4-15 Selected Low-Energy Models, Low Plug: Marine and Cold Climates

Category Subcategory EDM Type

Marine Cold 

3C 4C 7 8 

Form

Fenestration 

Skylight Fraction 3% roof area in nonsidelit zones None None None 

South Window 

Fraction 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

Shading Shading Depth None None None None 

Fabric

Fenestration 

Skylights Double pane with lowe and high solar gain 

Baseline Skylight 

Construction 

Baseline Skylight 

Construction 

Baseline Skylight 

Construction 

South Windows Double pane with lowe and argon 

Double pane with lowe and argon Double pane with lowe and argon Double pane with lowe and argon 

Infiltration Infiltration Front door vestibule Tighter envelope and 

front door vestibule. 

Tighter envelope and 

front door vestibule. 

Tighter envelope and 

front door vestibule. 

Opaque Constructions 

Walls

Mass_ASHRAE 90.1 

2008_pg c.i. mtl frame 

ext ins R-18.1 

Mass_ASHRAE 90.1 

2008_pg c.i. mtl frame 

ext ins R-22.6 

Mass_ASHRAE 90.1 

2008_pg c.i. mtl frame 

ext ins R-22.6 

Mass_ASHRAE 90.1 

2008_pg c.i. mtl frame 

ext ins R-22.6 

Roof Baseline Roof 

Construction, R-15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, R-15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, R-15 c.i. R-25 c.i. 

Equipment 

Energy Generation PV None None None None 

HVAC System System Baseline COP with 

efficient fan 

Baseline COP with 

efficient fan 

Baseline COP with 

efficient fan 

Baseline COP with 

efficient fan 

Lighting 

Daylighting Controls 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 

LPD 

47% LPD reduction 

and occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD reduction 

and occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD reduction 

and occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD reduction 

and occupancy 

sensors 

Outdoor Air 

DCV None None None None 

ERV 50% effective 70% effective 70% effective 50% effective 
72

Table 4-16 Selected Low-Energy Models, High Plug: Humid Climates

Category Subcategory EDM Type

Humid

1A 2A 3A 4A 5A 6A

Program Plug Loads Schedule 

Plug loads 

reduced to 10% 

at night 

Plug loads 

reduced to 10% 

at night 

Plug loads 

reduced to 10% 

at night 

Plug loads 

reduced to 10% 

at night 

Plug loads 

reduced to 10% 

at night 

Plug loads 

reduced to 10% 

at night 

Form

Fenestration 

Skylight Fraction 

2% roof area in 

non-sidelit 

zones 

3% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones 

3% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones 

3% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones 

2% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones None 

South Window 

Fraction 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

Shading Shading Depth None None None None None None 

Fabric

Fenestration 

Skylights Single pane with 

high solar gain 

Double pane with 

high solar gain 

Double pane with 

low-e and high 

solar gain 

Double pane with 

low-e and high 

solar gain 

Double pane with 

low-e and high 

solar gain 

Baseline Skylight 

Construction 

South Windows Single pane with 

clear glass 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Infiltration Infiltration 

Tighter envelope 

and front door 

vestibule. 

Tighter envelope 

and front door 

vestibule. 

Tighter envelope 

and front door 

vestibule. 

Tighter envelope 

and front door 

vestibule. 

Tighter envelope 

and front door 

vestibule. 

Tighter envelope 

and front door 

vestibule. 

Opaque 

Constructions 

Walls

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg 

c.i. mtl frame ext 

ins R-18.1 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-18.1 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-22.6 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-18.1 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-22.6 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-22.6 

Roof 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, 

R-15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, 

R-15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, 

R-15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, 

R-15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, 

R-15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, 

R-15 c.i. 

Equipment 

Energy 

Generation PV None None None None None None 

HVAC System System 

20% increased 

COP with 

efficient fan 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

Lighting 

Daylighting 

Controls 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 

LPD 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

Outdoor Air 

DCV None None None None None None 

ERV 50% effective 50% effective 70% effective 70% effective 70% effective 70% effective 
73

Table 4-17 Selected Low-Energy Models, High Plug: Arid Climates

Category Subcategory EDM Type

Arid

2B 3B-CA 3B-NV 4B 5B 6B 

Program Plug Loads Schedule

Plug loads 

reduced to 10% 

at night 

Plug loads 

reduced to 10% 

at night 

Plug loads 

reduced to 10% 

at night 

Plug loads 

reduced to 10% 

at night 

Plug loads 

reduced to 10% 

at night 

Plug loads 

reduced to 10% 

at night 

Form

Fenestration 

Skylight 

Fraction 

4% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones 

4% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones 

4% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones 

3% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones 

3% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones 

2% roof area in 

non-sidelit zones 

South Window 

Fraction 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

Shading Shading Depth None None None None None None 

Fabric

Fenestration 

Skylights 

Double pane with 

low-e and high 

solar gain 

Double pane with 

low-e and high 

solar gain 

Double pane with 

low-e and high 

solar gain 

Double pane with 

low-e and high 

solar gain 

Double pane with 

low-e and high 

solar gain 

Double pane with 

low-e and high 

solar gain 

South 

Windows 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Double pane with 

low-e and argon 

Infiltration Infiltration Front door 

vestibule 

Tighter envelope 

and front door 

vestibule. 

Front door 

vestibule 

Tighter envelope 

and front door 

vestibule. 

Tighter envelope 

and front door 

vestibule. 

Tighter envelope 

and front door 

vestibule. 

Opaque 

Constructions 

Walls

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-22.6 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-18.1 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-22.6 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-22.6 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-22.6 

Mass_ASHRAE 

90.1 2008_pg c.i. 

mtl frame ext ins 

R-22.6 

Roof 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, 

R-15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, 

R-15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, 

R-15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, 

R-15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, 

R-15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, 

R-15 c.i. 

Equipment 

Energy 

Generation PV 7.6% of net roof 

area 

9.2% of net roof 

area 

5.8% of net roof 

area 

0.94% of net roof 

area None None 

HVAC 

System System 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

20% increased 

COP with 

economizer and 

efficient fan 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

20% increased 

COP with efficient 

fan 

Lighting 

Daylighting 

Controls 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 

LPD 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD 

reduction and 

occupancy 

sensors 

Outdoor Air 

DCV Installed Installed None None None None 

ERV None None 50% effective 70% effective 70% effective 70% effective 
74

Table 4-18 Selected Low-Energy Models, High Plug: Marine and Cold Climates

Category Subcategory EDM Type

Marine Cold 

3C 4C 7 8 

Program Plug Loads Schedule Plug loads reduced to 

10% at night 

Plug loads reduced to 

10% at night 

Plug loads reduced to 

10% at night 

Plug loads reduced to 

10% at night 

Form

Fenestration 

Skylight Fraction 4% roof area in nonsidelit zones 

3% roof area in nonsidelit zones None None 

South Window 

Fraction 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

50% of baseline 

glazing 

Shading Shading Depth None None None None 

Fabric

Fenestration 

Skylights Double pane with lowe and high solar gain 

Double pane with lowe and high solar gain Baseline Skylight 

Construction 

Baseline Skylight 

Construction 

South Windows Double pane with lowe2 and argon 

Double pane with lowe and argon Double pane with lowe and argon Double pane with lowe and argon 

Infiltration Infiltration Tighter envelope and 

front door vestibule. 

Tighter envelope and 

front door vestibule. 

Tighter envelope and 

front door vestibule. 

Tighter envelope and 

front door vestibule. 

Opaque Constructions 

Walls

Mass_ASHRAE 90.1 

2008_pg c.i. mtl frame 

ext ins R-22.6 

Mass_ASHRAE 90.1 

2008_pg c.i. mtl frame 

ext ins R-22.6 

Mass_ASHRAE 90.1 

2008_pg c.i. mtl frame 

ext ins R-22.6 

Mass_ASHRAE 90.1 

2008_pg c.i. mtl frame 

ext ins R-22.6 

Roof Baseline Roof 

Construction, R-15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, R-15 c.i. 

Baseline Roof 

Construction, R-15 c.i. R-25 c.i. 

Equipment 

Energy Generation PV 5.8% of net roof area None None None 

HVAC System System 20% increased COP 

with efficient fan 

20% increased COP 

with efficient fan 

Baseline COP with 

efficient fan 

Baseline COP with 

efficient fan 

Lighting 

Daylighting Controls 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 500 lux set point 

LPD 

47% LPD reduction 

and occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD reduction 

and occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD reduction 

and occupancy 

sensors 

47% LPD reduction 

and occupancy 

sensors 

Outdoor Air 

DCV None None None None 

ERV 50% effective 70% effective 70% effective 70% effective 
75

4.2.2 Performance

The energy performance of the selected low-energy models is summarized in Table 4-19 to 

Table 4-21, and depicted graphically in Figure 4-4 to Figure 4-6. The tables report several 

whole-building metrics; the figure depicts site energy use broken out into end uses. The data 

shown in the figure are also listed in table form in Appendix D. 

Table 4-19 Selected Low-Energy Model Energy Performance: Humid Climates

Building Type Building Name Metric Humid

1A 2A 3A 4A 5A 6A

Low Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Low-Energy Percent Energy Savings 58.3% 59.4% 53.1% 55.9% 55.0% 55.2% 

Baseline (SI) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 1,250 1,190 914 1,020 1,050 1,220 

Low-Energy (SI) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 520 484 429 450 471 546

Baseline (SI) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 346 313 213 201 146 144 

Low-Energy (SI) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/m2yr) 144 128 94.5 88.4 77.1 76.0 

Baseline (SI) Natural Gas Intensity 

(kWh/m2yr) 0.444 17.8 40.9 83.1 145 195 

Low-Energy (SI) Natural Gas Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 0.708 6.88 24.7 36.7 53.8 75.5 

Low-Energy (SI) PV Power Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 

Baseline (IP) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 110 105 80.5 89.9 92.1 107

Low-Energy (IP) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 45.8 42.6 37.8 39.6 41.5 48.0 

Baseline (IP) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 32.1 29.1 19.8 18.6 13.5 13.3 

Low-Energy (IP) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/ft2yr) 13.3 11.8 8.78 8.21 7.16 7.07 

Baseline (IP) Natural Gas Intensity 

(Therms/ft2

yr) 0.00141 0.0563 0.130 0.263 0.460 0.617 

Low-Energy (IP) Natural Gas Intensity 

(Therms/ft2

yr) 0.00224 0.0218 0.0784 0.116 0.170 0.239 

Low-Energy (IP) PV Power Intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 

High Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Low-Energy Percent Energy Savings 51.4% 52.5% 51.5% 52.0% 52.2% 50.6%

Baseline (SI) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 1,590 1,500 1,160 1,210 1,180 1,340 

Low-Energy (SI) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 773 713 561 583 564 660

Baseline (SI) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 442 406 296 280 216 214 

Low-Energy (SI) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 214 193 148 143 120 130 

Baseline (SI) Natural Gas Intensity 

(kWh/m2yr) 0.188 11.0 25.4 56.7 111 157 

Low-Energy (SI) Natural Gas Intensity 

(kWh/m2yr) 0.351 4.54 7.60 18.8 36.5 53.8 

Low-Energy (SI) PV Power Intensity 

(kWh/m2yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 

Baseline (IP) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 140 132 102 107 104 118 

Low-Energy (IP) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 68.0 62.8 49.4 51.3 49.6 58.1 

Baseline (IP) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 41.1 37.7 27.5 26.1 20.1 19.9 

Low-Energy (IP) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/ft2yr) 19.9 18.0 13.8 13.3 11.1 12.0 

Baseline (IP) Natural Gas Intensity 

(Therms/ft2yr) 0.000594 0.0348 0.0805 0.180 0.352 0.498 

Low-Energy (IP) Natural Gas Intensity 

(Therms/ft2yr) 0.00111 0.0144 0.0241 0.0596 0.116 0.171 

Low-Energy (IP) PV Power Intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 
76

Table 4-20 Selected Low-Energy Model Energy Performance: Arid Climates

Building Type Building Name Metric 

Arid

2B 3B-CA 3B-NV 4B 5B 6B 

Low Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Low-Energy Percent Energy Savings 50.8% 50.0% 54.2% 52.3% 51.1% 54.7% 

Baseline (SI) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 747 541 689 747 842 1,040 

Low-Energy (SI) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 367 270 316 356 411 470 

Baseline (SI) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 189 137 161 142 131 125 

Low-Energy (SI) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 80.8 58.6 68.5 58.4 57.3 66.4 

Baseline (SI) Natural Gas Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 18.8 13.4 30.7 65.4 102 163 

Low-Energy (SI) Natural Gas Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 21.2 18.1 19.2 40.6 57.0 64.2 

Low-Energy (SI) PV Power Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 0.000 1.67 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 

Baseline (IP) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 65.8 47.6 60.7 65.8 74.1 91.4 

Low-Energy (IP) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 32.4 23.8 27.8 31.4 36.2 41.4 

Baseline (IP) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 17.5 12.7 14.9 13.2 12.2 11.6 

Low-Energy (IP) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 7.51 5.45 6.36 5.42 5.32 6.17 

Baseline (IP) Natural Gas Intensity 

(Therms/ft2

yr) 0.0597 0.0423 0.0972 0.207 0.324 0.517 

Low-Energy (IP) Natural Gas Intensity 

(Therms/ft2

yr) 0.0673 0.0575 0.061 0.129 0.181 0.203 

Low-Energy (IP) PV Power Intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 0.000 0.155 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 

High Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Low-Energy Percent Energy Savings 50.0% 50.0% 50.0% 50.0% 50.4% 51.4% 

Baseline (SI) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 989 758 910 931 996 1,150 

Low-Energy (SI) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 495 379 455 465 494 559 

Baseline (SI) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 262 204 234 214 204 195 

Low-Energy (SI) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 138 111 126 117 112 111 

Baseline (SI) Natural Gas Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 12.7 6.36 19.1 44.6 73.2 125 

Low-Energy (SI) Natural Gas Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 13.6 8.60 11.0 14.1 25.1 44.8 

Low-Energy (SI) PV Power Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 13.9 14.4 10.4 1.68 0.000 0.000 

Baseline (IP) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 87.1 66.7 80.1 82.0 87.7 101 

Low-Energy (IP) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 43.6 33.4 40.1 41.0 43.5 49.2 

Baseline (IP) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 24.3 19.0 21.7 19.9 18.9 18.1 

Low-Energy (IP) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 12.8 10.3 11.7 10.9 10.4 10.3 

Baseline (IP) Natural Gas Intensity 

(Therms/ft2

yr) 0.0403 0.0202 0.0605 0.141 0.232 0.395 

Low-Energy (IP) Natural Gas Intensity 

(Therms/ft2

yr) 0.0431 0.0273 0.0347 0.0446 0.0796 0.142 

Low-Energy (IP) PV Power Intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 1.29 1.33 0.970 0.156 0.000 0.000 
77

Table 4-21 Selected Low-Energy Model Energy Performance: Marine and Cold Climates

Building Type Building Name Metric 

Marine Cold 

3C 4C 7 8 

Low Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Low-Energy Percent Energy Savings 54.6% 55.8% 55.9% 50.2% 

Baseline (SI) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 586 787 1,350 1,940 

Low-Energy (SI) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 266 348 593 965 

Baseline (SI) Electricity Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 115 118 122 121 

Low-Energy (SI) Electricity Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 47.6 64.5 66.6 62.6 

Baseline (SI) Natural Gas Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 48.1 101 251 416 

Low-Energy (SI) Natural Gas Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 26.3 32.2 98.1 205 

Low-Energy (SI) PV Power Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 

Baseline (IP) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 51.6 69.3 118 170 

Low-Energy (IP) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 23.4 30.6 52.2 84.9 

Baseline (IP) Electricity Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 10.6 10.9 11.4 11.3 

Low-Energy (IP) Electricity Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 4.43 5.99 6.19 5.81 

Baseline (IP) Natural Gas Intensity (Therms/ft2yr) 0.152 0.320 0.797 1.32 

Low-Energy (IP) Natural Gas Intensity (Therms/ft2yr) 0.0832 0.102 0.311 0.651 

Low-Energy (IP) PV Power Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 

High Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Low-Energy Percent Energy Savings 50.0% 51.1% 51.6% 56.1% 

Baseline (SI) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 752 908 1,420 1,960 

Low-Energy (SI) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 376 444 687 861 

Baseline (SI) Electricity Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 183 185 191 185 

Low-Energy (SI) Electricity Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 103 106 120 116 

Baseline (SI) Natural Gas Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 25.9 67.4 203 360 

Low-Energy (SI) Natural Gas Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 10.1 17.2 70.9 123 

Low-Energy (SI) PV Power Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 8.69 0.000 0.000 0.000 

Baseline (IP) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 66.2 80.0 125 173 

Low-Energy (IP) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 33.1 39.1 60.5 75.8 

Baseline (IP) Electricity Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 17.0 17.2 17.7 17.2 

Low-Energy (IP) Electricity Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 9.57 9.87 11.2 10.8 

Baseline (IP) Natural Gas Intensity (Therms/ft2yr) 0.0822 0.214 0.645 1.14 

Low-Energy (IP) Natural Gas Intensity (Therms/ft2yr) 0.0321 0.0545 0.225 0.391 

Low-Energy (IP) PV Power Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 0.807 0.000 0.000 0.000 
78

Figure 4-4 Energy intensity by end use for baseline and selected low-energy models in humid climates
79

Figure 4-5 Energy intensity by end use for baseline and selected low-energy models in arid climates
80

Figure 4-6 Energy intensity by end use for baseline and selected low-energy models in marine and cold climates
81

The economic performance of the selected low-energy models is summarized in Table 4-22 to 

Table 4-24. 

Table 4-22 Selected Low-Energy Model Costs: Humid Climates

Building Type Building Name Metric 

Humid

1A 2A 3A 4A 5A 6A

Low Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Baseline (SI) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2

) 1,350 1,340 1,260 1,260 1,200 1,210 

Low-Energy (SI) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2) 1,390 1,380 1,300 1,320 1,250 1,260 

Baseline (SI) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,190 1,180 1,150 1,140 1,090 1,100 

Low-Energy (SI) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,320 1,310 1,240 1,260 1,200 1,200 

Baseline (IP) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 126 124 117 117 111 112 

Low-Energy (IP) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 129 128 120 122 116 117 

Baseline (IP) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 110 110 106 106 102 102 

Low-Energy (IP) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 122 122 115 117 112 112 

High Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Baseline (SI) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2

) 1,410 1,390 1,300 1,300 1,230 1,230 

Low-Energy (SI) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2) 1,420 1,410 1,380 1,380 1,310 1,290 

Baseline (SI) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,200 1,190 1,150 1,150 1,100 1,100 

Low-Energy (SI) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,310 1,310 1,300 1,300 1,240 1,220 

Baseline (IP) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 131 129 121 121 114 114 

Low-Energy (IP) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 132 131 128 128 121 120 

Baseline (IP) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 112 111 107 107 102 102 

Low-Energy (IP) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 122 122 121 121 115 113 

Table 4-23 Selected Low-Energy Model Costs: Arid Climates

Building Type Building Name Metric 

Arid

2B 3B-CA 3B-NV 4B 5B 6B 

Low Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Baseline (SI) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2

) 1,180 1,150 1,170 1,160 1,160 1,170 

Low-Energy (SI) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2) 1,170 1,160 1,220 1,210 1,210 1,230 

Baseline (SI) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,080 1,080 1,080 1,080 1,080 1,070 

Low-Energy (SI) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,120 1,120 1,180 1,170 1,170 1,180 

Baseline (IP) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 109 107 108 108 108 109 

Low-Energy (IP) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 109 108 113 112 113 114 

Baseline (IP) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 100 100 100 100 99.9 99.8 

Low-Energy (IP) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 104 104 110 109 109 110 

High Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Baseline (SI) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2

) 1,220 1,190 1,210 1,200 1,200 1,210 

Low-Energy (SI) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2) 1,270 1,280 1,310 1,290 1,290 1,280 

Baseline (SI) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,090 1,080 1,090 1,090 1,090 1,090 

Low-Energy (SI) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,210 1,220 1,250 1,230 1,220 1,220 

Baseline (IP) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 113 110 112 112 112 112 

Low-Energy (IP) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 118 119 122 120 119 119 

Baseline (IP) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 101 101 101 101 101 101 

Low-Energy (IP) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 112 113 116 115 114 113 
82

Table 4-24 Selected Low-Energy Model Costs: Marine and Cold Climates

Building Type Building Name Metric 

Marine Cold 

3C 4C 7 8 

Low Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Baseline (SI) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2

) 1,130 1,150 1,190 1,270 

Low-Energy (SI) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2) 1,190 1,220 1,240 1,280 

Baseline (SI) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,060 1,070 1,080 1,130 

Low-Energy (SI) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,160 1,180 1,190 1,210 

Baseline (IP) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 105 107 111 118 

Low-Energy (IP) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 111 114 115 119 

Baseline (IP) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 98.8 99.6 100 105 

Low-Energy (IP) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 108 110 110 113 

High Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Baseline (SI) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2

) 1,170 1,180 1,220 1,300 

Low-Energy (SI) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2) 1,300 1,280 1,280 1,340 

Baseline (SI) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,080 1,080 1,090 1,140 

Low-Energy (SI) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,250 1,230 1,210 1,260 

Baseline (IP) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 109 110 113 120 

Low-Energy (IP) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 121 119 119 124 

Baseline (IP) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 99.9 100 101 106 

Low-Energy (IP) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 116 114 112 117 

The electricity demand performance of the selected low-energy models is summarized in Table 

4-25 to Table 4-27. 

