Energy Code Performance Pilot Program FAQs - Buildings

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Energy Code Performance Pilot Program Frequently Asked Questions

Phase 2: Performance Pilot Program FAQs

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General

Reporting & Data

Building Selection

System Selection

Total System Performance Ratio (TSPR)

New York City Regulations

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General

Who should I contact if I have questions about the program or tools?

All questions regarding the Pilot program shall be sent to EnergyCodePilot@buildings.nyc.gov.

When does the pilot study start and end?

Applications were open on June 22, 2023, and are due back on July 7, 2023. We will select participants shortly after to be able to participate in scheduled trainings during the week of July 10. We are asking all participants to complete evaluations by Friday, August 18, 2023. Submit completed applications to https://www.energycodes.gov/nyc-performance-pilot.

Do we need to be using the most recent Code?

Preferably yes, the project submitted will be designed to the 2020 NYC ECC. If we are lacking enough interest in participation, we would consider buildings designed to the 2016 NYC ECC.

Would participating in the pilot program replace the DOB energy code approval process or would it be in addition to it?

No. The pilot is voluntary and separate participation and is not set up to replace Energy Code approval as required through DOB. Submission for the pilot will be independent from regular ECC compliance approval steps and processes.

If a pilot testing results in Not Passing, will it affect regular compliance approval or future permit of the same job reviewed under current Codes?

No. The pilot is meant to test a new approach and methodology for various real job applications. Just as participation in the pilot will not replace regular Energy Code compliance approvals within DOB, the reverse is equally true: participation in the pilot will not influence or impact a projects base Code compliance. Results from the pilot will be used only to further improve the alternate tools and future Energy Codes.

Reporting & Data

How long will it typically take to prepare a report?

The time to analyze a project using any one of the proposed system performance pathways will depend on the size and complexity of the project. The TSPR and Appendix G activities are expected to require no more than 8-12 hours of time. For those interested in the SPRM activity please plan on 3-4 days of time to learn the workflow, prepare the models and meet with PNNL.

How will my data be used after submission?

Participant data will be received and reviewed solely by the PNNL and the NYC DOB Pilot team. Collected data will be analyzed anonymously. The data and analysis results will be used only for the purpose of identifying where the compliance tools could be further developed and improved.

Are you still interested in the report if I can’t get my project to pass the criteria set forth in the Performance Pilot?

Yes. The purpose of the pilot is to determine feasibility of the tools and applicability of a Performance-Based Energy Code. Projects that do not pass within the current tools are valuable to determining that feasibility and will still be analyzed to inform future criteria of the tools.

Building Selection

What buildings are eligible for participation in the Pilot?

New buildings with one or more of the following occupancy types are eligible to participate in the Pilot:

Multifamily

Office

Retail

School

Additions and/or major alterations of these occupancy types may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Will townhomes qualify for participation?

No. We are looking for buildings that comply with the Commercial Provisions of the Energy Code. Townhomes and low-rise multifamily buildings that comply using the Residential Provisions of the Energy Code are not good candidates for participation in this phase of the pilot.

Do we need to submit the same building as Phase 1?

No. In fact, it may be better for this round if you submit a different building. Buildings that meet all other requirements and participated in Phase 1 will not specifically be excluded because of their previous participation.

Are you looking mostly for multi-family building participants?

We are looking for a broad range of types. Multifamily would be applicable in every component of the pilot, but we will work select participants to be sure we have a good representation of types for the study.

Are buildings on ConED steam ok?

Yes. All component paths of the study are able to work with buildings on ConEd’s steam system.

Do we need to model the same building by following all three components (Appendix G, SPRM, and TSPR)?

No. A building can apply to be part of just a single component of study, and not all buildings would be good candidate fits for all components of the study. If you are interested in all three you could submit the same building for all or select different buildings. A building or participant will not be specifically excluded or included in one component because of their selection or exclusion from any other component.

System Selection

Do air to water heat pumps used for water heating work with all path?

No. Air to water heat pumps used for water heating are not yet implemented into the TSPR software. It is a system type that the PNNL TSPR development team is working on adding. If a building is interested, please clearly indicate the use of ASHP for water heating and accommodations may be able to be made. ASHP water heating is a fit for both the SPRM and Appendix G components. Additionally, this limitation is specifically for ASHP water heating, unitary ASHPs used for space conditioning are able to be used across all study component paths. Other examples of building systems and occupancies that are not supported by TSPR or SPRM include: commercial kitchens, commercial refrigeration equipment, restaurants, data centers, laboratories, natatoriums or rooms with saunas, underfloor air distribution HVAC systems, radiant heating and cooling systems, systems using natural ventilation, systems using purchased or district cooling, buildings with combined heat and power systems and systems using heat recovery chillers or condenser heat recovery.

Total System Performance Ratio (TSPR)

Does TSPR require more detailed HVAC equipment data then is submitted with COMcheck?

No. The HVAC data required to be entered into TSPR is very similar to what is required when documenting prescriptive HVAC criteria in COMCheck.

How is TSPR a performance model if it’s just a supped-up COMcheck?

TSPR is not whole building performance, but it is a systems-based performance compliance path with a specific target performance required of each building system. The approach simulates the performance of the designed systems and compares them to a target that is developed for each system (HVAC gets an HVAC target, Envelope gets an Envelope target, etc.).

Does TSPR HVAC load calculation include consideration of the airtightness of the building envelope?

No, it assumes an airtightness value that is fixed. TSPR was designed and built to allow trade offs between components in the same system but is not intended to be implemented to allow trade offs between systems. If you are interested in a performance compliance path that is not as extensive as whole building performance modeling through Appendix G, but allows for tradeoffs between systems, we would suggest consideration of the SPRM component.

New York City Regulations

Will this future transition of NYCECC to performance-based compliance approach apply to all building/job types and sizes?

No. In accordance with Local Law 32 of 2018 requirement for Covered Buildings, the performance-based compliance path will likely apply to most buildings of 25,000 square feet or greater. Although they will have the option of using the performance-based approach, all other buildings will also continue to have a prescriptive performance path as an option for compliance.

Will TSPR satisfy the spirit of what NYC wants in its 2025 Code?

Intent of the law is a performance-based Code. Part of the intention and goal of the pilot is to test feasibility and applicability of what would work to help meet that requirement. Given the variety of stakeholders and buildings within NYC, we are looking to have multiple options available, including but not limited to the traditional whole building modeling approach. By expanding the number of approaches and allowing flexibility in performance-based compliance, it will be more feasible for the industry to carry out Code compliance in 2025.

Phase 1: Performance Pilot Program FAQs

When will the pilot start and end?

The program will begin accepting submittals on July 27, 2021 with an anticipated completion date of the end of the year. There will be an initial 2-3 week sign-up period. Participants will be offered training shortly after the sign-up period.

What buildings are eligible for participation in the Pilot?

New buildings with one or more of the following occupancy types