Table 4-25 Selected Low-Energy Model Electricity Demand: Humid Climates

Building 

Type

Building 

Name Metric 

Humid

1A 2A 3A 4A 5A 6A

Low Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Baseline Monthly Max Electric 

Demand [min-max] (kW)

344–

387 

323–

408 

156–

326 

126–

326 

101–

211 

102–

211 

Low-Energy Monthly Max Electric 

Demand [min-max] (kW)

186–

218 

149–

214 

71.8–

169 

62.4–

173 

53.9–

122 

53.9–

122 

Baseline Monthly Electrical Load 

Factor [min-max]

0.332–

0.490 

0.286–

0.494 

0.282–

0.448 

0.274–

0.540 

0.301–

0.525 

0.288–

0.536 

Low-Energy Monthly Electrical Load 

Factor [min-max]

0.243–

0.371 

0.225–

0.357 

0.201–

0.414 

0.213–

0.485 

0.277–

0.517 

0.272–

0.527 

High Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Baseline Monthly Max Electric 

Demand [min-max] (kW)

391–

473 

376–

483 

214–

369 

185–

388 

145–

270 

147–

262 

Low-Energy Monthly Max Electric 

Demand [min-max] (kW)

234–

278 

192–

273 

122–

238 

107–

239 

94.9–

169 

95.0–

182 

Baseline Monthly Electrical Load 

Factor [min-max]

0.370–

0.512 

0.336–

0.511 

0.371–

0.473 

0.308–

0.535 

0.366–

0.557 

0.360–

0.563 

Low-Energy Monthly Electrical Load 

Factor [min-max]

0.288–

0.405 

0.284–

0.396 

0.299–

0.455 

0.271–

0.485 

0.308–

0.493 

0.346–

0.521 
83

Table 4-26 Selected Low-Energy Model Electricity Demand: Arid Climates

Building 

Type

Building 

Name Metric 

Arid

2B 3B-CA 3B-NV 4B 5B 6B 

Low Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Baseline Monthly Max Electric 

Demand [min-max] (kW)

135–

227 

125–

170 

106–

200 

102–

180 

98.7–

168 

97.4–

161 

Low-Energy Monthly Max Electric 

Demand [min-max] (kW)

59.3–

117 

54.4–

85.8 

54.5–

93.6 

53.0–

74.1 

52.5–

75.3 

52.3–

85.6 

Baseline Monthly Electrical Load 

Factor [min-max]

0.393–

0.488 

0.336–

0.451 

0.383–

0.510 

0.384–

0.520 

0.377–

0.524 

0.361–

0.526 

Low-Energy Monthly Electrical Load 

Factor [min-max]

0.336–

0.455 

0.241–

0.418 

0.346–

0.440 

0.342–

0.433 

0.353–

0.463 

0.362–

0.515 

High Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Baseline Monthly Max Electric 

Demand [min-max] (kW)

189–

284 

178–

219 

153–

260 

146–

238 

144–

227 

142–

221 

Low-Energy Monthly Max Electric 

Demand [min-max] (kW)

108–

156 

102–

140 

101–

138 

100–

123 

96.8–

123 

92.7–

123 

Baseline Monthly Electrical Load 

Factor [min-max]

0.426–

0.511 

0.401–

0.487 

0.428–

0.534 

0.425–

0.554 

0.424–

0.556 

0.409–

0.558 

Low-Energy Monthly Electrical Load 

Factor [min-max]

0.362–

0.464 

0.294–

0.403 

0.378–

0.450 

0.416–

0.470 

0.416–

0.466 

0.417–

0.498 

Table 4-27 Selected Low-Energy Model Electricity Demand: Marine and Cold Climates

Building 

Type

Building 

Name Metric 

Marine Cold 

3C 4C 7 8 

Low Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Baseline Monthly Max Electric 

Demand [min-max] (kW) 94.9–149 94.5–161 95.4–171 97.1–139 

Low-Energy Monthly Max Electric 

Demand [min-max] (kW) 45.3–74.8 51.8–86.5 51.2–106 50.8–82.0 

Baseline Monthly Electrical Load 

Factor [min-max] 0.350–0.517 0.327–0.516 0.323–0.528 0.391–0.550 

Low-Energy Monthly Electrical Load 

Factor [min-max] 0.286–0.419 0.321–0.512 0.291–0.525 0.342–0.525 

High Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Baseline Monthly Max Electric 

Demand [min-max] (kW) 139–207 139–217 140–225 139–188 

Low-Energy Monthly Max Electric 

Demand [min-max] (kW) 85.8–127 91.1–121 93.2–174 92.8–122 

Baseline Monthly Electrical Load 

Factor [min-max] 0.400–0.557 0.378–0.555 0.380–0.563 0.445–0.575 

Low-Energy Monthly Electrical Load 

Factor [min-max] 0.326–0.456 0.389–0.491 0.313–0.531 0.436–0.531 

4.2.3 Discussion

The economic performance data indicate that achieving the 50% energy savings goal in medium 

box general merchandise stores almost always occurs at the cost of an increase in 5-TLCC. Due 

to the upgraded and additional constructions and equipment associated with the implementation 

of the EDM selections, the low-energy buildings have higher capital costs than their 

corresponding baseline buildings. Although those costs are partially paid back through energy 
84

savings throughout the life of the building, the increase in capital costs required to reach the 50% 

energy goal cannot be recouped within 5 years (except in the low plug load store in climate zone 

2B) . A costing bug in Opt-E-Plus for Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV), which played an 

important role in reaching 50% energy savings in many cases, is at least partially to blame for the 

lack of cost-effective low-energy models. 

In fact, several modeling errors were uncovered near the end of the month-long super-computer 

simulation runs. These errors affect both the baseline and low-energy model results and to 

varying degrees, but were discovered too late in the process to be remedied. Whereas we feel 

that these errors have not fundamentally changed the results of the overall analysis, we include 

them here for completeness:

• A costing bug in Opt-E-Plus resulted in an underestimation of HVAC capital costs. The 

size of the HVAC system in the largest zone (main sales) was taken as the total cost of 

the HVAC system for the whole building. 

• Costs for infiltration reduction measures, which were calculated per zone based on the 

total number of zones, were not updated when the number of zones was reduced from 15 

to 11. 

• A costing bug in Opt-E-Plus resulted in an overestimation of the cost of ERV by an order 

of magnitude. Each of the 11 zones was assigned an ERV cost equivalent to what the 

cost of ERV for the entire building should have been. As a result, in all cases in which 

ERV was selected, the low-energy model building costs are significantly overestimated. 

The fact that ERV was still deemed a sufficiently cost-effective EDM to be selected in 

those cases is a testament to the significant energy savings that ERV can provide in 

certain climate zones.

• The cost of shaded overhangs was not updated for the inflation that occurred between 

2006 and 2008. Shaded overhangs were not selected in any climate zone, however, so 

this error had no effect on the overall analysis. 

• High effectiveness ERV was assigned the same pressure drop (0.42 in. w.c. [105 Pa]) as 

low effectiveness ERV. High effectiveness ERV should have been assigned a pressure 

drop of 0.7 in. w.c. (150 Pa), according to the assumption that higher effectiveness ERV 

would result in a larger pressure drop. 

• The cost of the R-15 roof construction was not updated according to the new roof 

construction calculations. 

• An EnergyPlus requirement associated with the allowable ratio between OA intake and 

exhaust fan flow rate for ERV operation prevented DCV and ERV from being selected in 

combination as EDMs. With DCV installed, OA intake in one or more zones reduces to 

the point that the ratio of OA intake to exhaust fan flow rate reaches a threshold value for 

ERV control in EnergyPlus that results in a fatal error.

• Finally, the original configuration of the HVAC RTUs with the desuperheat option for 

reheat did not properly control nighttime relative humidity. At night, the RTUs were 

only cycled to meet the dry bulb temperature set point; the humidistat set point (60%) 

was ignored. 
85

4.3 Big Box Stores

We also want to comment on general merchandise stores larger than our primary prototype. For 

this reason, we developed prototype and baseline models for a big box 100,000 ft2 (9,290 m2) 

store with low plug load levels and the same space types as the medium box 40,500 ft2 store. We 

then constructed “selected low-energy” models by applying the EDM sets selected for the

medium box low plug load scenario to the corresponding big box baselines. The results of this 

exercise follow.

We did not redevelop our cost data for the big box stores, and so we refrain from reporting 

capital cost and 5-TLCC in this section. Larger stores typically cost less to construct per unit 

area (Balboni 2008b). 

4.3.1 Baseline Model Performance

4.3.1.1 ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Baselines

The big box baseline models are developed using the same process and input data as that

described in Sections 3.2 and 3.3 for the low plug load scenario. The only deviations are in the 

store floor plan. Although the organization of space types in the big box prototype is identical to 

that shown in Figure 3-10, the aspect ratio is 1.0 rather than 1.25. Within that framework, the 

dimensions of each space type are adjusted to fill the floor area. The vestibule is expanded to 

reflect the likelihood of greater foot traffic in the larger store; the auxiliary zones in the back of 

the store are also enlarged to accommodate more sales staff and shoppers. The size of each 

space type within the big box prototype is listed in Table 4-28. 

Table 4-28 Big Box Space Types and Sizes

Space Type Name Floor Area (ft2) Floor Area (m2) Percent of Total

Main Sales 78,750 7,316 79.4

Perimeter Sales 4,050 376 4.1

Enclosed Office 664 62 0.7

Meeting Room 1,106 103 1.1

Dining Room 1,106 103 1.1

Restroom 1,382 128 1.4

Mechanical Room 442 41 0.4

Corridor 450 42 0.5

Vestibule 675 63 0.7

Active Storage 10,600 985 10.7

Total 99,225 9,218 100.0

The performance data for the big box baseline models is listed in Table 4-29 to Table 4-31

alongside the corresponding low-energy model data. 

4.3.1.2 Comparison to Medium Box Stores and CBECS

The site EUIs for the low plug load medium and big box stores (40,500 ft2 [3,760 m2] and 

100,000 ft2 [9,290 m2], respectively) are shown in Figure 4-7 along with CBECS averages for 
86

stores in the same size ranges. The calculations follow the method outlined in Section 4.1.3. 

CBECS 40k includes retail stores of 20,000 ft2 to 70,000 ft2 (1,860 m2

 to 6,500 m2) and includes 

31 survey buildings. CBECS 100k covers stores of 70,000 ft2 to 140,000 ft2 (6,500 m2 to 13,000 

m

2

) and includes 28 buildings. 

Figure 4-7 EUI comparison of the low plug load medium and big box baseline models, and CBECS 

survey results.

According to our models, the larger stores have consistently lower EUIs than the smaller stores. 

The CBECS findings are mixed on this account. 

4.3.2 Selected Low-Energy Models

Big box low-energy models are constructed using the EDMs chosen for the low plug load stores 

as listed in Section 4.2.1. Thus, we will not repeat the descriptions of these buildings. 

Furthermore, 50% energy savings is not reached in all of the results that follow, but this does not 

mean that it is not possible to reach 50% energy savings in those cases. EDMs selected 

specifically for big box stores would result in 50% energy savings more cost effectively, but 

those searches were not run to keep the project at a manageable scale.

4.3.2.1 Performance

The energy performance of the selected low-energy models is summarized in Table 4-29 to 

Table 4-31. The tables report several whole-building metrics.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Site Energy Use Intensity (kBtu/ft2 yr)

ASHRAE/DOE Climate Zone

Low Plug Load 40k Low Plug Load 100k CBECS 40k CBECS 100k
87

Table 4-29 Large Store Selected Low-Energy Model Performance: Humid Climates

Building Name Metric 

Humid

1A 2A 3A 4A 5A 6A

Low-Energy Percent Energy 

Savings 57.8% 61.4% 55.6% 60.2% 59.0% 58.6%

Baseline (SI) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 910 878 697 788 818 942

Low-Energy (SI) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 384 339 309 314 336 390

Baseline (SI) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 253 228 158 148 111 109

Low-Energy (SI) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 107 88.0 60.5 56.6 53.3 53.7

Baseline (SI) Natural Gas Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 0.267 15.6 35.4 70.6 117 153

Low-Energy (SI) Natural Gas Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 0.0805 6.12 25.4 30.5 40.0 54.7

Low-Energy (SI) PV Power Intensity 

(kWh/m2yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

Baseline (IP) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 80.2 77.4 61.4 69.4 72.0 83.0

Low-Energy (IP) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 33.8 29.8 27.2 27.6 29.6 34.4

Baseline (IP) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/ft2yr) 23.5 21.2 14.7 13.8 10.3 10.1

Low-Energy (IP) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 9.90 8.17 5.62 5.26 4.95 4.99

Baseline (IP) Natural Gas Intensity 

(Therms/ft2

yr) 0.000845 0.0494 0.112 0.224 0.369 0.484

Low-Energy (IP) Natural Gas Intensity 

(Therms/ft2

yr) 0.000255 0.0194 0.0804 0.0968 0.127 0.173

Low-Energy (IP) PV Power Intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
88

Table 4-30 Large Store Selected Low-Energy Model Performance: Arid Climates

Building Name Metric 

Arid

2B 3B-CA 3B-NV 4B 5B 6B

Low-Energy Percent Energy 

Savings 50.8% 44.4% 56.9% 53.8% 51.2% 57.7%

Baseline (SI) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 559 420 536 596 674 827

Low-Energy (SI) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 275 234 231 275 329 350

Baseline (SI) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 138 105 120 109 102 97.5

Low-Energy (SI) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 50.2 37.5 42.0 36.8 37.3 47.7

Baseline (SI) Natural Gas Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 17.3 11.7 28.3 57.0 85.4 132

Low-Energy (SI) Natural Gas Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 26.2 27.4 22.2 39.6 54.1 49.5

Low-Energy (SI) PV Power Intensity 

(kWh/m2yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

Baseline (IP) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 49.3 37.0 47.2 52.5 59.4 72.8

Low-Energy (IP) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 24.2 20.6 20.3 24.2 29.0 30.8

Baseline (IP) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/ft2yr) 12.8 9.77 11.2 10.1 9.46 9.06

Low-Energy (IP) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 4.67 3.48 3.90 3.42 3.47 4.43

Baseline (IP) Natural Gas Intensity 

(Therms/ft2

yr) 0.0549 0.037 0.0898 0.181 0.271 0.419

Low-Energy (IP) Natural Gas Intensity 

(Therms/ft2

yr) 0.0829 0.087 0.0703 0.126 0.172 0.157

Low-Energy (IP) PV Power Intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
89

Table 4-31 Large Store Selected Low-Energy Model Performance: Marine and Cold Climates

Building Name Metric 

Marine Cold

3C 4C 7 8 

Low-Energy Percent Energy 

Savings 53.0% 59.3% 59.3% 51.0%

Baseline (SI) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 477 640 1,050 1,470

Low-Energy (SI) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 224 260 426 720

Baseline (SI) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 89.1 91.9 95.1 90.8

Low-Energy (SI) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr) 31.2 46.4 48.1 46.0

Baseline (SI) 

Natural Gas 

Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr)

43.3 85.9 196 317

Low-Energy (SI) 

Natural Gas 

Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr)

31.1 25.8 70.4 154

Low-Energy (SI) 

PV Power 

Intensity 

(kWh/m2

yr)

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

Baseline (IP) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 42.0 56.3 92.2 129

Low-Energy (IP) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 19.7 22.9 37.6 63.4

Baseline (IP) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 8.28 8.54 8.83 8.44

Low-Energy (IP) Electricity Intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr) 2.90 4.31 4.47 4.27

Baseline (IP) 

Natural Gas 

Intensity 

(Therms/ft2

yr)

0.137 0.272 0.621 1.01

Low-Energy (IP) 

Natural Gas 

Intensity 

(Therms/ft2

yr)

0.0985 0.0818 0.223 0.489

Low-Energy (IP) 

PV Power 

Intensity 

(kWh/ft2

yr)

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

4.3.2.2 Discussion

Compared to the 40,500-ft2 (3,760-m2) stores, the 100,000-ft2 (9,290-m2) stores have lower 

EUIs. This is true for the baseline and low-energy models. 

For a given building height and aspect ratio, increasing floor area reduces the ratio of exterior 

wall area to interior volume. Both sensible and latent loads are introduced to the interior of the 

building through constructions associated with its exterior walls (conduction and infiltration 

through the walls, windows, and doors). By reducing the exterior wall area to volume ratio, the 

heating and cooling loads associated with those constructions make up a smaller percentage of 

the overall heating and cooling load on the building. This results in a reduction in overall EUI. 
90

The exterior wall area to volume ratio for the 100,000-ft2 (9,290-m2) store is 37% less than that 

of the 40,500-ft2

 (3,760-m2) store.

Adding to the reduced impact of infiltration on EUI in the big box store as compared to the 

medium box store is the fact that the exterior door area is the same for both. Thus, although the 

infiltration through the exterior door is the same for both stores, the resultant ACH is 59% less in 

the larger store.

We do not present cost results for the big box store, but generally expect cost intensities to 

follow a trend similar to EUI, that is, lower cost intensities for similar, but larger, stores. There 

will be less cost per unit area for constructions related to the exterior walls, and reduced EUI 

should correlate with less HVAC capacity per unit area.

4.4 Alternative Low-Energy Models

The methodology described in Section 2.5.2 is used to find alternative designs that also reach 

50% energy savings for a subset of the climate zones. Each design is found with a new search 

designed to determine whether a specific high-performance strategy is required to meet the 

energy savings goal. 

For this algorithm, a strategy is an EDM category or set of categories that can be turned off or 

on. To turn a strategy off means to set each EDM category to its baseline value. To turn a 

strategy on means to fix each EDM category to the value taken in a selected low-energy model. 

The strategy definitions used in this work are summarized in Table 4-32. Each strategy is a set 

of one or more EDM types. 

Table 4-32 High Performance Building Strategies as used in the Algorithm for Identifying 

Alternative Low-Energy Models. 

Strategy Name EDM Type See Section

Plug loads Schedule 3.4.3.3

Infiltration Infiltration 3.4.2.4

Electric lighting LPD 3.4.3.2

Daylighting Daylighting controls 3.4.3.1

Skylight fraction 3.4.1.1.2

Window area & shading

South window fraction 3.4.1.1.1

Shading depth 3.4.1.2

Envelope insulation

Walls 3.4.2.1

Roof 3.4.2.2

Fenestration types

South windows 3.4.2.3.1

Skylights 3.4.2.3.2

HVAC System 3.4.3.4

DCV DCV 3.4.3.5.1

ERV ERV 3.4.3.5.2

PV PV 3.4.3.6

In what follows, the PV strategy was treated differently from the others. In particular, the PV 

EDM defines an upper limit on the amount of PV. Then for any selected points that achieve the 

50% energy savings target with PV, we calculated the actual amount of PV required to reach the 
91

target and reran the selected model after making just that change. Models that included PV and 

still did not reach the target were marked as unsuccessful.

The algorithm used to find alternative models that meet the target is computationally intensive, 

requiring 187% to 305% of the effort of the original search. For this reason, we only ran it in 

five climate zones: 1A (Miami, Florida), 3B-NV (Las Vegas, Nevada), 4C (Seattle, Washington), 

5A (Chicago, Illinois), and 8 (Fairbanks, Alaska). We also only ran one iteration of the 

algorithm, which means that each new search was generated directly from the selected low 

energy models described in Section 4.2 by removing a single strategy. 

4.4.1 Results

The bulk of the results are listed in Appendix E. Here we walk through the results for one plug 

load scenario in one climate zone, and summarize the overall results in a few tables.

4.4.1.1 Example Results for One Building

By starting with the selected low-energy model, removing a strategy from both the model and the 

search, and then restarting the search, one ends up with two new models of interest: the new start 

point, and the new selected point. The results reported in Appendix E summarize both for every 

strategy used in the original selected models. 

After a brief summary of the computational effort required for the searches, the next two items in 

each subsection of Appendix E, a figure and an accompanying table, provide information on the 

new selected points. For convenience, here we reproduce those items for the high plug load 

scenario in climate zone 1A (Miami, Florida), see Figure 4-8 and Table 4-33. 

The figure represents each low-energy model as a node. Circular nodes meet the 50% energy 

savings goal; octagonal nodes do not. Nodes outlined in gold contain PV; black nodes do not. 

The root node (the top circle labeled 00) represents the selected low-energy model described in 

Section 4.2. Each child node represents a model chosen in the same way as the root node, but 

from a new search that excluded the indicated strategy from the search options, and that started 

from the model defined by removing that strategy from the root node. 

The accompanying table further summarizes the low-energy models represented in the figure. 

The two are linked by the node labels 00, 01, 02, etc. The first row repeats a subset of the 

performance data listed above for the original selected low-energy model, and adds to that an 

explicit listing of which strategies were used in that model. For example, the original lowenergy model chosen for the high plug load Miami store applies the plug load schedule EDM, at 

least one infiltration EDM, and some aspect of daylighting (controls, skylights, or both). 

The subsequent rows summarize the new low-energy models. Each one excludes one of the 

strategies used by the original selected model. In some cases, the new low-energy models use 

strategies that were not used in the original model. This is to be expected since different actions 

must be taken to reach the 50% goal in the absence of the excluded strategy. Sometimes those 

actions are more extreme measures taken within the confines of one of the strategies used in the 

original model, but at other times entirely new strategies are introduced.

The performance data allows interested parties to screen all of the models that reach the 50% 

goal against several criteria, including some that are not used directly in the search. Recall that 

the search simultaneously minimizes net site energy and lifetime cost. To these, the table adds 

PV energy, capital cost, and peak demand.
92

Figure 4-8 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the high plug load Miami, Florida store. 

Node 00 represents the original low-energy model. The other nodes represent the result of searches formed by taking Node 00 and removing the 

indicated strategy. Models that include PV are in gold. Any models that do not reach the 50% energy savings goal are indicated by octagons.

Table 4-33 Summary of Low Energy Models for the High Plug Load Miami, Florida Store. 

Node numbers correspond to Figure 4-8. An ‘X’ under a strategy name indicates that the strategy is used in the model.

Node

Plug Loads

Infiltration

Elec. Lighting 

Daylighting 

Window Area & 

Shading

Envelope Insulation 

Fenestration Types

HVAC 

DCV 

ERV 

Net Site 

Energy PV Energy Lifetime Cost Capital Cost 

Peak Demand (kW) 

Energy Savings (%)

MJ/m2yr 

kBtu/ft2yr 

MJ/m2yr 

kBtu/ft2yr 

$/m2

$/ft2

$/m2

$/ft2

0 X X X X X X X X X 773 68.0 0 0 1420 131.90 1314 122.08 278 51.4 

1 X X X X X X X X 774 68.1 0 0 1451 134.76 1346 125.05 279 51.4 

2 X X X X X X X X 781 68.7 0 0 1453 134.99 1345 124.92 293 50.9 

3 X X X X X X X X 796 70.0 206 18.1 1835 170.44 1723 160.05 299 50.0 

4 X X X X X X X X 796 70.1 176 15.5 1755 163.01 1646 152.96 273 50.0 

5 X X X X X X X X 777 68.4 0 0 1423 132.16 1317 122.31 277 51.2 

6 X X X X X X X X 770 67.8 0 0 1436 133.45 1331 123.70 285 51.6 

7 X X X X X X X X 766 67.4 0 0 1427 132.54 1321 122.72 278 51.9 

8 X X X X X X X X 978 86.0 338 29.7 2252 209.23 2118 196.79 341 38.6 

9 X X X X X X X X 1184 104.2 59 5.2 1497 139.08 1350 125.43 281 25.6 
93

The results in Appendix E also summarize the new start points as they relate to the original lowenergy model. Those two points only differ by one strategy (any PV effects are removed) such 

that the difference in their performance data can be interpreted as sensitivity data and answers 

the question, “How much impact does the given strategy have on the EUI of the selected lowenergy model?” The table that summarizes this data for the high plug load Miami store is 

reproduced in Table 4-34. Except for Equivalent PV, each reported quantity is the result of 

taking the value of the listed performance metric for the original low-energy model and 

subtracting that for the new start point (original model minus the indicated strategy). Thus, in 

most cases we expect EUI Savings to be a positive number. 

Equivalent PV is provided as an alternative valuation for the given strategy. For each location, 

we use EnergyPlus to calculate the annual amount of energy produced per unit area of PV 

assuming horizontal orientation, 10% cell efficiency, 90% inverter efficiency, and the insolation 

data provided in the appropriate TMY2 weather file. It is then possible to convert the EUI 

savings provided by a strategy to an equivalent area of PV panels. Although equivalent to EUI 

savings, equivalent PV gives readers a more tangible way to think about a given level of energy 

savings and provides an alternative cost metric (a maximum allowable capital cost) once a 

realistic PV cost is chosen. With incentives and more PV production capacity coming online, we 

have heard of costs as low as $2.50-$5 per Watt of PV capacity; installed capacity is about 100 

W/m2

. 

Table 4-34 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the 

High Plug Load Miami, Florida Store.

Strategy

Search No.

EUI Savings Lifetime Cost 

Savings

Capital Cost 

Savings

 Equivalent 

PV 

MJ/m2·yr kBtu/ft2·yr $/m2 $/ft2 $/m2 $/ft2 m2 ft2

Plug Loads 1 39.1 3.44 4.05 0.38 0.00 0.00 246.2 2650

Infiltration 2 46.2 4.06 4.75 0.44 –1.37 –0.13 291.0 3132

Elec. Lighting 3 95.6 8.41 18.67 1.73 4.26 0.40 602.3 6483

Daylighting 4 279.0 24.56 10.60 0.98 –18.50 –1.72 1758.7 18930

Window Area 

& Shading 5 4.5 0.39 2.80 0.26 2.51 0.23 28.2 304

Envelope 

Insulation 6 34.1 3.00 –9.68 –0.90 –14.55 –1.35 215.2 2316

Fenestration 

Types 7 224.8 19.78 24.80 2.30 1.62 0.15 1416.7 15249

HVAC 8 286.5 25.21 11.93 1.11 –23.90 –2.22 1805.4 19433

ERV 9 87.9 7.74 –62.21 –5.78 –71.61 –6.65 554.3 5966

4.4.1.2 Summary Tables

Table 4-35 and Table 4-36 list the number of low-energy models found for each climate zones to 

which the analysis was applied for the low plug load and high plug load scenarios, respectively. 

Since some models did not reach 50% savings, the number of models that did is also listed. The 
94

rest of the data indicates the range of performances seen in those models that did reach the 

energy savings goal. These data are provided to give the reader an idea of the amount of 

diversity present in the sets of alternative designs.

Table 4-35 Low Plug Load Families of Low-Energy Models Summary

Climate 

Zone 

No. of 

50% 

Models/ 

Total 

No. of 

Models 

PV Energy 

Intensity Range 

(50% Models)

5-TLCC Intensity 

Range 

(50% Models)

Capital Cost 

Intensity Range 

(50% Models)

Maximum 

Electricity 

Demand Range 

(50% Models)

MJ/

m2·yr

kBtu/

ft2·yr $/m2 $/ft2 $/m2 $/ft2 kW

1A 8/8 0–104 0–9.2 1320–

1573

122.63–

146.10

1228–

1481

114.07–

137.59

202–281

3B-NV 9/9 0–95 0–8.3 1215–

1374

112.92–

127.68

1172–

1331

108.90–

123.70

94–116

4C 9/9 0–144 0–12.7 1218–

1660

113.17–

154.22

1175–

1624

109.17–

150.84

69–103

5A 9/9 0–206 0–18.1 1252–

1790

116.31–

166.29

1198–

1743

111.28–

161.91

106–144

8 8/9 0 0 1284–

1322

119.30–

122.81

1210–

1249

112.44–

116.06

79–113

Table 4-36 High Plug Load Families of Low-Energy Models Summary

Climate 

Zone 

No. of 50% 

Models/Total 

No. of 

Models 

PV Energy Intensity 

Range 

(50% Models)

5-TLCC

Intensity Range 

(50% Models)

Capital Cost 

Intensity Range 

(50% Models)

Maximum 

Electricity 

Demand 

Range 

(50% Models)

MJ/m2·yr kBtu/ft2

·yr $/m2 $/ft2 $/m2 $/ft2 kW

1A 8/10 0–206 0–18.1 1420–

1835

131.90–

170.44

1314–

1723

122.08–

160.05

273–299

3B-NV 10/10 38–170 3.3–14.9 1310–

1511

121.67–

140.39

1249–

1450

116.03–

134.68

138–168

4C 10/10 0–178 0–15.7 1282–

1779

119.14–

165.28

1226–

1727

113.87–

160.41

112–140

5A 10/10 0–184 0–16.1 1305–

1690

121.28–

156.97

1237–

1626

114.95–

151.11

161–201

8 9/10 0 0 1331–

1372

123.70–

127.51

1247–

1288

115.83–

119.64

120–156
 99

Table 4-37 and Table 4-38 attempt to summarize the value of the high performance design 

strategies across climate zones. Each cell is shaded to indicate whether the given metric always 

improves (green), sometimes improves (grey), or always degrades (orange) in response to the 

addition of the indicated strategy. 

Table 4-37 Low Plug Load Sensitivity Analysis Summary by Strategy 

Green (orange) indicates that the strategy always improves (degrades) the performance metric.

Strategy 

No. of 

Data 

Points 

EUI Savings 

Range 

5-TLCC Savings 

Range 

Capital Cost 

Savings Range 

Equivalent PV 

Range 

MJ/ 

m2·yr 

kBtu/

ft2·yr $/m2 $/ft2 $/m2 $/ft2 m2 ft2 

Infiltration 5 20 to 

219 

1.7 to 

19.3 

–10.09 to 

12.71 

–0.94 to 

1.18 

–12.30 to 

0.20 

–1.14 to 

0.02 

106 to 

2,756 

1,140 to 

26,660 

Elec. Lighting 5 40 to 81 3.5 to 

7.1 

15.52 to 

36.03 

1.44 to 

3.35 

3.04 to 

23.95 

0.28 to 

2.22 

343 to 

750 

3,690 to 

8,080 

Daylighting 5 3 to 64 0.2 to 

5.6 

–16.08 to 

0.40 

–1.49 to 

0.04 

–21.81 to 

–0.38 

–2.03 to 

–0.04 

31 to 

401 

340 to 

4,310 

Window Area 

& Shading 5 –0.7 to 

2.6 

–0.1 to 

0.2 

3.70 to 

4.32 

0.34 to 

0.40 

3.49 to 

3.70 

0.32 to 

0.34 

–5.5 to 

21.4 

–60 to 

230 

Envelope 

Insulation 5 24 to 96 2.1 to 

8.5 

–4.73 to 

19.25 

–0.44 to 

1.79 

–9.80 to 

14.69 

–0.91 to 

1.36 

130 to 

1,213 

1,400 to 

13,050 

Fenestration 

Types 4 3.5 to 

12.1 

0.3 to 

1.1 

0.66 to 

1.40 

0.06 to 

0.13 

0.12 to 

0.99 

0.01 to 

0.09 

32 to 

103 

350 to 

1,110 

HVAC 5 3 to 354 0.3 to 

31.1 

1.59 to 

20.80 

0.15 to 

1.93 

–18.44 to 

–0.56 

–1.71 to 

–0.05 

36 to 

2,790 

380 to 

30,030 

ERV 5 84 to 

548 

7.4 to 

48.3 

–93.30 to 

–42.18 

–8.67 to 

–3.92 

–103.57 to 

–71.61 

–9.62 to 

–6.65 

458 to 

6,902 

4,930 to 

74,290 

Table 4-38 High Plug Load Sensitivity Analysis Summary by Strategy 

Green (orange) indicates that the strategy always improves (degrades) the performance metric.

Strategy 

No. of 

Data 

Points 

EUI Savings 

Range 

5-TLCC Savings 

Range 

Capital Cost 

Savings Range 

Equivalent PV 

Range 

MJ/ 

m2·yr 

kBtu/

ft2·yr

$/m2 $/ft2 $/m2 $/ft2 m2 ft2 

Plug Loads 5 11 to 39 0.9 to 

3.4 

2.44 to 

4.05 

0.23 to 

0.38 0 0 134 to 247 

1,440 to 

2,660 

Infiltration 5 15 to 

189 

1.3 to 

16.6 

–11.45 to 

4.75 

–1.06 to 

0.44 

–13.01 to 

–1.37 

–1.20 to 

–0.13 

79 to 

2,374 

845 to 

25,560 

Elec. Lighting 5 53 to 96 4.7 to 

8.4 

5.74 to 

18.67 

0.53 to 

1.73 

–5.53 to 

4.26 

–0.51 to 

0.40 

331 to 

753 

3,570 to 

8,100 

Daylighting 5 3 to 279 0.3 to 

24.6 

–20.82 to 

10.60 

–1.93 to 

0.98 

–26.62 to 

–0.45 

–2.47 to 

–0.04 

42 to 

1,759 

450 to 

18,930 

Window Area 

& Shading 5 0.0 to 

4.5 

0.0 to 

0.4 

2.80 to 

4.44 

0.26 to 

0.41 

2.51 to 

3.62 

0.23 to 

0.34 0 to 49 0 to 530 

Envelope 

Insulation 5 22 to 84 1.9 to 

7.4 

–9.68 to 

–5.31 

–0.90 to 

–0.49 

–14.55 to 

–7.49 

–1.35 to 

–0.70 

118 to 

1,054 

1,270 to 

11,350 

Fenestration 

Types 5 6 to 225 0.6 to 

19.8 

0.55 to 

24.80 

0.05 to 

2.30 

0.36 to 

1.62 

0.03 to 

0.15 

38 to 

1,417 

410 to 

15,250 

HVAC 5 21 to 

287 

1.9 to 

25.2 

1.60 to 

13.03 

0.15 to 

1.21 

–23.90 to 

–2.77 

–2.22 to 

–0.26 

269 to 

2,146 

2,900 to 

23,100 

ERV 5 64 to 

684 

5.6 to 

60.2 

–92.65 to 

–62.21 

–8.61 to 

–5.78 

–103.57 

to–71.61 

–9.62 to 

–6.65 

344 to 

8,604 

3,710 to 

92,610 
96

4.4.2 Discussion

The algorithm described here and in Section 2.5.2 allowed us to identify 8 to 10 low-energy 

models for each of the ten climate zones/plug load combinations analyzed in this manner. Each 

model meets the 50% energy savings goal in a significantly different way, concretely 

demonstrating that there are multiple ways to meet most energy efficiency goals. Furthermore, 

because different EDMs provide different performance in terms of 5-TLCC, capital cost, and 

electricity demand changes per unit of energy savings, the performance of the models are 

significantly different when compared using those criteria (and likely any others of interest that 

are not reported here). 

We found that we could not reach the 50% savings goal in Fairbanks, Alaska (climate zone 8) 

without ERV. Similarly, HVAC improvements and ERV are required to reach 50% energy 

savings in Miami, Florida when there are high plug load levels. For the most part, high plug load 

levels increase the cost of individual strategies over the low plug load scenarios. Similarly, 

whole building cost (capital and 5-TLCC) is higher for the high plug load low-energy buildings, 

and PV is required more often (for instance, in all of the low-energy models for the high plug 

load scenario in Las Vegas, Nevada).

The sensitivity analysis results highlight which strategies are most valuable from an energy 

savings perspective, and which have first cost and lifetime cost issues. (The reported results for 

ERV are off by an order of magnitude in this regard, see Section 4.2.3.) 

For the sake of brevity, we are not providing detailed descriptions of each low-energy model 

found in this study or poring through our data to answer admittedly interesting questions such as 

“What is the relationship between the high performance strategies and maximum electricity 

demand?” The main contribution of this work is to demonstrate a new methodology that enables 

users to generate a number of significantly different designs that meet a common energy 

efficiency goal.

4.5 Addressing Known Issues

Due to the large number of simulation runs required for this analysis, time constraints did not 

allow us to rerun full optimizations after discovering the modeling errors listed in Section 4.2.3. 

Those errors have since been addressed however, and we feel that it is worth presenting a set of 

modified results to illustrate their effects on the analysis. Most of the modeling errors affected 

costs and EDM selection order rather than the final list of chosen EDMs. The exceptions to this 

rule are related to the ERV EDMs: the ERV costing bug, which overpriced ERV by an order of 

magnitude; and the ERV-DCV interaction bug, which prevented ERV and DCV from being 

selected simultaneously. In some cases, it appeared that PV was erroneously selected instead of 

ERV. In others, it seemed as though the selection of either ERV or DCV was prevented by the 

presence of the other. In an attempt to predict what the results of the optimizations would have 

been in the absence of these modeling errors, we took the following steps: 

1. Removed any ERV, DCV, or PV EDMs from the selected low-energy model. 

2. Fixed the remaining EDM selections.

3. Performed an abbreviated optimization over the ERV, DCV, and PV EDMs to determine 

corrected low-energy models. 
97

In all cases in which PV was previously selected, it was removed. In the low plug scenarios for 

climate zones 1A, 2A, and 3B-NV, ERV was removed in favor of DCV. In all cases in which 

70% effective ERV was previously selected, it was replaced with 50% effective ERV. 

Addressing the modeling errors resulted in baseline models with higher EUIs (due to the energy 

cost of controlling humidity at night), capital costs, and TLCCs (due to the previous 

underestimation of HVAC and roofing costs). It also resulted in low-energy models with lower 

TLCCs than their corresponding baselines (8.5% lower on average, as opposed to 4.7% higher 

for the original optimizations). Detailed energy and economic performance data for the models 

selected from the abbreviated optimizations are presented in Appendix F. 
98

5.0 Suggestions for Future Work

In this section we outline several types of improvements recommended for future AEDG work. 

5.1.1 Problem Formulation

The current problem formulation could be adapted to make future 50% TSDs and AEDGs more 

useful. Energy savings is currently defined against a baseline (ASHRAE Standard 90.1) that is 

changing steadily over time (see Section 4.1.4). Unless the 90.1-2004/62-1999 baseline is used 

in perpetuity, it may be advantageous to use a different energy metric. One possible approach 

would be to use targets based on EUI levels rather than percent savings. Eventually, a net EUI of 

zero will be the goal. Some work would be required to determine how or if the EUI goals should 

vary across climate zones on the way to net zero energy use. A consideration of the Pareto front 

as a whole would give a sense of the effort required to achieve different EUIs on the way to net 

zero. Several key features for guiding the choice of absolute EUI goals are illustrated in Figure 

5-1, which shows results for Atlanta (Climate Zone 3A), low plug load scenario. Notice that the 

graph uses EUI on the x-axis rather than percent energy savings. “BL” designates the baseline 

point as defined in this study. The other points labeled on the Pareto Front are: 

1) The minimum 5-TLCC design 

2) The “knee” of the Pareto front, before the cost escalates dramatically due to inclusion of 

PV in the design 

3) A design equal in 5-TLCC cost to the baseline building 

4) The 50% energy savings building identified as the low-energy model in this study 

5) A design meeting an arbitrary net 10 kBtu/ft2 target (could be any target down to, or even 

past net zero EUI)

Figure 5-1 Key Pareto curve features to provide absolute EUI targets
99

An additional consideration is that there are often a number of building design options that are 

clustered around 50% energy savings; choosing a single “solution” is somewhat arbitrary, given 

uncertainties in modeling assumptions and inputs. The “family enumeration” analysis used in 

this study is an effort to start down the road of identifying multiple solution sets for providing 

more general design guidance. 

5.1.2 Economic Data

It is important to weigh capital and maintenance costs versus future energy costs, both for the 

whole building and for individual EDMs. However, doing so is difficult. Today’s costs for 

basic building materials, new technologies, and energy are constantly moving targets; future 

energy costs cannot be predicted with reasonable accuracy; economic parameters such as 

discount rates and acceptable payback periods vary by building owner; and one of the goals of 

the Energy Alliances is to provide enough buying power to drive the underlying economics, 

thereby rendering the current costs moot. 

Several approaches that address one or more of these problems are:

• Ignore economics in all general analyses. Instead, work with a specified set of EDMs 

that are deemed reasonably mature and cost effective. Only recommend EDMs that have 

an appreciable impact on energy use.

• Integrate algorithms and methodologies that can deal with data uncertainties into Opt-EPlus, and exercise them by providing ranges or probability distributions, rather than 

single values, for highly uncertain economic and performance parameters. 

• Develop automatic or industry-assisted methods for obtaining up-to-date cost data on 

well-established items such as basic construction materials, common HVAC 

technologies, and utility tariffs. For more uncertain costs, that is, new technology and 

future energy costs, develop methods for handling uncertainty information, exercising 

different scenarios and/or calculating what the cost would have to be for the item to be 

cost effective.

5.1.3 Energy Modeling

A number of EDMs were not included in this report due to limitations in EnergyPlus or Opt-EPlus, lack of reliable input data, or the added simulation time that would have been required. 

Measures we feel deserve increased attention are:

• Alternative HVAC systems. For simplicity, we assumed that all HVAC needs were 

supplied with 10-ton DX RTUs. DX RTUs are by far the most common HVAC systems 

used in medium box general merchandise stores, but they are not necessarily the best 

choice. Future studies could consider centralized systems, radiant heating and cooling, 

thermal storage systems, ground-source heat pumps, and other technologies. In addition, 

to obtain true comparisons with a baseline building that uses RTUs, the dynamics of each 

system should be modeled more accurately, especially at part load conditions. This 

would require developing much more accurate input data for models of HVAC systems 

and their controls. Adding such capability would require a large effort, both from the 

Opt-E-Plus team, and in acquiring accurate measured data.

• Air flow models. Right now, our EnergyPlus models assume that air masses in different 

thermal zones are isolated from one another. Modeling air transfers between zones 
100

would increase the accuracy of our models and allow us to better study design features 

such as vestibules. For instance, infiltration through the front entrance is currently 

divided on an area-weighted basis between the vestibule and the main sales area, based 

on the assumption that the air would pass through the vestibule and into the main sales 

area. According to that division, most air infiltrating through the front entrance is applied 

directly to the main sales area. In reality, vestibules are equipped with dedicated HVAC 

units that precondition the air before it passes through to the rest of the store. A more 

accurate model (EnergyPlus’s AirFlowNetwork) would allow us to capture the 

significance of using the vestibule to precondition infiltrated air.

• Reduced static pressure drops via better RTU and ductwork design. We did not 

undertake a detailed study of the range of possible internal and external static pressures, 

so we did not attempt to define an EDM along these lines. Industry feedback suggested 

that we may be able to reduce our total static pressure by 50%, but we have yet to verify 

that suggestion by matching it to available equipment. Reliable information about 

standard and best practice static pressures would be a welcome addition to the next study.

• Direct and indirect evaporative cooling. We attempted to model indirect evaporative 

cooling in the RTUs, but were unsatisfied with the modeling results. We could not 

dynamically model the effects of bypassing the indirect evaporative cooler when it was 

not needed, so we are uncertain of our previous finding (Hale et al. 2008b) that 

evaporative cooling should not be used in any climate zone. The EnergyPlus modeling 

methods and the input data need to be refined. 

• Alternative service water heating systems. We did not model solar or instantaneous 

hot water systems. Including these technologies would require modifications to the OptE-Plus platform to handle sizing and design issues, and would only affect about 0.5% of 

baseline energy use. 

• More effective plug and process load EDMs. A detailed study of plug and process loads 

and their reduction measures in general merchandise stores should be undertaken to answer 

questions about realistic performance metrics and costs for possible EDMs. 

• Desiccant-based humidity control. Unlike earlier work (Hale et al. 2008b), this TSD

enforces a humidity set point using humidistats and reheat coils fed by DX condenser 

waste heat (superheat). The next step is to explore advanced dehumidification strategies 

such as desiccant-based humidity control.

• Alternative business models. The more retail business moves online, and the more 

stores can be designed to reduce the amount of on-floor merchandise, the more 

warehouse and storage space can be substituted for high energy intensity retail floor area. 

Such a design measure is well beyond the scope of this study, but could have a large 

impact on sector energy efficiency, assuming that associated transportation energy use 

does not increase significantly. 

We also recommend that some model inputs be re-evaluated or validated: 

• Whole-building pressurization analysis. The model inputs for infiltration and ERV are 

based on a whole-building pressurization analysis (described in Section 3.3.3.5), which 

depends heavily on a number of simple assumptions. The EnergyPlus AirFlowNetwork 

should be used to determine the validity of those assumptions. 
101

• Infiltration. The whole-building pressurization analysis through which infiltration inputs 

were developed was based on driving pressures associated with HVAC pressurization and 

wind speed. To strengthen the analysis, stack effect should be factored in as well. Stack 

effect was omitted from the current analysis because of its strong dependence on ambient 

temperature, which varies by season and location. Updates will likely need to be made to 

EnergyPlus to accommodate stack effect analysis.

5.1.4 Search Algorithms

Opt-E-Plus currently uses a sequential search routine to approximate the Pareto front associated 

with two design objectives. The sequential search has advantages of efficiency and dual-criteria 

optimization, but has several drawbacks in the context of this study: 

• The search routine is heuristic, and therefore not guaranteed to find the true Pareto curve. 

• We were not interested in the Pareto curve per se, but in designs that achieve 50% energy 

savings cost effectively. Our computation time would have been better used fleshing out 

multiple designs that meet this criterion, rather than tracing out the entire Pareto front.

• The EDMs are all discrete choices, even though continuous methods could be used to 

expedite the determination of design features by initially using continuous variables such 

as R-values, and only later determining the actual construction or product. 

• There is no way to express or use uncertainty information such as cost or performance 

variable ranges. 

The next generation of Opt-E-Plus should be equipped with better search routines that address 

varying numbers of objective functions (0, 1, 2, etc.), use continuous variables in early iterations, 

and propagate uncertainty information. 

5.1.5 Advanced Energy Design Guide Format

The current AEDGs are meant to provide easily accessible design recommendations that can be 

incorporated into real-world projects. However, these guides do not respond to the needs of 

specific projects, and thus cannot provide truly integrated designs. If technologies such as OptE-Plus are used to automate the development of low-energy design recommendations, direct 

Web-based or software-based assistance could be offered to individual building projects. One 

possible path would be to use the TSD process to develop a list of acceptable EDMs for a given 

building type. The AEDGs would then be a portal through which designers could select EDMs 

that are acceptable to their specific projects, enter basic geometric information, and obtain a 

customized set of recommendations.
102

6.0 Conclusions

This report finds that achieving 50% energy savings is possible for general merchandise stores in 

each U.S. climate zone. Reaching 50% is cost-effective in all climate zones, both in terms of 

capital costs and 5-TLCC (except in the high plug load case in climate zone 2A, for which 

capital costs were slightly higher than baseline). 

As ASHRAE Standard 90.1 evolves, baseline buildings become increasingly energy efficient, 

such that achieving the 50% energy savings target becomes increasingly difficult in terms of the 

overall net EUI value that must be achieved. We also found that the 90.1-2007 baseline 

buildings are generally more expensive than the 90.1-2004 baseline buildings in terms of both 

capital cost and 5-TLCC. Some of the extra expense might be mitigated by choosing different 

envelope components that satisfy the standard, but overall this finding points towards using more 

detailed and robust analysis methods in standards design. 

Most of the analysis was conducted with 40,500 ft2

 (3,762 m2) models. To explore the 

differences between medium and big box stores, we also constructed 100,000 ft2 baseline and 

low-energy models. As the building surface area to volume ratio decreases, EUIs typically 

decrease, presumably because heat transfer through the envelope of a building becomes less 

significant as the interior spaces are increasingly isolated from ambient conditions. We also 

found it to be slightly easier to achieve 50% energy savings in the big box stores, as applying the 

same EDMs selected in the low-energy medium box models usually resulted in energy savings 

greater than 50%. The only exception to this was Los Angeles, California (climate zone 3BCA), which achieved 44.4% energy savings. Of course, individual stores should look at total 

energy use, rather than EUI or energy savings, when comparing possible store sizes and 

configurations since total energy use is the true impact of any project. 

A methodology for identifying a diverse set of low-energy designs is introduced and applied in 

five climate zones for two different levels of plug loads. Eight to ten models, each differing by 

the presence or absence of at least one type of EDM (for instance, increased envelope insulation) 

were automatically identified for each scenario. The algorithm also yields perturbation 

information on the cost and energy savings provided by EDM categories used in the original 

low-energy design. An equivalent PV metric is calculated based on these results; our intention is 

for this to be used as an alternative valuation of energy efficient design changes. 

A number of modeling errors skewed the results of our original optimizations over the complete 

set of EDMs. The original results indicated that the low-energy models would require a larger 

initial capital investment than the corresponding baseline models and that in most of the climate 

zones they would not be able to save enough energy to offset those higher capital costs within 

the five-year analysis period. By correcting the modeling errors and performing abbreviated 

optimization runs to determine which of ERV, DCV, and PV should actually be included in each 

low-energy model, we were able to show that 50% energy savings can be achieved cost 

effectively. The corrected low-energy models all paid for themselves within the five-year 

analysis period, and only the climate zone 2A, high plug load scenario model showed increased 

capital costs over baseline. 

The 50% recommendations presented in this TSD are intended to serve as starting points for 

project-specific analyses. The recommendations are not meant for specific design guidance for 

an actual project because of project-specific variations in economic criteria and EDMs. Project-
103

specific analyses are also recommended because they can account for site-specific rebate 

programs that may improve the cost-effectiveness of certain efficiency measures.

For both sector-wide studies and individual projects, the approach used in this study has several 

advantages: it allows for the exploration of thousands of different building design options in an 

efficient manner, and economic considerations are explicitly considered so that the most costefficient solutions can be identified. The design features explored by the analysis can be tailored 

to match the energy savings target and climate zone, and a new methodology for identifying 

multiple designs that meet a common target provides additional flexibility. 
104

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107

Appendix A. Space Types and ASHRAE Standards

The mapping between our space types and ASHRAE Standards 62-1999 and 62.1-2004 is listed 

in Table A-1. The mapping between our spaces types and ASHRAE Standards 90.1-2004 and 

90.1-2007 is listed in Table A-2. 

Table A-1 Mapping between Analysis Space Types and ASHRAE Standard 62.1

Space Type Mapping to ASHRAE 62-1999 Mapping to ASHRAE 62.1-2004

Main Sales Retail::Basement and street Retail::Sales

Perimeter Sales Retail::Basement and street Retail::Sales

Enclosed Office Offices::Office space Office Buildings::Office space

Meeting Room Offices::Conference rooms Offices::Conference/meeting

Dining Room Food & Beverage::Dining rooms Food & Beverage::Restaurant dining rooms

Restrooms CUSTOM VALUE CUSTOM VALUE

Mechanical Room CUSTOM VALUE CUSTOM VALUE

Corridor Public Spaces::Corridors & utilities General::Corridors

Vestibule Public Spaces::Corridors & utilities General::Corridors

Active Storage Retail::Shipping and receiving General::Storage rooms

Table A-2 Mapping between Analysis Space Types and ASHRAE Standard 90.1

Space Type Mapping to ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Mapping to ASHRAE 90.1-2007

Main Sales Sales area Sales area

Perimeter Sales Sales area Sales area

Enclosed Office Office-enclosed Office-enclosed

Meeting Room Conference/meeting/multi-purpose Conference/meeting/multi-purpose

Dining Room Dining area Dining area

Restrooms Restrooms Restrooms

Mechanical Room Electrical/mechanical Electrical/mechanical

Corridor Corridor/transition Corridor/transition

Vestibule Corridor/transition Corridor/transition

Active Storage Active Storage Active Storage
108

Appendix B. Baseline Schedules

The following schedules are a combination of prototype characteristics, assumptions, and the 

retail building schedule sets available in ASHRAE 90.1-1989 (ASHRAE 1989). Schedules are 

presented as fractions of peak, unless otherwise noted. The entries for total hours/day, etc. are 

the equivalent number of peak hours during the given time period. For instance, the total 

lighting load for the year can be calculated by multiplying the peak load density by the value 

given for total hours/year. 

B.1 Occupancy

The occupancy schedule for all zones, as described in Section 3.2.1.4.2, is shown in Table B-1. 

Table B-1 Occupancy Schedule

Hour Weekdays Saturdays Summer Design Winter Design Sundays, Holidays, 

Other

1 0 0 1 0 0 

2 0 0 1 0 0 

3 0 0 1 0 0 

4 0 0 1 0 0 

5 0 0 1 0 0 

6 0 0 1 0 0 

7 0 0 1 0 0 

8 0.10 0.10 1 0 0 

9 0.20 0.20 1 0 0 

10 0.50 0.50 1 0 0.10

11 0.50 0.60 1 0 0.20

12 0.70 0.80 1 0 0.20

13 0.70 0.80 1 0 0.40

14 0.70 0.80 1 0 0.40

15 0.70 0.80 1 0 0.40

16 0.80 0.80 1 0 0.40

17 0.70 0.80 1 0 0.40

18 0.50 0.60 1 0 0.20

19 0.50 0.20 1 0 0.10

20 0.30 0.20 1 0 0 

21 0.30 0.20 1 0 0 

22 0 0.10 1 0 0 

23 0 0 1 0 0 

24 0 0 1 0 0 

Total 

Hours/Day 7.20 7.50 24.00 0.00 2.80

Total 

Hours/Week 46.30
109

B.2 Lighting

Each zone in the baseline models uses the lighting schedule developed in Section 3.2.1.4.3 and 

shown in Table B-2. 

Table B-2 Lighting Schedule 

Hour Weekdays Saturdays Summer Design Winter Design Sundays, Holidays, 

Other

1 0.05 0.05 1 0 0.05

2 0.05 0.05 1 0 0.05

3 0.05 0.05 1 0 0.05

4 0.05 0.05 1 0 0.05

5 0.05 0.05 1 0 0.05

6 0.05 0.05 1 0 0.05

7 0.05 0.05 1 0 0.05

8 0.20 0.10 1 0 0.05

9 0.50 0.30 1 0 0.05

10 0.90 0.60 1 0 0.10

11 0.90 0.90 1 0 0.40

12 0.90 0.90 1 0 0.40

13 0.90 0.90 1 0 0.60

14 0.90 0.90 1 0 0.60

15 0.90 0.90 1 0 0.60

16 0.90 0.90 1 0 0.60

17 0.90 0.90 1 0 0.60

18 0.90 0.90 1 0 0.40

19 0.60 0.50 1 0 0.20

20 0.60 0.30 1 0 0.05

21 0.20 0.30 1 0 0.05

22 0.20 0.10 1 0 0.05

23 0.05 0.05 1 0 0.05

24 0.05 0.05 1 0 0.05

Total 

Hours/Day 10.85 9.85 24.00 0.00 5.20

Total 

Hours/Week 69.30
110

B.3 Plug and Process Loads

Each zone in the baseline models uses the equipment schedules shown in Table B-3 which were 

developed in Section 3.2.1.4.4. 

Table B-3 Plug and Process Load Schedule 

Hour Weekdays Saturdays Summer Design Winter Design Sundays, Holidays, 

Other

1 0.33 0.30 1 0 0.30

2 0.33 0.30 1 0 0.30

3 0.33 0.30 1 0 0.30

4 0.33 0.30 1 0 0.30

5 0.33 0.30 1 0 0.30

6 0.33 0.30 1 0 0.30

7 0.33 0.30 1 0 0.30

8 0.4 0.30 1 0 0.30

9 0.7 0.50 1 0 0.30

10 0.9 0.80 1 0 0.30

11 0.9 0.90 1 0 0.60

12 0.9 0.90 1 0 0.60

13 0.9 0.90 1 0 0.80

14 0.9 0.90 1 0 0.80

15 0.9 0.90 1 0 0.80

16 0.9 0.90 1 0 0.80

17 0.9 0.90 1 0 0.80

18 0.9 0.90 1 0 0.60

19 0.8 0.70 1 0 0.40

20 0.8 0.50 1 0 0.30

21 0.70 0.50 1 0 0.30

22 0.40 0.30 1 0 0.30

23 0.33 0.30 1 0 0.30

24 0.33 0.30 1 0 0.30

Total 

Hours/Day 14.87 13.50 24.00 0.00 10.70

Total 

Hours/Week 98.55
111

B.4 Infiltration and HVAC

The infiltration schedule is tied to the HVAC schedule in that it is on at peak value when the 

HVAC system is running. When the HVAC system is off, infiltration reduces to a fraction of 

peak value based on changes in building pressurization and front entrance door opening 

frequency. The HVAC schedule is set to turn on one hour before occupancy each day to allow 

the system to bring the space conditions back within operating limits during occupancy. The 

baseline model HVAC and infiltration schedules are listed in Table B-4 and Table B-5

respectively.

Table B-4 HVAC Schedule

Hour Weekdays Saturdays Summer Design Winter Design Sundays, Holidays, 

Other

1 0 0 0 0 0 

2 0 0 0 0 0 

3 0 0 0 0 0 

4 0 0 0 0 0 

5 0 0 0 0 0 

6 0 0 0 0 0 

7 1 1 1 1 0 

8 1 1 1 1 0 

9 1 1 1 1 1 

10 1 1 1 1 1 

11 1 1 1 1 1 

12 1 1 1 1 1 

13 1 1 1 1 1 

14 1 1 1 1 1 

15 1 1 1 1 1 

16 1 1 1 1 1 

17 1 1 1 1 1 

18 1 1 1 1 1 

19 1 1 1 1 1 

20 1 1 1 1 0 

21 1 1 1 1 0 

22 0 1 0 1 0 

23 0 0 0 0 0 

24 0 0 0 0 0 

Total 

Hours/Day 15.00 16.00 15.00 16.00 11.00

Total 

Hours/Week 102.00
112

Table B-5 Infiltration Schedule

Hour Weekdays Saturdays Summer Design Winter Design Sundays, Holidays, 

Other

1 0.28 0.28 0.28 1 0.28

2 0.28 0.28 0.28 1 0.28

3 0.28 0.28 0.28 1 0.28

4 0.28 0.28 0.28 1 0.28

5 0.28 0.28 0.28 1 0.28

6 1.00 1.00 1.00 1 0.28

7 1.00 1.00 1.00 1 0.28

8 1.00 1.00 1.00 1 1.00

9 1.00 1.00 1.00 1 1.00

10 1.00 1.00 1.00 1 1.00

11 1.00 1.00 1.00 1 1.00

12 1.00 1.00 1.00 1 1.00

13 1.00 1.00 1.00 1 1.00

14 1.00 1.00 1.00 1 1.00

15 1.00 1.00 1.00 1 1.00

16 1.00 1.00 1.00 1 1.00

17 1.00 1.00 1.00 1 1.00

18 1.00 1.00 1.00 1 1.00

19 1.00 1.00 1.00 1 1.00

20 1.00 1.00 1.00 1 0.28

21 1.00 1.00 1.00 1 0.28

22 0.28 1.00 0.28 1 0.28

23 0.28 0.28 0.28 1 0.28

24 0.28 0.28 0.28 1 0.28

Total 

Hours/Day 18.24 18.96 18.24 24.00 15.36

Total 

Hours/Week 125.52
113

B.5 Thermostat Set Points

Each zone in the baseline models uses the heating and cooling schedules shown in Table B-6 and 

Table B-7, respectively, which list temperatures in oC. The HVAC systems have dual 

thermostatic control based on dry bulb temperature in the zones. The thermostat set points are 

70oF (21oC) for heating and 75oF (24oC) for cooling. Thermostat setup to 86oF (30oC) and 

setback to 60.1oF (15.6oC) is included in the models. 

Table B-6 Heating Set Point Schedule (oC)

Hour Weekdays Saturdays Summer 

Design

Winter 

Design

Sundays, 

Holidays, 

Other

1 15.6 15.6 15.6 21.0 15.6

2 15.6 15.6 15.6 21.0 15.6

3 15.6 15.6 15.6 21.0 15.6

4 15.6 15.6 15.6 21.0 15.6

5 15.6 15.6 15.6 21.0 15.6

6 15.6 15.6 15.6 21.0 15.6

7 21.0 21.0 15.6 21.0 15.6

8 21.0 21.0 15.6 21.0 15.6

9 21.0 21.0 15.6 21.0 21.0

10 21.0 21.0 15.6 21.0 21.0

11 21.0 21.0 15.6 21.0 21.0

12 21.0 21.0 15.6 21.0 21.0

13 21.0 21.0 15.6 21.0 21.0

14 21.0 21.0 15.6 21.0 21.0

15 21.0 21.0 15.6 21.0 21.0

16 21.0 21.0 15.6 21.0 21.0

17 21.0 21.0 15.6 21.0 21.0

18 21.0 21.0 15.6 21.0 21.0

19 21.0 21.0 15.6 21.0 21.0

20 21.0 21.0 15.6 21.0 15.6

21 21.0 21.0 15.6 21.0 15.6

22 15.6 21.0 15.6 21.0 15.6

23 15.6 15.6 15.6 21.0 15.6

24 15.6 15.6 15.6 21.0 15.6
114

Table B-7 Cooling Set Point Schedule (oC)

Hour Weekdays Saturdays Summer 

Design

Winter 

Design

Sundays, 

Holidays, 

Other

1 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0

2 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0

3 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0

4 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0

5 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0

6 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0

7 24.0 24.0 24.0 30.0 30.0

8 24.0 24.0 24.0 30.0 30.0

9 24.0 24.0 24.0 30.0 24.0

10 24.0 24.0 24.0 30.0 24.0

11 24.0 24.0 24.0 30.0 24.0

12 24.0 24.0 24.0 30.0 24.0

13 24.0 24.0 24.0 30.0 24.0

14 24.0 24.0 24.0 30.0 24.0

15 24.0 24.0 24.0 30.0 24.0

16 24.0 24.0 24.0 30.0 24.0

17 24.0 24.0 24.0 30.0 24.0

18 24.0 24.0 24.0 30.0 24.0

19 24.0 24.0 24.0 30.0 24.0

20 24.0 24.0 24.0 30.0 30.0

21 24.0 24.0 24.0 30.0 30.0

22 30.0 24.0 30.0 30.0 30.0

23 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0

24 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0
115

B.6 Service Water Heating

The service water heating schedules are adopted from ASHRAE 90.1-1989, and are shown in 

Table B-8. 

Table B-8 Service Water Heating Schedule 

Hour Weekdays Saturdays Summer 

Design

Winter 

Design

Sundays, 

Holidays, 

Other

1 0.04 0.11 0.04 0.11 0.07

2 0.05 0.10 0.05 0.10 0.07

3 0.05 0.08 0.05 0.08 0.07

4 0.04 0.06 0.04 0.06 0.06

5 0.04 0.06 0.04 0.06 0.06

6 0.04 0.06 0.04 0.06 0.06

7 0.04 0.07 0.04 0.07 0.07

8 0.15 0.20 0.15 0.20 0.10 

9 0.23 0.24 0.23 0.24 0.12

10 0.32 0.27 0.32 0.27 0.14

11 0.41 0.42 0.41 0.42 0.29

12 0.57 0.54 0.57 0.54 0.31

13 0.62 0.59 0.62 0.59 0.36

14 0.61 0.60 0.61 0.60 0.36

15 0.50 0.49 0.50 0.49 0.34

16 0.45 0.48 0.45 0.48 0.35

17 0.46 0.47 0.46 0.47 0.37

18 0.47 0.46 0.47 0.46 0.34

19 0.42 0.44 0.42 0.44 0.25

20 0.34 0.36 0.34 0.36 0.27

21 0.33 0.29 0.33 0.29 0.21

22 0.23 0.22 0.23 0.22 0.16

23 0.13 0.16 0.13 0.16 0.10 

24 0.08 0.13 0.08 0.13 0.06

Total 

Hours/Day 6.62 6.90 6.62 6.90 4.59

Total 

Hours/Week 44.59
116

Appendix C. Metric Unit Tables

Table C-1 Baseline Exterior Wall Constructions (SI Units)

Properties Climate Zones 

1–2 

Climate Zones 

3–4 

Climate Zone 

5 

Climate Zone 

6 

Climate Zone 

7 Climate Zone 8 

Key

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

No c.i.

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

R-5.7 c.i.

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

R-7.6 c.i.

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

R-9.5 c.i.

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

R-11.4 c.i.

Baseline Wall 

Construction, 

R-13.3 c.i.

U-factor 

(W/m2

·K) 4.28 0.98 0.78 0.65 0.55 0.49

Capital 

cost 

($/m2

) 

$219.26 $226.69 $230.56 $233.36 $234.65 $235.30

Table C-2 Baseline Roof Constructions (SI Units)

Properties Climate Zones 1–7 Climate Zone 8 

Key Baseline Roof Construction, R15 c.i.

Baseline Roof Construction, R20 c.i.

U-factor (W/m2·K) 0.38 0.29 

Capital cost ($/m2) $93.54 $98.06

Table C-3 Baseline Window Constructions (SI Units)

Properties Climate Zones 

1–2 

Climate Zone 

3 

Climate Zones 

4–6 

Climate Zone 

7 

Climate Zone 

8 

Key

Baseline 

Window 

Construction

Baseline 

Window 

Construction

Baseline 

Window 

Construction

Baseline 

Window 

Construction

Baseline 

Window 

Construction

SHGC 0.250 0.390 0.490 0.490 0.490

VLT 0.250 0.495 0.622 0.490 0.490

U-factor 

(W/m2

·K) 6.87 3.24 3.24 3.24 2.61

Capital cost 

($/m2

) $473.61 $508.38 $502.14 $508.38 $537.87

Fixed O&M 

cost ($/m2

) $2.37 $2.37 $2.37 $2.37 $2.37
117

Table C-4 Baseline Skylight Constructions (SI Units)

Properties Climate Zones 

1–3 

Climate Zones 

4–6 

Climate Zone

7 

Climate Zone

8 

Key

Baseline 

Skylight 

Construction

Baseline 

Skylight 

Construction

Baseline 

Skylight 

Construction

Baseline 

Skylight 

Construction

SHGC 0.36 0.490 0.490 0.490

VLT 0.457 0.622 0.490 0.490

U-factor (Btu/h·ft2·°F) 6.93 3.92 3.92 3.29

Capital cost ($/ft2) $498.15 $508.38 $508.27 $549.39

Fixed O&M cost ($/ft2) $2.37 $2.37 $2.37 $2.37

Table C-5 Pressures Acting on Exterior Walls During Operating Hours (SI Units)

Exterior Wall

Resultant Pressure Gradient

Magnitude (Pa) Direction

Front 1.8 Infiltration

Back 9.8 Exfiltration

Side 4.0 Exfiltration

Table C-6 Pressures Acting on Exterior Walls During Non-Operating Hours (SI Units)

Exterior Wall

Resultant Pressure Gradient

Magnitude (Pa) Direction

Front 5.8 Infiltration

Back 5.8 Exfiltration

Side 0 NA

Table C-7 Baseline Fan System Total Pressure Drops (SI Units)

Component 

Package Rooftop, Constant 

Volume, 10-ton, 4000 cfm, no 

Economizer (Pa) 

Package Rooftop, Constant 

Volume, 10-ton, 4000 cfm, with 

Economizer (Pa) 

Internal static pressure drop 167 189

External static pressure drop 214 214

Total static pressure drop 381 404

*Used friction rate of 25 Pa/30 m for the baseline duct pressure drop.
118

Table C-8 Baseline HVAC Models Summary (SI Units)

HVAC Input

ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Baseline 

PSZ DX, Furnace, No 

Economizer 

ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Baseline 

PSZ DX, Furnace, With 

Economizer 

System EER 10.1 10.1

COP of compressor/condenser 3.69 3.69

Heating efficiency 80% 80%

Fan power 1,245 W/(m3/s) 1,245 W/(m3/s)

Fan static pressure 381.1 Pa 403.5 Pa

Fan efficiency 30.6% 32.4%

Economizers None Included

Capital cost ($/kW cooling) $456.20 $484.64

O&M cost ($/kW cooling·yr) $39.82 $39.82

Table C-9 Exterior Wall EDMs (SI Units)

Insulation

R-value,

Nominal 

Assembly

U-Factor 

(W/m·K) 

Construction 

Method

Insulation

Material

Insulation

Thickness 

(cm)

Capital

Cost 

($/m2) 

R-5.7 c.i. 0.996 Interior insulation Isocyanurate 3.3 $226.69

R-9.5 c.i. 0.598 Interior insulation Isocyanurate 5.6 $233.36

R-13.3 c.i. 0.427 Interior insulation Isocyanurate 7.9 $235.30

R-15.0 c.i. 0.302 Exterior insulation Polystyrene extruded 7.6 $241.33

R-19.5 c.i. 0.244 Exterior insulation Polyisocyanurate 7.6 $244.88

R-22.5 c.i. 0.211 Brick cavity Polyurethane foam 9.5 $305.16

R-28.5 c.i. 0.172 Brick cavity Polyurethane foam 12.1 $310.32
119

Table C-10 Roof EDMs (SI Units)

EDM Key U-Factor (W/m·K) Capital Cost ($/m2) 

R-20 c.i. 0.288 $58.45

R-20 c.i. with cool roof 0.288 $58.45

R-25 c.i. 0.230 $62.65

R-25 c.i. with cool roof 0.230 $62.65

R-30 c.i. 0.189 $67.27

R-30 c.i. with cool roof 0.189 $67.27

R-35 c.i. 0.164 $71.47

R-35 c.i. with cool roof 0.164 $71.47

R-40 c.i. 0.130 $77.50

R-50 c.i. 0.114 $81.81

R-60 c.i. 0.091 $90.74

R-75 c.i. 0.076 $100.00

R-95 c.i. 0.062 $109.04

Table C-11 South Fenestration Construction EDMs (SI Units)

EDM Key SHGC VLT U-Factor 

(W/m·K) 

Capital 

Cost ($/m2) 

Fixed O&M 

Cost ($/m2·yr)

Single pane with clear glass 0.810 0.881 6.13 $402.57 $2.26

Single pane with pyrolytic low-e 0.710 0.811 4.23 $438.09 $2.26

Double pane with low-e and argon 0.564 0.745 1.50 $473.61 $2.26

Double pane with low-e2 and argon 0.416 0.750 1.33 $544.65 $2.26

Double pane with low-e2 and tinted glass 0.282 0.550 1.64 $544.65 $2.26

Triple layer with low-e polyester film 0.355 0.535 1.22 $643.14 $2.26

Quadruple layer with low-e polyester films 

and krypton 0.461 0.624 0.77 $673.71 $2.26
120

Table C-12 Skylight Fenestration Construction EDMs (SI Units)

EDM Key SHGC VLT U-Factor 

(W/m·K)

Capital 

Cost ($/m2) 

Fixed O&M 

Cost ($/m2·yr)

Single pane with high solar gain 0.610 0.672 6.93 $508.27 $2.58

Single pane with medium solar gain 0.250 0.245 6.93 $551.33 $2.58

Single pane with low solar gain 0.190 0.174 6.93 $551.33 $2.58

Double pane with high solar gain 0.490 0.622 3.29 $491.70 $2.58

Double pane with low-e and high solar gain 0.460 0.584 2.56 $492.77 $2.58

Double pane with medium solar gain 0.390 0.495 3.29 $621.08 $2.58

Double pane with low-e and medium solar gain 0.320 0.406 2.56 $679.96 $2.58

Double pane with low solar gain 0.190 0.241 3.29 $633.24 $2.58

Double pane with low-e and low solar gain 0.190 0.240 2.56 $683.94 $2.58

 

Table C-13 Lighting Power Density EDMs (SI Units)

EDM Key LPD 

(W/m2) 

Capital Cost 

($/kW)

Capital Cost 

($/m2) 

Fixed O&M Cost 

($/kW·yr)

Fixed O&M Cost 

($/m2·yr)

Baseline 17.0 $4,706 $79.87 $77.24 $1.31

30% LPD reduction 11.9 $6,909 $82.13 $110.34 $1.31

47% LPD reduction 9.0 $9,242 $83.10 $128.73 $0.80
121

Table C-14 HVAC System EDMs (SI Units)

EDM Key

Cooling 

COP 

(Ratio) 

Heating 

Efficiency 

(%)

Economizer Motorized 

Damper 

Fan 

Efficiency 

(%)

Fan Static 

Pressure

(Pa) 

Capital 

Cost 

($/kW)

Fixed 

O&M Cost 

($/kW·yr)

Baseline without 

economizer 3.69 80.0 No No 30.6 381.1 $456.13 $39.87

10% increased COP 4.06 80.0 No No 30.6 381.1 $473.60 $39.87

Baseline with 

economizer 3.69 80.0 Yes Yes 32.4 403.5 $484.61 $39.87

20% increased COP 4.43 80.0 No No 30.6 381.1 $491.38 $39.87

Baseline COP with 

efficient fan 3.69 80.0 No No 63.0 381.1 $496.96 $39.87

10% increased COP 

with economizer 4.06 80.0 Yes Yes 32.4 403.5 $502.08 $39.87

10% increased COP 

with efficient fan 4.06 80.0 No No 63.0 381.1 $514.43 $39.87

20% increased COP 

with economizer 4.43 80.0 Yes Yes 32.4 403.5 $519.86 $39.87

Baseline COP with 

economizer and 

efficient fan

3.69 80.0 Yes Yes 64.8 403.5 $525.45 $39.87

20% increased COP 

with efficient fan 4.43 80.0 No No 63.0 381.1 $532.21 $39.87

10% increased COP 

with economizer and 

efficient fan

4.06 80.0 Yes Yes 64.8 403.5 $542.92 $39.87

20% increased COP 

with economizer and 

efficient fan

4.43 80.0 Yes Yes 64.8 403.5 $561.28 $39.87

Table C-15 Energy Recovery EDMs (SI Units)

EDM Key

Sensible 

Effectiveness 

(%)

Latent 

Effectiveness 

(%)

Pressure Drop

(Pa) 

Capital Cost

($/unit) 

Capital Cost

($)

Low effectiveness 60.0 50.0 105 $9,243 $18,486

High effectiveness 80.0 70.0 150 $13,368 $26,736
122

Appendix D. Energy Use Data by End Use

The following tables present energy use data by end use. Table D-1, Table D-2, and Table D-3 present energy use intensities (in 

kBtu/ft2) by end use. Table D-4, Table D-5, and Table D-6 present percentages of site EUI (excluding any reduction in overall EUI 

provided by PV) by end use. 

Table D-1 Energy Use Intensity (kBtu/ft2) Decomposed by End Use for Humid Climates

End Use

1A 2A 3A 4A 5A 6A

Base 50% Base 50% Base 50% Base 50% Base 50% Base 50%

Low Plug Load

Electricity

PV power 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Cooling 48.0 22.4 36.8 16.8 16.8 9.3 13.5 7.4 7.2 4.0 6.2 3.6

Interior lighting 19.6 4.9 19.6 5.3 19.6 5.6 19.6 6.2 19.6 9.7 19.6 9.7

Exterior lighting 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3

Interior equipment 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1

Fans 36.2 12.5 37.1 12.5 25.3 9.1 24.5 8.5 13.4 4.7 13.6 4.7

Water systems 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7

Gas Heating 0.1 0.2 5.6 2.2 13.0 7.8 26.3 11.6 46.0 17.0 61.7 23.9

High Plug Load

Electricity

PV Power 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Cooling 53.3 26.3 41.1 20.0 19.6 9.8 15.8 8.3 8.7 5.1 7.7 4.6

Interior lighting 19.6 5.3 19.6 5.0 19.6 5.0 19.6 5.3 19.6 6.2 19.6 9.7

Exterior lighting 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3

Interior equipment 23.0 19.5 23.0 19.5 23.0 19.5 23.0 19.5 23.0 19.5 23.0 19.5

Fans 43.5 16.1 44.3 16.1 30.9 11.8 29.6 11.3 16.3 6.2 16.5 6.2

Water systems 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7

Gas Heating 0.1 0.1 3.5 1.4 8.1 2.4 18.0 6.0 35.2 11.6 49.8 17.1
123

Table D-2 Energy Use Intensity (kBtu/ft2) Decomposed by End Use for Arid Climates

End Use

2B 3B-CA 3B-NV 4B 5B 6B

Base 50% Base 50% Base 50% Base 50% Base 50% Base 50%

Low Plug Load

Electricity

PV power 0.0 0.0 0.0 –0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Cooling 17.8 9.7 5.7 3.5 11.0 5.7 5.6 3.0 3.7 1.8 2.1 1.3

Interior lighting 19.6 5.1 19.6 5.0 19.6 5.4 19.6 5.3 19.6 6.3 19.6 9.7

Exterior lighting 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3

Interior equipment 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1

Fans 16.6 5.1 12.2 4.2 14.6 4.7 13.9 4.3 12.5 4.1 12.0 4.0

Water systems 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7

Gas Heating 6.0 6.7 4.2 5.8 9.7 6.1 20.7 12.9 32.4 18.1 51.7 20.3

High Plug Load

Electricity

PV power 0.0 –4.4 0.0 –4.6 0.0 –3.3 0.0 –0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Cooling 20.3 12.1 6.7 3.9 13.5 8.1 7.5 5.0 5.1 3.4 3.0 2.2

Interior lighting 19.6 4.8 19.6 5.0 19.6 5.1 19.6 5.3 19.6 5.4 19.6 6.4

Exterior lighting 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3

Interior equipment 23.0 19.5 23.0 19.5 23.0 19.5 23.0 19.5 23.0 19.5 23.0 19.5

Fans 19.4 6.4 14.6 5.9 17.2 6.4 16.8 6.3 15.8 6.2 15.2 5.9

Water systems 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7

Gas Heating 4.0 4.3 2.0 2.7 6.1 3.5 14.1 4.5 23.2 8.0 39.5 14.2
124

Table D-3 Energy Use Intensity (kBtu/ft2) Decomposed by End Use for Marine and Cold Climates

End Use

3C 4C 7 8 

Base 50% Base 50% Base 50% Base 50%

Low Plug Load

Electricity

PV power 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Cooling 0.9 0.7 1.2 1.0 2.4 1.5 0.7 0.2

Interior lighting 19.6 5.3 19.6 9.7 19.6 9.7 19.6 9.8

Exterior lighting 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3

Interior equipment 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1

Fans 9.9 3.2 10.5 3.8 10.7 3.7 12.0 3.6

Water systems 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.9

Gas Heating 15.2 8.3 32.0 10.2 79.7 31.1 132.0 65.1

High Plug Load

Electricity

PV power 0.0 –2.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Cooling 1.5 2.0 1.8 2.0 3.1 2.3 1.2 0.9

Interior lighting 19.6 5.0 19.6 5.8 19.6 9.7 19.6 9.8

Exterior lighting 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3

Interior equipment 23.0 19.5 23.0 19.5 23.0 19.5 23.0 19.5

Fans 13.0 5.2 13.3 5.3 13.7 5.4 13.6 5.3

Water systems 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.9

Gas Heating 8.2 3.2 21.4 5.5 64.5 22.5 114.0 39.1
125

Table D-4 Percent of Site EUI (excluding PV) Devoted to Each End Use for Humid Climates 

End Use

1A 2A 3A 4A 5A 6A

Base 50% Base 50% Base 50% Base 50% Base 50% Base 50%

Low Plug Load

Electricity

PV power 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Cooling 43.8 48.9 35.1 39.5 20.8 24.6 15.0 18.8 7.8 9.6 7.7 9.4

Interior lighting 17.9 10.7 18.7 12.3 24.3 14.9 21.8 15.5 21.3 23.5 16.8 18.6

Exterior lighting 0.3 0.7 0.3 0.7 0.4 0.8 0.3 0.8 0.3 0.7 0.3 0.6

Interior equipment 4.6 11.1 4.8 11.9 6.3 13.4 5.6 12.8 5.5 12.2 4.3 9.7

Fans 33.0 27.3 35.3 29.4 31.4 24.1 27.3 21.3 14.5 11.4 28.3 22.0

Water systems 0.4 0.9 0.5 1.1 0.7 1.5 0.7 1.6 0.7 1.6 0.6 1.4

Gas Heating 0.1 0.5 5.4 5.1 16.1 20.7 29.3 29.3 49.9 41.0 42.0 38.3

High Plug Load

Electricity

PV power 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Cooling 38.0 38.7 31.1 31.8 19.2 19.8 14.8 16.1 8.4 10.4 6.6 7.8

Interior lighting 14.0 7.8 14.8 7.9 19.2 10.2 18.3 10.4 18.9 12.5 16.7 16.7

Exterior lighting 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.5 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.5

Interior equipment 16.4 28.7 17.4 31.0 22.5 39.5 21.5 38.0 22.2 39.3 19.5 33.6

Fans 31.0 23.7 33.5 25.6 30.3 23.9 27.7 22.0 15.7 12.5 14.0 10.7

Water systems 0.3 0.6 0.4 0.8 0.5 1.1 0.6 1.2 0.6 1.3 0.6 1.2

Gas Heating 0.0 0.2 2.6 2.3 7.9 4.9 16.8 11.6 33.9 23.4 42.3 29.4
126

Table D-5 Percent of Site EUI (excluding PV) Devoted to Each End Use for Arid Climates 

End Use

1A 2A 3A 4A 5A 6A

Base 50% Base 50% Base 50% Base 50% Base 50% Base 50%

Low Plug Load

Electricity

PV power 0.0 0.0 0.0 –2.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Cooling 27.1 30.0 12.0 14.5 18.1 20.6 8.6 9.6 4.9 5.0 2.2 3.0

Interior lighting 29.8 15.7 41.1 20.3 32.3 19.4 29.8 16.7 26.4 17.3 21.4 23.5

Exterior lighting 0.5 0.9 0.6 1.2 0.5 1.1 0.5 0.9 0.4 0.8 0.3 0.7

Interior equipment 7.7 15.6 10.6 20.8 8.3 18.2 7.7 16.1 6.8 14.0 5.5 12.2

Fans 25.2 15.6 25.6 17.3 24.0 17.0 21.1 13.6 16.9 11.2 13.1 9.7

Water systems 0.7 1.4 1.1 2.2 0.8 1.8 0.9 1.9 0.9 1.8 0.8 1.7

Gas Heating 9.1 20.8 8.9 23.6 16.0 21.9 31.5 41.1 43.7 49.9 56.5 49.1

High Plug Load

Electricity

PV power 0.0 –9.2 0.0 –12.0 0.0 –7.6 0.0 –1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Cooling 23.3 25.3 10.0 10.4 16.8 18.6 9.2 12.0 5.8 7.9 2.9 4.5

Interior lighting 22.5 10.1 29.4 13.1 24.5 11.8 23.9 12.7 22.4 12.5 19.4 13.0

Exterior lighting 0.3 0.6 0.4 0.8 0.4 0.7 0.4 0.7 0.3 0.7 0.3 0.6

Interior equipment 26.4 40.7 34.5 51.5 28.7 45.0 28.1 47.0 26.2 44.9 22.7 39.6

Fans 22.3 13.4 21.9 15.7 21.5 14.7 20.5 15.3 18.0 14.2 15.0 11.9

Water systems 0.5 0.9 0.8 1.4 0.6 1.1 0.7 1.5 0.8 1.5 0.7 1.5

Gas Heating 4.6 9.0 3.0 7.2 7.5 8.0 17.2 10.8 26.5 18.3 39.0 28.9
127

Table D-6 Percent of Site EUI (excluding PV) Devoted to Each End Use for Marine and Cold Climates 

End Use

3C 4C 7 8 

Base 50% Base 50% Base 50% Base 50%

Low Plug Load

Electricity

PV power 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Cooling 1.7 3.0 1.8 3.1 2.0 2.9 0.4 0.3

Interior lighting 38.0 22.5 28.3 31.8 16.5 18.6 11.5 11.5

Exterior lighting 0.6 1.3 0.4 1.0 0.3 0.6 0.2 0.3 

Interior equipment 9.8 21.6 7.3 16.5 4.3 9.7 3.0 6.0

Fans 19.3 13.4 15.1 12.2 9.0 7.2 7.0 4.2

Water systems 1.2 2.6 0.9 2.1 0.7 1.5 0.5 1.0

Gas Heating 29.5 35.5 46.2 33.3 67.3 59.5 77.4 76.6

High Plug Load

Electricity

PV power 0.0 –7.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Cooling 2.2 5.5 2.2 5.2 2.5 3.8 0.7 1.2

Interior lighting 29.6 14.0 24.5 14.9 15.7 16.1 11.4 12.9

Exterior lighting 0.5 0.8 0.4 0.8 0.2 0.5 0.2 0.4

Interior equipment 34.7 54.4 28.7 49.9 18.4 32.2 13.3 25.7

Fans 19.6 14.6 16.6 13.6 11.0 8.9 7.9 7.0

Water systems 0.9 1.7 0.8 1.7 0.6 1.3 0.5 1.2

Gas Heating 12.4 9.0 26.7 13.9 51.6 37.2 66.1 51.6
128

Appendix E. Alternative Low-Energy Model and Sensitivity Analysis Results

Please see Section 4.4.1.1 for an explanation of the figures and tables that follow. 

E.1 Climate Zone 1A (Miami, Florida)

E.1.1 Low Plug Load

Computational Effort. Original search: 1,521 EnergyPlus simulations, 13 days of CPU time. Enumeration of additional models: 7 new 

searches; 2,770 new simulations; 420 total and 407 new simulations per search on average. 

Alternative Low-Energy Models

Figure E-1 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the low plug load Miami, Florida store. 

Node 00 represents the original low-energy model. The other nodes represent the result of searches formed by taking Node 00 and removing the 

indicated strategy. Models that include PV are in gold. Any models that do not reach the 50% energy savings goal are indicated by octagons.
129

Table E-1 Summary of Low Energy Models for the Low Plug Load Miami, Florida Store 

Node numbers correspond to Figure E-1. An ‘X’ under a strategy name indicates that the strategy is used in the model.

Node 

Infiltration

Elec. Lighting

Daylighting

Window Area & 

Shading 

Envelope Insulation

Fenestration Types

HVAC

DCV

ERV

Net Site 

Energy

PV 

Energy Lifetime Cost Capital Cost

Peak Demand (kW)

Energy Savings (%)

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

$/m2

$/ft2

$/m2

$/ft2

0 X X X X X X X 520 45.7 0 0 1392 129.36 1317 122.36 218 58.3

1 X X X X X X 578 50.8 0 0 1391 129.23 1309 121.57 219 53.6

2 X X X X X X 591 52.0 0 0 1428 132.71 1341 124.59 251 52.6

3 X X X X X X 583 51.3 0 0 1378 128.03 1295 120.34 236 53.2

4 X X X X X X 520 45.8 0 0 1396 129.71 1321 122.69 214 58.3

5 X X X X X X 548 48.2 0 0 1412 131.15 1332 123.73 240 56.0

6 X X X X X X 623 54.8 104 9.2 1573 146.10 1481 137.59 281 50.0

7 X X X X X X X X 614 54.0 0 0 1320 122.63 1228 114.07 202 50.8
130

Sensitivity Analysis by Strategy

Table E-2 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies Used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the Low Plug Load Miami, Florida Store 

Savings numbers are calculated between the selected low-energy model (with PV removed as necessary), and the model created by removing the 

indicated strategy. Equivalent PV areas are calculated assuming a 0.1 cell efficiency and a 0.9 inverter efficiency, and the EnergyPlus algorithm for 

determining the annual amount of electricity produced given building geometry and local weather conditions.

Strategy

Search 

No. 

EUI Savings Lifetime Cost Savings Capital Cost Savings Equivalent PV

MJ/m2yr kBtu/ft2yr $/m2 $/ft2 $/m2 $/ft2 m2 ft2

Infiltration 1 57.9 5.09 –1.38 –0.13 –8.57 –0.80 364.6 3925

Elec. Lighting 2 71.0 6.25 36.03 3.35 23.95 2.22 447.8 4820

Daylighting 3 63.6 5.59 –14.37 –1.34 –21.81 –2.03 400.6 4312

Window Area & Shading 4 0.4 0.03 3.70 0.34 3.49 0.32 2.3 25

Envelope Insulation 5 28.3 2.49 19.25 1.79 14.69 1.36 178.4 1920

HVAC 6 209.0 18.39 9.34 0.87 –18.44 –1.71 1317.1 14177

ERV 7 108.3 9.53 –93.30 –8.67 –103.57 –9.62 682.3 7344
131

E.1.2 High Plug Load

Computational Effort. Original search: 1,950 EnergyPlus simulations, 22 days of CPU time. Enumeration of additional models: 9 new 

searches; 3,762 new simulations; 461 total and 418 new simulations per search on average. 

Alternative Low-Energy Models

Figure E-2 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the high plug load Miami, Florida store. 

Node 00 represents the original low-energy model. The other nodes represent the result of searches formed by taking Node 00 and removing the 

indicated strategy. Models that include PV are in gold. Any models that do not reach the 50% energy savings goal are indicated by octagons.
132

Table E-3 Summary of Low Energy Models for the High Plug Load Miami, Florida Store. 

Node numbers correspond to Figure E-2. An ‘X’ under a strategy name indicates that the strategy is used in the model.

Node 

Plug Loads

Infiltration

Elec. Lighting

Daylighting

Window Area & 

Shading 

Envelope Insulation

Fenestration Types

HVAC

DCV

ERV

Net Site

Energy 

PV 

Energy Lifetime Cost Capital Cost

Peak Demand (kW)

Energy Savings (%)

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

$/m2

$/ft2

$/m2

$/ft2

0 X X X X X X X X X 773 68.0 0 0 1420 131.90 1314 122.08 278 51.4

1 X X X X X X X X 774 68.1 0 0 1451 134.76 1346 125.05 279 51.4

2 X X X X X X X X 781 68.7 0 0 1453 134.99 1345 124.92 293 50.9

3 X X X X X X X X 796 70.0 206 18.1 1835 170.44 1723 160.05 299 50.0

4 X X X X X X X X 796 70.1 176 15.5 1755 163.01 1646 152.96 273 50.0

5 X X X X X X X X 777 68.4 0 0 1423 132.16 1317 122.31 277 51.2

6 X X X X X X X X 770 67.8 0 0 1436 133.45 1331 123.70 285 51.6

7 X X X X X X X X 766 67.4 0 0 1427 132.54 1321 122.72 278 51.9

8 X X X X X X X X 978 86.0 338 29.7 2252 209.23 2118 196.79 341 38.6

9 X X X X X X X X 1184 104.2 59 5.2 1497 139.08 1350 125.43 281 25.6
133

Sensitivity Analysis by Strategy

Table E-4 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the High Plug Load Miami, Florida Store 

Savings numbers are calculated between the selected low-energy model (with PV removed as necessary), and the model created by removing the 

indicated strategy. Equivalent PV areas are calculated assuming a 0.1 cell efficiency and a 0.9 inverter efficiency, and the EnergyPlus algorithm for 

determining the annual amount of electricity produced given building geometry and local weather conditions.

Strategy

Search 

No. 

EUI Savings Lifetime Cost Savings Capital Cost Savings Equivalent PV

MJ/m2yr kBtu/ft2yr $/m2 $/ft2 $/m2 $/ft2 m2 ft2

Plug Loads 1 39.1 3.44 4.05 0.38 0.00 0.00 246.2 2650

Infiltration 2 46.2 4.06 4.75 0.44 –1.37 –0.13 291.0 3132

Elec. Lighting 3 95.6 8.41 18.67 1.73 4.26 0.40 602.3 6483

Daylighting 4 279.0 24.56 10.60 0.98 –18.50 –1.72 1758.7 18930

Window Area & Shading 5 4.5 0.39 2.80 0.26 2.51 0.23 28.2 304

Envelope Insulation 6 34.1 3.00 –9.68 –0.90 –14.55 –1.35 215.2 2316

Fenestration Types 7 224.8 19.78 24.80 2.30 1.62 0.15 1416.7 15249

HVAC 8 286.5 25.21 11.93 1.11 –23.90 –2.22 1805.4 19433

ERV 9 87.9 7.74 –62.21 –5.78 –71.61 –6.65 554.3 5966
134

E.2 Climate Zone 3B-NV (Las Vegas, Nevada)

E.1.3 Low Plug Load

Computational Effort. Original search: 1,460 EnergyPlus simulations, 15 days of CPU time. Enumeration of additional models: 8 new 

searches; 4,485 new simulations; 591 total and 561 new simulations per search on average. 

Alternative Low-Energy Models

Figure E-3 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the low plug load Las Vegas, Nevada store. 

Node 00 represents the original low-energy model. The other nodes represent the result of searches formed by taking Node 00 and removing the

indicated strategy. Models that include PV are in gold. Any models that do not reach the 50% energy savings goal are indicated by octagons.
135

Table E-5 Summary of Low Energy Models for the Low Plug Load Las Vegas, Nevada Store. 

Node numbers correspond to Figure E-3. An ‘X’ under a strategy name indicates that the strategy is used in the model.

Node 

Infiltration

Elec. Lighting

Daylighting

Window Area & 

Shading 

Envelope Insulation

Fenestration Types

HVAC

DCV

ERV

Net Site 

Energy 

PV 

Energy Lifetime Cost Capital Cost

Peak Demand (kW)

Energy Savings (%)

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

$/m2

$/ft2

$/m2

$/ft2

0 X X X X X X X X 316 27.8 0 0.0 1220 113.35 1180 109.60 94 54.2

1 X X X X X X X 335 29.5 0 0.0 1218 113.15 1176 109.28 96 51.3

2 X X X X X X X 344 30.3 31 2.7 1282 119.11 1233 114.52 116 50.0

3 X X X X X X X 340 29.9 0 0.0 1234 114.67 1190 110.54 107 50.7

4 X X X X X X X 318 28.0 0 0.0 1224 113.74 1183 109.94 95 53.8

5 X X X X X X X 340 29.9 0 0.0 1215 112.92 1172 108.90 101 50.7

6 X X X X X X X 328 28.8 0 0.0 1221 113.42 1180 109.61 95 52.4

7 X X X X X X X 344 30.3 95 8.3 1374 127.68 1331 123.70 115 50.0

8 X X X X X X X X 344 30.3 43 3.8 1224 113.75 1181 109.76 102 50.0
136

Sensitivity Analysis by Strategy

Table E-6 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the Low Plug Load Las Vegas, Nevada Store. 

Savings numbers are calculated between the selected low-energy model (with PV removed as necessary), and the model created by removing the 

indicated strategy. Equivalent PV areas are calculated assuming a 0.1 cell efficiency and a 0.9 inverter efficiency, and the EnergyPlus algorithm for 

determining the annual amount of electricity produced given building geometry and local weather conditions.

Strategy

Search 

No. 

EUI Savings Lifetime Cost Savings Capital Cost Savings Equivalent PV

MJ/m2yr kBtu/ft2yr $/m2 $/ft2 $/m2 $/ft2 m2 ft2

Infiltration 1 19.5 1.72 –2.17 –0.20 –3.45 –0.32 105.8 1139

Elec. Lighting 2 63.2 5.56 15.52 1.44 3.04 0.28 342.7 3689

Daylighting 3 48.3 4.25 –16.08 –1.49 –21.81 –2.03 262.3 2823

Window Area & Shading 4 2.6 0.23 4.19 0.39 3.64 0.34 14.4 155

Envelope Insulation 5 23.9 2.11 –4.71 –0.44 –7.47 –0.69 129.9 1398

Fenestration Types 6 12.1 1.06 0.70 0.06 0.12 0.01 65.4 704

HVAC 7 131.2 11.54 9.29 0.86 –3.19 –0.30 711.6 7660

ERV 8 84.3 7.42 –66.16 –6.15 –71.61 –6.65 457.6 4925
137

E.1.4 High Plug Load

Computational Effort. Original search: 2,280 EnergyPlus simulations, 53 days of CPU time. Enumeration of additional models: 9 new 

searches; 6,345 new simulations; 739 total and 705 new simulations per search on average.

Alternative Low-Energy Models

Figure E-4 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the high plug load Las Vegas, Nevada store 

Node 00 represents the original low-energy model. The other nodes represent the result of searches formed by taking Node 00 and removing the 

indicated strategy. Models that include PV are in gold. Any models that do not reach the 50% energy savings goal are indicated by octagons.
138

Table E-7 Summary of Low Energy Models for the High Plug Load Las Vegas, Nevada Store 

Node numbers correspond to Figure E-4. An ‘X’ under a strategy name indicates that the strategy is used in the model.

Node 

Plug Loads

Infiltration

Elec. Lighting

Daylighting

Window Area & 

Shading 

Envelope Insulation

Fenestration Types

HVAC

DCV

ERV

Net Site 

Energy 

PV 

Energy Lifetime Cost Capital Cost

Peak Demand (kW)

Energy Savings (%)

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

$/m2

$/ft2

$/m2

$/ft2

0 X X X X X X X X X 455 40.0 38 3.3 1310 121.67 1249 116.03 138 50.0

1 X X X X X X X X 455 40.0 72 6.4 1362 126.51 1301 120.84 138 50.0

2 X X X X X X X X 455 40.0 52 4.6 1329 123.48 1269 117.89 141 50.0

3 X X X X X X X X 455 40.0 93 8.2 1401 130.18 1335 124.01 159 50.0

4 X X X X X X X X 455 40.0 87 7.7 1362 126.54 1301 120.88 148 50.0

5 X X X X X X X X 455 40.0 39 3.4 1317 122.37 1256 116.72 138 50.0

6 X X X X X X X X 455 40.0 54 4.8 1333 123.82 1272 118.15 144 50.0

7 X X X X X X X X 455 40.0 45 3.9 1320 122.67 1260 117.09 140 50.0

8 X X X X X X X X 455 40.0 170 14.9 1511 140.39 1450 134.68 168 50.0

9 X X X X X X X X X 455 40.0 85 7.5 1323 122.95 1262 117.2 150 50.0
139

Sensitivity Analysis by Strategy

Table E-8 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the High Plug Load Las Vegas, Nevada Store 

Savings numbers are calculated between the selected low-energy model (with PV removed as necessary), and the model created by removing the 

indicated strategy. Equivalent PV areas are calculated assuming a 0.1 cell efficiency and a 0.9 inverter efficiency, and the EnergyPlus algorithm for 

determining the annual amount of electricity produced given building geometry and local weather conditions.

Strategy

Search 

No. 

EUI Savings Lifetime Cost Savings Capital Cost Savings Equivalent PV

MJ/m2yr kBtu/ft2yr $/m2 $/ft2 $/m2 $/ft2 m2 ft2

Plug Loads 1 34.6 3.05 3.83 0.36 0.00 0.00 187.9 2023

Infiltration 2 14.5 1.27 –0.68 –0.06 –1.64 –0.15 78.5 845

Elec. Lighting 3 61.1 5.37 11.75 1.09 0.30 0.03 331.2 3565

Daylighting 4 49.5 4.35 –20.82 –1.93 –26.62 –2.47 268.3 2888

Window Area & Shading 5 3.1 0.28 4.14 0.38 3.58 0.33 17.0 183

Envelope Insulation 6 21.7 1.91 –5.31 –0.49 –7.67 –0.71 117.9 1269

Fenestration Types 7 6.9 0.61 1.05 0.10 1.01 0.09 37.6 405

HVAC 8 138.1 12.15 10.63 0.99 –3.94 –0.37 749.0 8062

ERV 9 63.5 5.59 –67.59 –6.28 –71.61 –6.65 344.4 3707
140

E.3 Climate Zone 4C (Seattle, Washington)

E.1.5 Low Plug Load

Computational Effort. Original search: 2,033 EnergyPlus simulations, 16 days of CPU time. Enumeration of additional models: 8 new 

searches; 6,020 new simulations; 786 total and 753 new simulations per search on average. 

Alternative Low-Energy Models

Figure E-5 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the low plug load Seattle, Washington store 

Node 00 represents the original low-energy model. The other nodes represent the result of searches formed by taking Node 00 and removing the 

indicated strategy. Models that include PV are in gold. Any models that do not reach the 50% energy savings goal are indicated by octagons.
141

Table E-9 Summary of Low Energy Models for the Low Plug Load Seattle, Washington Store 

Node numbers correspond to Figure E-5. An ‘X’ under a strategy name indicates that the strategy is used in the model.

Node 

Infiltration

Elec. Lighting

Daylighting

Window Area & 

Shading 

Envelope Insulation

Fenestration Types

HVAC

DCV

ERV

Net Site 

Energy 

PV 

Energy Lifetime Cost Capital Cost

Peak Demand (kW)

Energy Savings (%)

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

$/m2

$/ft2

$/m2

$/ft2

0 X X X X X X X X 348 30.6 0 0.0 1223 113.61 1182 109.82 86 55.8

1 X X X X X X X 376 33.1 0 0.0 1231 114.40 1192 110.76 69 52.2

2 X X X X X X X 373 32.9 0 0.0 1252 116.28 1204 111.82 103 52.6

3 X X X X X X X 352 31.0 0 0.0 1223 113.64 1182 109.78 89 55.2

4 X X X X X X X 350 30.8 0 0.0 1227 114.01 1186 110.16 90 55.5

5 X X X X X X X 383 33.7 0 0.0 1218 113.17 1175 109.17 91 51.3

6 X X X X X X X 352 30.9 0 0.0 1224 113.68 1183 109.87 86 55.3

7 X X X X X X X 394 34.6 144 12.7 1660 154.22 1624 150.84 81 50.0

8 X X X X X X X X 394 34.6 107 9.4 1499 139.30 1463 135.93 69 50.0
142

Sensitivity Analysis by Strategy

Table E-10 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the Low Plug Load Seattle, Washington Store 

Savings numbers are calculated between the selected low-energy model (with PV removed as necessary), and the model created by removing the 

indicated strategy. Equivalent PV areas are calculated assuming a 0.1 cell efficiency and a 0.9 inverter efficiency, and the EnergyPlus algorithm for 

determining the annual amount of electricity produced given building geometry and local weather conditions.

Strategy

Search 

No. 

EUI Savings Lifetime Cost Savings Capital Cost Savings Equivalent PV

MJ/m2yr kBtu/ft2yr $/m2 $/ft2 $/m2 $/ft2 m2 ft2

Infiltration 1 53.9 4.74 –10.09 –0.94 –12.30 –1.14 498.1 5362

Elec. Lighting 2 81.2 7.14 24.94 2.32 9.20 0.85 750.2 8075

Daylighting 3 4.3 0.38 0.37 0.03 –0.39 –0.04 39.9 429

Window Area & Shading 4 2.2 0.19 4.32 0.40 3.66 0.34 20.4 219

Envelope Insulation 5 35.3 3.11 –4.73 –0.44 –6.97 –0.65 326.7 3516

Fenestration Types 6 3.5 0.31 0.75 0.07 0.49 0.05 32.4 349

HVAC 7 266.6 23.46 16.46 1.53 –0.56 –0.05 2463.9 26521

ERV 8 256.8 22.60 –90.07 –8.37 –103.57 –9.62 2373.3 25546
143

E.1.6 High Plug Load

Computational Effort. Original search: 2,402 EnergyPlus simulations, 37 days of CPU time. Enumeration of additional models: 9 new 

searches; 5,360 new simulations; 615 total and 596 new simulations per search on average. 

Alternative Low-Energy Models

Figure E-6 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the high plug load Seattle, Washington store 

Node 00 represents the original low-energy model. The other nodes represent the result of searches formed by taking Node 00 and removing the 

indicated strategy. Models that include PV are in gold. Any models that do not reach the 50% energy savings goal are indicated by octagons.
144

Table E-11 Summary of Low Energy Models for the High Plug Load Seattle, Washington Store 

Node numbers correspond to Figure E-6. An ‘X’ under a strategy name indicates that the strategy is used in the model.

Node 

Plug Loads

Infiltration

Elec. Lighting

Daylighting

Window Area & 

Shading 

Envelope Insulation

Fenestration Types

HVAC

DCV

ERV

Net Site 

Energy 

PV 

Energy Lifetime Cost Capital Cost

Peak Demand (kW)

Energy Savings (%)

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

$/m2

$/ft2

$/m2

$/ft2

0 X X X X X X X X X 444 39.1 0 0.0 1282 119.14 1226 113.87 121 51.1

1 X X X X X X X X 454 40.0 16 1.4 1328 123.39 1270 118.00 118 50.0

2 X X X X X X X X 447 39.3 0 0.0 1350 125.45 1294 120.22 118 50.8

3 X X X X X X X X 454 40.0 40 3.5 1389 129.02 1326 123.17 136 50.0

4 X X X X X X X X 454 40.0 31 2.7 1344 124.83 1285 119.42 127 50.0

5 X X X X X X X X 447 39.4 0 0.0 1287 119.53 1229 114.20 124 50.7

6 X X X X X X X X 454 40.0 19 1.7 1324 122.97 1267 117.75 118 50.0

7 X X X X X X X X 451 39.6 0 0.0 1283 119.19 1226 113.90 121 50.4

8 X X X X X X X X 454 40.0 178 15.7 1779 165.28 1727 160.41 140 50.0

9 X X X X X X X X X 454 40.0 128 11.3 1589 147.59 1536 142.71 112 50.0
145

Sensitivity Analysis by Strategy

Table E-12 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the High Plug Load Seattle, Washington Store. 

Savings numbers are calculated between the selected low-energy model (with PV removed as necessary), and the model created by removing the 

indicated strategy. Equivalent PV areas are calculated assuming a 0.1 cell efficiency and a 0.9 inverter efficiency, and the EnergyPlus algorithm for 

determining the annual amount of electricity produced given building geometry and local weather conditions.

Strategy

Search 

No. 

EUI Savings Lifetime Cost Savings Capital Cost Savings Equivalent PV

MJ/m2yr kBtu/ft2yr $/m2 $/ft2 $/m2 $/ft2 m2 ft2

Plug Loads 1 26.7 2.35 3.35 0.31 0.00 0.00 247.1 2660

Infiltration 2 37.2 3.28 –11.45 –1.06 –13.01 –1.21 344.4 3707

Elec. Lighting 3 54.8 4.82 5.74 0.53 –5.53 –0.51 507.3 5461

Daylighting 4 41.4 3.64 –17.28 –1.61 –22.62 –2.10 382.8 4120

Window Area & Shading 5 3.1 0.27 4.20 0.39 3.58 0.33 28.7 309

Envelope Insulation 6 30.1 2.65 –8.74 –0.81 –10.64 –0.99 278.8 3001

Fenestration Types 7 6.3 0.55 0.55 0.05 0.36 0.03 58.1 626

HVAC 8 231.9 20.41 13.03 1.21 –3.90 –0.36 2146.1 23100

ERV 9 207.5 18.26 –92.65 –8.61 –103.57 –9.62 1920.1 20668
146

E.4 Climate Zone 5A (Chicago, Illinois)

E.1.7 Low Plug Load

Computational Effort. Original search: 2,322 EnergyPlus simulations, 12 days of CPU time. Enumeration of additional models: 8 new 

searches; 5,383 new simulations; 744 total and 673 new simulations per search on average. 

Alternative Low-Energy Models

Figure E-7 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the low plug load Chicago, Illinois store 

Node 00 represents the original low-energy model. The other nodes represent the result of searches formed by taking Node 00 and removing the 

indicated strategy. Models that include PV are in gold. Any models that do not reach the 50% energy savings goal are indicated by octagons.
147

Table E-13 Summary of Low Energy Models for the Low Plug Load Chicago, Illinois Store 

Node numbers correspond to Figure E-7. An ‘X’ under a strategy name indicates that the strategy is used in the model.

Node 

Infiltration

Elec. Lighting

Daylighting

Window Area & 

Shading 

Wall Insulation

Roof Insulation

Fenestration Types

HVAC

DCV

ERV

Net Site 

Energy 

PV 

Energy Lifetime Cost Capital Cost

Peak Demand (kW)

Energy Savings (%)

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

$/m2

$/ft2

$/m2

$/ft2

0 X X X X X X X X 471 41.5 0 0.0 1254 116.49 1202 111.70 122 55.0

1 X X X X X X X 521 45.9 0 0.0 1260 117.07 1208 112.27 106 50.2

2 X X X X X X X 517 45.5 0 0.0 1280 118.93 1220 113.31 144 50.6

3 X X X X X X X 475 41.8 0 0.0 1254 116.53 1202 111.66 125 54.6

4 X X X X X X X 470 41.4 0 0.0 1258 116.87 1206 112.04 122 55.0

5 X X X X X X X 505 44.4 0 0.0 1252 116.31 1198 111.28 128 51.8

6 X X X X X X X 475 41.8 0 0.0 1255 116.55 1203 111.74 123 54.6

7 X X X X X X X X 523 46.0 206 18.1 1790 166.29 1743 161.91 134 50.0

8 X X X X X X X X X 523 46.0 145 12.8 1594 148.11 1547 143.74 107 50.0
148

Sensitivity Analysis by Strategy

Table E-14 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the Low Plug Load Chicago, Illinois Store 

Savings numbers are calculated between the selected low-energy model (with PV removed as necessary), and the model created by removing the 

indicated strategy. Equivalent PV areas are calculated assuming a 0.1 cell efficiency and a 0.9 inverter efficiency, and the EnergyPlus algorithm for 

determining the annual amount of electricity produced given building geometry and local weather conditions.

Strategy

Search 

No. 

EUI Savings Lifetime Cost Savings Capital Cost Savings Equivalent PV

MJ/m2yr kBtu/ft2yr $/m2 $/ft2 $/m2 $/ft2 m2 ft2

Infiltration 1 78.6 6.92 -6.19 -0.57 -10.26 -0.95 619.8 6671

Elec. Lighting 2 78.9 6.94 26.01 2.42 10.03 0.93 621.8 6693

Daylighting 3 4.1 0.36 0.40 0.04 -0.38 -0.04 32.6 351

Window Area & Shading 4 -0.7 -0.06 4.05 0.38 3.63 0.34 -5.5 -59

Wall Insulation 5 33.6 2.96 -1.96 -0.18 -4.51 -0.42 264.9 2851

Fenestration Types 6 4.1 0.36 0.66 0.06 0.43 0.04 32.2 347

HVAC 7 353.9 31.14 20.80 1.93 -3.75 -0.35 2790.1 30032

ERV 8 325.4 28.63 -85.87 -7.98 -103.57 -9.62 2565.4 27613
149

E.1.8 High Plug Load

Computational Effort. Original search: 2,051 EnergyPlus simulations, 13 days of CPU time. Enumeration of additional models: 9 new 

searches; 4,118 new simulations; 476 total and 458 new simulations per search on average.

Alternative Low-Energy Models

Figure E-8 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the high plug load Chicago, Illinois store 

Node 00 represents the original low-energy model. The other nodes represent the result of searches formed by taking Node 00 and removing the 

indicated strategy. Models that include PV are in gold. Any models that do not reach the 50% energy savings goal are indicated by octagons.
150

Table E-15 Summary of Low Energy Models for the High Plug Load Chicago, Illinois Store 

Node numbers correspond to Figure E-8. An ‘X’ under a strategy name indicates that the strategy is used in the model.

Node 

Plug Loads

Infiltration

Elec. Lighting

Daylighting

Window Area & 

Shading 

Envelope Insulation

Fenestration Types

HVAC

DCV

ERV

Net Site 

Energy 

PV 

Energy Lifetime Cost Capital Cost

Peak Demand (kW)

Energy Savings (%)

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

$/m2

$/ft2

$/m2

$/ft2

0 X X X X X X X X X 563 49.6 0 0 1305 121.28 1237 114.95 169 52.2

1 X X X X X X X X 587 51.7 0 0 1309 121.58 1237 114.95 169 50.2

2 X X X X X X X X 579 51 0 0 1383 128.53 1315 122.15 169 50.9

3 X X X X X X X X 560 49.3 0 0 1399 130.02 1324 123.03 189 52.5

4 X X X X X X X X 552 48.6 0 0 1372 127.5 1302 120.98 190 53.2

5 X X X X X X X X 564 49.6 0 0 1309 121.64 1241 115.28 169 52.2

6 X X X X X X X X 590 51.9 1 0.1 1310 121.7 1241 115.25 164 50.0

7 X X X X X X X X 571 50.2 0 0 1306 121.37 1238 115.01 169 51.6

8 X X X X X X X X 582 51.2 0 0 1389 129.05 1313 122.02 201 50.6

9 X X X X X X X X X 590 51.9 184 16.1 1690 156.97 1626 151.11 161 50.0
151

Sensitivity Analysis by Strategy

Table E-16 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the High Plug Load Chicago, Illinois Store. 

Savings numbers are calculated between the selected low-energy model (with PV removed as necessary), and the model created by removing the 

indicated strategy. Equivalent PV areas are calculated assuming a 0.1 cell efficiency and a 0.9 inverter efficiency, and the EnergyPlus algorithm for 

determining the annual amount of electricity produced given building geometry and local weather conditions.

Strategy

Search 

No. 

EUI Savings Lifetime Cost Savings Capital Cost Savings Equivalent PV

MJ/m2yr kBtu/ft2yr $/m2 $/ft2 $/m2 $/ft2 m2 ft2

Plug Loads 1 23.8 2.10 3.29 0.31 0.00 0.00 180.0 1938

Infiltration 2 71.8 6.32 –4.13 –0.38 –7.82 –0.73 542.6 5840

Elec. Lighting 3 52.9 4.66 8.57 0.80 –2.40 –0.22 399.6 4301

Daylighting 4 35.5 3.12 –12.30 –1.14 –17.30 –1.61 268.0 2885

Window Area & Shading 5 0.0 0.00 3.87 0.36 3.61 0.34 0.3 3 

Envelope Insulation 6 32.1 2.82 –5.41 –0.50 –7.49 –0.70 242.1 2606

Fenestration Types 7 7.2 0.63 0.99 0.09 0.73 0.07 54.4 585

HVAC 8 63.4 5.58 1.60 0.15 –8.48 –0.79 478.8 5153

ERV 9 298.8 26.29 –87.37 –8.12 –103.57 –9.62 2256.6 24290
152

E.5 Climate Zone 8 (Fairbanks, Alaska)

E.1.9 Low Plug Load

Computational Effort. Original search: 2,287 EnergyPlus simulations, 9 days of CPU time. Enumeration of additional models: 8 new 

searches; 4,117 new simulations; 570 total and 515 new simulations per search on average. 

Alternative Low-Energy Models

Figure E-9 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the low plug load Fairbanks, Alaska store 

Node 00 represents the original low-energy model. The other nodes represent the result of searches formed by taking Node 00 and removing the 

indicated strategy. Models that include PV are in gold. Any models that do not reach the 50% energy savings goal are indicated by octagons.
153

Table E-17 Summary of Low Energy Models for the Low Plug Load Fairbanks, Alaska Store 

Node numbers correspond to Figure E-9. An ‘X’ under a strategy name indicates that the strategy is used in the model.

Node 

Infiltration

Elec. Lighting

Daylighting

Window Area & 

Shading 

Envelope Insulation

Fenestration Types

HVAC

DCV

ERV

Net Site 

Energy 

PV 

Energy Lifetime Cost Capital Cost

Peak Demand (kW)

Energy Savings (%)

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

$/m2

$/ft2

$/m2

$/ft2

0 X X X X X X X X 965 84.9 0 0.0 1284 119.29 1212 112.60 82 50.2

1 X X X X X X X 962 84.7 0 0.0 1322 122.81 1249 116.06 92 50.3

2 X X X X X X X 879 77.3 0 0.0 1320 122.66 1242 115.38 113 54.6

3 X X X X X X X 967 85.1 0 0.0 1284 119.30 1212 112.56 81 50.0

4 X X X X X X X 966 85.0 0 0.0 1288 119.69 1216 112.94 80 50.1

5 X X X X X X X 873 76.9 0 0.0 1302 120.93 1234 114.66 81 54.9

6 X X X X X X X 793 69.8 0 0.0 1308 121.50 1245 115.66 79 59.0

7 X X X X X X X 968 85.1 0 0.0 1286 119.44 1210 112.44 89 50.0

8 X X X X X X X X 1121 98.7 179 15.8 1959 182.01 1882 174.89 60 42.1
154

Sensitivity Analysis by Strategy

Table E-18 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies Used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the Low Plug Load Fairbanks, Alaska Store 

Savings numbers are calculated between the selected low-energy model (with PV removed as necessary), and the model created by removing the 

indicated strategy. Equivalent PV areas are calculated assuming a 0.1 cell efficiency and a 0.9 inverter efficiency, and the EnergyPlus algorithm for 

determining the annual amount of electricity produced given building geometry and local weather conditions.

Strategy

Search 

No. 

EUI Savings Lifetime Cost Savings Capital Cost Savings Equivalent PV

MJ/m2yr kBtu/ft2yr $/m2 $/ft2 $/m2 $/ft2 m2 ft2

Infiltration 1 218.9 19.27 12.71 1.18 0.20 0.02 2755.7 29662

Elec. Lighting 2 39.7 3.49 20.64 1.92 7.20 0.67 499.1 5373

Daylighting 3 2.5 0.22 0.11 0.01 –0.38 –0.04 31.3 337

Window Area & Shading 4 1.7 0.15 4.30 0.40 3.70 0.34 21.4 230

Envelope Insulation 5 96.3 8.48 –4.43 –0.41 –9.80 –0.91 1212.6 13052

Fenestration Types 6 8.2 0.72 1.40 0.13 0.99 0.09 103.3 1112

HVAC 7 2.8 0.25 1.59 0.15 –1.66 –0.15 35.7 384

ERV 8 548.3 48.25 –42.18 –3.92 –71.61 –6.65 6902.0 74292
155

E.1.10 High Plug Load

Computational Effort. Original search: 2,239 EnergyPlus simulations, 11 days of CPU time. Enumeration of additional models: 9 new 

searches; 4,536 new simulations; 535 total and 504 new simulations per search on average. 

Alternative Low-Energy Models 

Figure E-10 Visualization of original and alternative low-energy models for the high plug load Fairbanks, Alaska store 

Node 00 represents the original low-energy model. The other nodes represent the result of searches formed by taking Node 00 and removing the 

indicated strategy. Models that include PV are in gold. Any models that do not reach the 50% energy savings goal are indicated by octagons.
156

Table E-19 Summary of Low Energy Models for the High Plug Load Fairbanks, Alaska Store 

Node numbers correspond to Figure E-10. An ‘X’ under a strategy name indicates that the strategy is used in the model.

Node 

Plug Loads

Infiltration

Elec. Lighting

Daylighting

Window Area & 

Shading 

Envelope Insulation

Fenestration Types

HVAC

DCV

ERV

Net Site 

Energy 

PV 

Energy Lifetime Cost Capital Cost

Peak Demand (kW)

Energy Savings (%)

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

MJ/m2yr

kBtu/ft2yr

$/m2

$/ft2

$/m2

$/ft2

0 X X X X X X X X X 861 75.8 0 0.0 1338 124.29 1258 116.86 122 56.1

1 X X X X X X X X 872 76.7 0 0.0 1340 124.52 1258 116.86 123 55.5

2 X X X X X X X X 958 84.3 0 0.0 1372 127.51 1288 119.64 120 51.1

3 X X X X X X X X 921 81.0 0 0.0 1354 125.75 1259 116.99 156 53.0

4 X X X X X X X X 864 76.1 0 0.0 1338 124.31 1257 116.82 125 55.9

5 X X X X X X X X 865 76.1 0 0.0 1342 124.71 1262 117.20 125 55.9

6 X X X X X X X X 945 83.1 0 0.0 1331 123.70 1247 115.83 125 51.8

7 X X X X X X X X 868 76.4 0 0.0 1339 124.42 1259 116.96 122 55.7

8 X X X X X X X X 882 77.6 0 0.0 1341 124.59 1255 116.60 138 55.0

9 X X X X X X X X X 1173 103.2 179 15.8 1991 184.96 1902 176.73 94 40.1
157

Sensitivity Analysis by Strategy

Table E-20 Sensitivity Analysis for the Strategies Used in the Selected Low-Energy Model for the High Plug Load Fairbanks, Alaska Store 

Savings numbers are calculated between the selected low-energy model (with PV removed as necessary), and the model created by removing the 

indicated strategy. Equivalent PV areas are calculated assuming a 0.1 cell efficiency and a 0.9 inverter efficiency, and the EnergyPlus algorithm for 

determining the annual amount of electricity produced given building geometry and local weather conditions.

Strategy

Search 

No. 

EUI Savings Lifetime Cost Savings Capital Cost Savings Equivalent PV

MJ/m2yr kBtu/ft2yr $/m2 $/ft2 $/m2 $/ft2 m2 ft2

Plug Loads 1 10.6 0.94 2.44 0.23 0.00 0.00 133.9 1441

Infiltration 2 188.6 16.60 –0.95 –0.09 –10.68 –0.99 2374.1 25555

Elec. Lighting 3 59.8 5.26 15.63 1.45 1.35 0.13 752.5 8099

Daylighting 4 3.3 0.29 0.14 0.01 –0.45 –0.04 41.9 451

Window Area & Shading 5 3.9 0.34 4.44 0.41 3.62 0.34 48.9 527

Envelope Insulation 6 83.8 7.37 –6.42 –0.60 –11.13 –1.03 1054.2 11348

Fenestration Types 7 7.0 0.62 1.38 0.13 1.01 0.09 88.1 948

HVAC 8 21.4 1.88 3.14 0.29 –2.77 –0.26 269.0 2896

ERV 9 683.5 60.15 –67.25 –6.25 –103.57 –9.62 8603.7 92610
158

Appendix F. Corrected Results from Abbreviated Optimization

The corrected energy performance of the selected low-energy models from the abbreviated optimizations described in Section 4.5 is

summarized in Table F-1 to Table F-3. 

Table F-1 Selected Low-Energy Model Corrected Energy Performance: Humid Climates

Building Type Building Name Metric Humid

1A 2A 3A 4A 5A 6A

Low Plug General 

Merchandise 

Low-Energy Percent Energy Savings 60.5% 56.4% 63.5% 59.3% 57.6% 55.2%

Baseline (SI units) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 1,790 1,680 1,210 1,340 1,330 1,540 

Low-Energy (SI units) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 705 734 443 547 563 689 

Baseline (SI units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 492 444 285 268 181 178 

Low-Energy (SI units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 182 154 86.7 81.9 61.4 65.4 

Baseline (SI units) Natural Gas Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 3.58 23.1 52.1 105 188 250

Low-Energy (SI units) Natural Gas Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 13.9 49.9 36.3 70.0 95.0 126 

Low-Energy (SI units) PV Power Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 

Baseline (IP units) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 157 148 107 118 117 136

Low-Energy (IP units) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 62.1 64.6 39.0 48.1 49.6 60.7 

Baseline (IP units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 45.7 41.2 26.4 24.9 16.8 16.5

Low-Energy (IP units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 16.9 14.3 8.05 7.61 5.71 6.08 

Baseline (IP units) Natural Gas Intensity (Therms/ft2yr) 0.0113 0.0733 0.165 0.333 0.597 0.792 

Low-Energy (IP units) Natural Gas Intensity (Therms/ft2yr) 0.0441 0.158 0.115 0.222 0.301 0.399

Low-Energy (IP units) PV Power Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 

High Plug General 

Merchandise 

Low-Energy Percent Energy Savings 65.4% 65.4% 61.0% 59.0% 55.5% 54.0%

Baseline (SI units) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 2,200 2,050 1,480 1,560 1,460 1,660 

Low-Energy (SI units) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 760 708 577 637 648 764

Baseline (SI units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 607 554 377 358 256 253

Low-Energy (SI units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 208 186 140 135 109 114 

Baseline (SI units) Natural Gas Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 3.12 15.2 33.6 74.0 149 208

Low-Energy (SI units) Natural Gas Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 3.59 10.2 20.2 42.5 70.6 98.4

Low-Energy (SI units) PV Power Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 

Baseline (IP units) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 193 180 130 137 128 146 

Low-Energy (IP units) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 66.9 62.3 50.8 56.1 57.1 67.3 

Baseline (IP units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 56.4 51.4 35.0 33.3 23.8 23.5

Low-Energy (IP units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 19.3 17.3 13.0 12.5 10.2 10.6 

Baseline (IP units) Natural Gas Intensity (Therms/ft2yr) 0.0099 0.0481 0.106 0.235 0.473 0.661 

Low-Energy (IP units) Natural Gas Intensity (Therms/ft2yr) 0.0114 0.0324 0.0641 0.135 0.224 0.312

Low-Energy (IP units) PV Power Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 
159

Table F-2 Selected Low-Energy Model Corrected Energy Performance: Arid Climates

Building Type Building Name Metric 

Arid

2B 3B-CA 3B-NV 4B 5B 6B 

Low Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Low-Energy Percent Energy Savings 61.3% 57.9% 52.6% 62.2% 60.6% 56.4% 

Baseline (SI units) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 898 754 846 942 1,070 1,300 

Low-Energy (SI units) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 347 318 401 356 422 568 

Baseline (SI units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 226 182 192 171 157 149 

Low-Energy (SI units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 64.8 54.7 56.3 48.0 44.6 48.5 

Baseline (SI units) Natural Gas Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 23.2 27.5 43.5 90.5 141 213 

Low-Energy (SI units) Natural Gas Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 31.6 33.5 55.2 50.8 72.7 109 

Low-Energy (SI units) PV Power Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 

Baseline (IP units) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 79.1 66.4 74.5 82.9 94.5 115 

Low-Energy (IP units) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 30.6 28.0 35.3 31.3 37.2 50.0 

Baseline (IP units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 21.0 16.9 17.8 15.9 14.6 13.8 

Low-Energy (IP units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 6.02 5.08 5.23 4.46 4.15 4.51 

Baseline (IP units) Natural Gas Intensity (Therms/ft2yr) 0.0735 0.0872 0.138 0.287 0.446 0.675 

Low-Energy (IP units) Natural Gas Intensity (Therms/ft2yr) 0.100 0.106 0.175 0.161 0.230 0.346 

Low-Energy (IP units) PV Power Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 

High Plug 

General 

Merchandise 

Low-Energy Percent Energy Savings 55.5% 50.8% 57.5% 57.2% 56.1% 54.5% 

Baseline (SI units) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 1,170 963 1,080 1,130 1,230 1,420 

Low-Energy (SI units) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 519 474 459 483 540 647 

Baseline (SI units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 308 250 270 248 236 225 

Low-Energy (SI units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 122 111 112 104 100 98.1 

Baseline (SI units) Natural Gas Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 15.5 17.3 29.9 65.6 106 170 

Low-Energy (SI units) Natural Gas Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 21.9 21.1 15.6 30.0 49.6 81.5 

Low-Energy (SI units) PV Power Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 

Baseline (IP units) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 103 84.8 95.0 99.5 108 125 

Low-Energy (IP units) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 45.7 41.7 40.4 42.6 47.6 57.0 

Baseline (IP units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 28.6 23.2 25.1 23.1 21.9 20.9 

Low-Energy (IP units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 11.4 10.3 10.4 9.69 9.33 9.12 

Baseline (IP units) Natural Gas Intensity (Therms/ft2yr) 0.0493 0.055 0.0949 0.208 0.336 0.539 

Low-Energy (IP units) Natural Gas Intensity (Therms/ft2yr) 0.0693 0.0668 0.0496 0.095 0.157 0.258 

Low-Energy (IP units) PV Power Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 
160

Table F-3 Selected Low-Energy Model Corrected Energy Performance: Marine and Cold Climates

Building Type Building Name Metric 

Marine Cold 

3C 4C 7 8 

Low Plug General 

Merchandise 

Low-Energy Percent Energy Savings 62.6% 59.0% 54.7% 55.7% 

Baseline (SI units) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 745 981 1,690 2,380 

Low-Energy (SI units) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 279 402 766 1,050 

Baseline (SI units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 139 142 145 142 

Low-Energy (SI units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 38.6 47.2 51.0 46.0 

Baseline (SI units) Natural Gas Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 68.2 131 325 518 

Low-Energy (SI units) Natural Gas Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 38.8 64.5 162 246 

Low-Energy (SI units) PV Power Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 

Baseline (IP units) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 65.6 86.4 149 209 

Low-Energy (IP units) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 24.5 35.4 67.5 92.6 

Baseline (IP units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 12.9 13.2 13.5 13.2 

Low-Energy (IP units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 3.58 4.39 4.74 4.28 

Baseline (IP units) Natural Gas Intensity (Therms/ft2yr) 0.216 0.414 1.03 1.64 

Low-Energy (IP units) Natural Gas Intensity (Therms/ft2yr) 0.123 0.205 0.513 0.781 

Low-Energy (IP units) PV Power Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 

High Plug General 

Merchandise 

Low-Energy Percent Energy Savings 57.0% 56.3% 52.9% 54.7% 

Baseline (SI units) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 918 1,110 1,770 2,430 

Low-Energy (SI units) EUI (MJ/m2·yr) 395 483 835 1,100 

Baseline (SI units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 212 214 220 209 

Low-Energy (SI units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 92.7 95.1 106 99.8 

Baseline (SI units) Natural Gas Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 42.8 92.8 273 465 

Low-Energy (SI units) Natural Gas Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 16.9 39.2 126 206 

Low-Energy (SI units) PV Power Intensity (kWh/m2yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 

Baseline (IP units) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 80.8 97.3 156 214 

Low-Energy (IP units) EUI (kBtu/ft2yr) 34.7 42.6 73.5 96.9 

Baseline (IP units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 19.7 19.9 20.4 19.5 

Low-Energy (IP units) Electricity Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 8.61 8.83 9.80 9.27 

Baseline (IP units) Natural Gas Intensity (Therms/ft2yr) 0.136 0.294 0.864 1.47 

Low-Energy (IP units) Natural Gas Intensity (Therms/ft2yr) 0.0536 0.124 0.400 0.652 

Low-Energy (IP units) PV Power Intensity (kWh/ft2yr) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 
161

The corrected economic performance of the selected low-energy models from the abbreviated optimizations described in 4.5 is summarized in 

Table F-4 to Table F-6. 

Table F-4 Selected Low-Energy Model Corrected Costs: Humid Climates

Building Type Building Name Metric

Humid

1A 2A 3A 4A 5A 6A

Low Plug General 

Merchandise

Baseline (SI units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2

) 1,500 1,480 1,360 1,370 1,290 1,300

Low-Energy (SI units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2) 1,340 1,330 1,230 1,220 1,170 1,170

Baseline (SI units) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,280 1,270 1,220 1,220 1,160 1,170

Low-Energy (SI units) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,240 1,240 1,180 1,170 1,120 1,110

Baseline (IP units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 139 137 127 127 120 121

Low-Energy (IP units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 124 123 115 114 108 109

Baseline (IP units) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 119 118 113 113 108 108

Low-Energy (IP units) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 115 115 110 109 104 103

High Plug General 

Merchandise

Baseline (SI units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2

) 1,560 1,530 1,410 1,400 1,320 1,330

Low-Energy (SI units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2) 1,380 1,380 1,300 1,300 1,220 1,210

Baseline (SI units) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,290 1,280 1,230 1,230 1,170 1,170

Low-Energy (SI units) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,280 1,290 1,230 1,230 1,160 1,140

Baseline (IP units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 145 142 131 131 123 123

Low-Energy (IP units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 128 128 121 121 114 113

Baseline (IP units) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 120 119 114 114 109 109

Low-Energy (IP units) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 119 119 115 114 107 106
162

Table F-5 Selected Low-Energy Model Corrected Costs: Arid Climates

Building 

Type Building Name Metric

Arid

2B 3B-CA 3B-NV 4B 5B 6B

Low Plug 

General 

Merchandise

Baseline (SI units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2

) 1,260 1,240 1,250 1,250 1,250 1,260

Low-Energy (SI units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2) 1,170 1,150 1,160 1,150 1,150 1,140

Baseline (SI units) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,150 1,150 1,150 1,150 1,140 1,140

Low-Energy (SI units) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,130 1,110 1,120 1,110 1,110 1,090

Baseline (IP units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 117 115 116 116 116 117

Low-Energy (IP units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 109 107 108 106 107 106

Baseline (IP units) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 107 106 107 107 106 106

Low-Energy (IP units) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 105 104 104 103 103 101

High Plug 

General 

Merchandise

Baseline (SI units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2

) 1,310 1,270 1,290 1,290 1,290 1,290

Low-Energy (SI units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2) 1,210 1,210 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200

Baseline (SI units) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,160 1,150 1,160 1,160 1,160 1,150

Low-Energy (SI units) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,150 1,150 1,140 1,140 1,140 1,130

Baseline (IP units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 121 118 120 120 120 120

Low-Energy (IP units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 113 112 111 111 111 111

Baseline (IP units) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 108 107 108 108 107 107

Low-Energy (IP units) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 107 107 106 106 106 105
163

Table F-6 Selected Low-Energy Model Corrected Costs: Marine and Cold Climates

Building 

Type Building Name Metric

Marine Cold

3C 4C 7 8 

Low Plug 

General 

Merchandise

Baseline (SI units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2

) 1,210 1,230 1,280 1,310

Low-Energy (SI units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2) 1,120 1,120 1,150 1,170

Baseline (SI units) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,130 1,140 1,150 1,150

Low-Energy (SI units) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,090 1,090 1,100 1,100

Baseline (IP units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 113 115 119 122

Low-Energy (IP units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 104 104 107 109

Baseline (IP units) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 105 106 107 106

Low-Energy (IP units) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 102 101 102 102

High Plug 

General 

Merchandise

Baseline (SI units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2

) 1,250 1,260 1,310 1,340

Low-Energy (SI units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/m2) 1,180 1,190 1,190 1,200

Baseline (SI units) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,140 1,140 1,150 1,150

Low-Energy (SI units) Capital Cost ($/m2) 1,130 1,130 1,120 1,120

Baseline (IP units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 116 117 122 124

Low-Energy (IP units) 5-TLCC Intensity ($/ft2) 110 110 111 112

Baseline (IP units) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 106 106 107 107

Low-Energy (IP units) Capital Cost ($/ft2) 105 105 104 104
164

Appendix G. General Merchandise and Grocery Store 

Technical Support Documents: Summary and Information 

Request

The freely available series of Advanced Energy Design Guides (AEDGs) developed by 

ASHRAE, AIA, IES, USGBC and the DOE are each supported by technical analysis conducted 

by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) or the Pacific Northwest National 

Laboratory (PNNL). The guides currently target 30% energy savings over ASHRAE 90.1-2004—

the next set will target 50% energy savings.

For the past year and a half, NREL has been working to develop 50% energy savings 

recommendations for retail and grocery stores. Last year’s work (medium box retail and grocery 

stores) established the basic methodology for identifying cost-effective design packages that 

achieve this goal in each of 15 climate zones. The results are promising, but the analysis input 

data needs a thorough external review to make sure that our final recommendations are accurate 

and useable.

This is where you, as a member of the Retailers Energy Alliance (REA), come in: We would like 

you to review our energy modeling inputs. The following pages list our primary assumptions 

concerning the layout and operation of prototypical retail and grocery stores (prototype models), 

plus perturbations of the prototypical designs (energy design measures (EDMs)) that we believe 

1) are changes that some retailers would be comfortable with, and 2) may improve energy 

efficiency in one or more climate zones. Lists of specific questions and information requests are 

included, but please feel free to comment on any item of interest or bring up issues not 

specifically addressed in the following pages.

We hope you will participate so we can provide the REA and the broader community with useful, 

climate-specific design recommendations for retail and grocery stores. To submit your 

comments, please either send them to Adam Hirsch (adam.hirsch@nrel.gov) and Matt Leach 

(matt.leach@nrel.gov), or e-mail Adam and Matt to set up a time to convey your feedback 

directly over the phone.
165

Table G-1 TSD Prototype Characteristics and Related Questions*

Store Characteristic Grocery General Merchandise Questions

Program

Size 45,002 ft2 40,500 ft2

Space types See Table G-2. 

Operating hours

Sun. through Thursday

6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., 

Friday and Saturday

6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Monday through Saturday

9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., 

Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Peak occupancy 8 people/1000 ft2. 15 people/1000 ft2. 

How does occupancy vary 

throughout the day/week? How 

does occupancy affect energy 

scheduling/use? 

Lighting 15%/50%/95% on during unoccupied/staff-only/operating hours. Is this a good model of lighting 

loads? 

Plug and process See Table G-3. How do plug and process loads 

vary throughout the day?

Form

Number of floors 1 1 

Aspect ratio 1.5 1.25 

Floor-to-floor height 20 ft 20 ft

Window area 1400 ft2 (0.08 WWR) 1,000 ft2 (0.056 WWR)

Floor plan See Figure G-1. See Figure G-2Figure . 

Fabric

Wall type

Either concrete block with interior insulation (finished with drywall) 

or exterior insulation (finished with stucco); or a concrete block 

cavity wall (finished with brick), depending on climate zone.

What types of wall constructions 

are acceptable? What 

considerations affect wall 

construction selection? 

Roof type All insulation above deck

Interior partitions 2 x 4 steel frame with gypsum boards

Internal mass 45,000 ft3 of wood Do you have rough estimates of 

your stores’ contents?

Equipment

HVAC system Unitary rooftop units with DX coils, natural gas heating, and 

constant volume fans.

Are other types of HVAC systems 

considered or used?

HVAC

unit size 10 tons cooling

Are other size units used? Are 

units sized differently for different 

parts of the store or for stores in 

different locations?

HVAC controls No thermostat setback. Setback during

unoccupied hours.

Is thermostat setback used? If 

so, what is the methodology used 

to determine the setback?

Refrigeration 

4 compressor racks

(2 med-temp, 2 low-temp); 

air-cooled condensers; 

cases and walk-in units 

listed in Table G-4. 

N/A

Where are compressors and 

condensers located? Is waste 

heat recovered from the 

refrigeration system? Is HVAC 

return air routed under the 

refrigerated cases?

Service water 

heating Natural gas heating with storage tank

* All comments on any aspect of the prototypes are welcome.
166

Table G-2 Space Types and Sizes in the Prototype Models

Zone Name

Grocery General Merchandise

Floor Area (ft2) Percent of Total Floor Area (ft2) Percent of Total

Main Sales 22,415 49.8 30,375 75.0

Perimeter Sales 2,611 5.8 4,100 10.1

Produce 7,657 17.0 N/A N/A

Deli 2,419 5.4 N/A N/A

Bakery 2,250 5.0 N/A N/A

Enclosed Office 300 0.7 300 0.7

Meeting Room 500 1.1 500 1.2

Dining Room 500 1.1 500 1.2

Restroom 675 1.5 625 1.5

Mechanical Room 600 1.3 200 0.5

Corridor 532 1.2 450 1.1

Vestibule N/A N/A 400 1.0

Active Storage 4,544 10.1 3,050 7.5

Total 45,002 100.0 40,500 100.0

Table G-3 Peak Plug (Electric) and Process (Gas) Loads in the Prototype Models

Zone Name

Grocery General Merchandise: 

Low Plug Load

General Merchandise: 

High Plug Load

Peak Plug Load 

(W/ft2) 

Peak Process 

Load (W/ft2) 

Peak Plug Load 

(W/ft2) 

Peak Plug Load 

(W/ft2) 

Main Sales 0.50 0.00 0.20 1.20 

Perimeter Sales 0.50 0.00 0.40 0.40 

Produce 0.50 0.00 N/A N/A

Deli 5.00 2.50 N/A N/A

Bakery 2.50 5.00 N/A N/A

Enclosed Office 0.75 0.00 0.75 0.75

Meeting Room 0.75 0.00 0.75 0.75

Dining Room 2.60 0.00 2.60 2.60 

Restroom 0.10 0.00 0.10 0.10 

Mechanical 

Room 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 

Corridor 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 

Vestibule N/A N/A 0.00 0.00 

Active Storage 0.75 0.00 0.75 0.75

Average 0.88 0.38 0.30 1.05
167

Table G-4 Grocery Prototype: Refrigerated Cases and Walk-In Units by Zone

Zone Name Case/Walk-in Type Case Length Number of Units Total Length or Area

Main Sales Island single deck meat 12 ft 9 108 ft

Main Sales Multideck dairy/deli 12 ft 13 156 ft

Main Sales Vertical frozen food with doors 15 ft 18 270 ft

Main Sales Island single deck ice cream 12 ft 10 120 ft

Main Sales Walk-in cooler (med temp) N/A 2 2,818 ft2

Main Sales Walk-in freezer (low temp) N/A 1 1,003 ft2

Produce Multi-deck dairy/deli 12 ft 8 96 ft

Deli Multi-deck dairy/deli 12 ft 1 12 ft

Deli Walk-in cooler (med. temp) N/A 1 127 ft2

Bakery Walk-in cooler (med. temp) N/A 1 63 ft2

Figure G-1 Grocery prototype floor plan
168

Figure G-2 General merchandise prototype floor plan
169

Table G-5 Energy Design Measure (EDM) Information Requests

Priority Store

Types*

EDM

Category FY 2008 Assumptions Information Requests

High

GM, Gro Plug loads 10% overall reduction possible; 

very high costs.

Possible plug load reduction 

strategies (novel or proven).

GM, Gro ERV

2000 cfm unit(s) with 60%-80% 

sensible effectiveness, 50%-70% 

latent effectiveness.

Experience with or thoughts on 

designing ERV systems for large 

one-story buildings.

GM, Gro Envelope 

infiltration

An envelope air barrier reduces 

envelope infiltration from 0.24 to 

0.05 ACH.

Infiltration levels and sources in 

typical construction; proven 

reduction strategies.

GM, Gro Daylighting 400 lux (37 fc) and 600 lux (56 fc) 

set points.

Acceptable daylighting set points 

in lux or fc.

GM, Gro Vertical 

fenestration

Amount of fenestration on front 

façade can be changed ± 20% 

from 1000 ft2 (general 

merchandise) and 1400 ft2

(grocery) baselines.

Range of acceptable fenestration 

amounts (WWR) for each façade; 

acceptability of adding clerestory 

(high) windows to back of store for 

daylighting storage areas, etc.

Gro Refrigerated 

cases

Reduced display lighting; added 

efficient fan motors, defrost and 

anti-sweat heater controls; added 

doors to cases.

Strategies that render doors more 

acceptable; lighting preferences.

Gro Refrigeration 

system 

Evaporative condensers. Experience with evaporative 

condensers; decision criteria 

pertaining to compressor type;

interest in particular secondary 

loop systems.

Medium

GM, Gro Electric lighting

Sales floor lighting power densities 

of 1.36 W/ft2 (20% below code) 

and 1.02 W/ft2 (40% below code).

Typical lighting configurations;

best practice/state-of-the-art 

configurations.

GM, Gro Entranceway 

infiltration

Adding a main entrance vestibule 

reduces infiltration through the 

door from 0.082 to 0.054 ACH.

Whether vestibules are used, and 

if not, why not; preferred vestibule 

designs.

GM, Gro Static pressure 

drop

Not included. Typical ductwork designs for 

rooftop units; minimum length of 

ductwork runs to and from rooftop 

units.

GM, Gro Envelope

Static construction types with 

different levels of insulation.

List of acceptable and/or 

interesting construction 

assemblies for walls and roofs.

GM, Gro HVAC 

More efficient rooftop units with DX 

cooling and natural gas heating.

Alternative HVAC systems that 

retailers are interested in pursuing 

or have considered already.

Gro HVAC 

See above. HVAC/Refrigeration integration 

strategies retailers have pursued 

or would like evaluated.

GM, Gro DCV

Modeled by having outside air 

requirements follow the occupancy 

schedules.

Experience with using DCV in real 

stores. 

GM, Gro Overhangs

Framed overhangs offset 0.82 ft 

from the top of each window; 

projection factor of 0.1 to 1.5.

Current use and acceptability of 

overhangs; preferred materials for 

overhangs.

Low

GM, Gro PV Possible to cover 30% of the area 

not used by skylights with PV.

Percent of roof area available for 

PV panels and skylights.

GM, Gro Horizontal 

fenestration

Skylights are preferred daylighting 

method.

Preferences concerning skylights 

and skylight alternatives.

* GM = General Merchandise, Gro = Grocery
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4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

General Merchandise 50% Energy Savings Technical Support 

Document

5a. CONTRACT NUMBER

DE-AC36-08-GO28308

5b. GRANT NUMBER

5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER

6. AUTHOR(S)

Elaine Hale, Matthew Leach, Adam Hirsch, and Paul Torcellini 

5d. PROJECT NUMBER

NREL/TP-550-46100

5e. TASK NUMBER

BEC71203

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14. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 Words)

This report documents technical analysis for medium-box general merchandise stores aimed at providing design 

guidance that achieves whole-building energy savings of at least 50% over ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004. It 

documents the modeling and integrated analysis methods used to identify cost-effective sets of recommendations for 

different locations; demonstrates sets of recommendations that meet or exceed the 50% goal; establishes 

methodology for providing a family of solutions, as opposed to a single solution, that meet the 50% goal as a means 

of exploring the relative importance of specific design strategies; demonstrates the dependence of the percent 

energy savings metric on the building standard used to establish the baseline; and explores the effect of floor area on 

energy use intensity.

15. SUBJECT TERMS

energy savings; general merchandise; ashrae standard; energy interaction

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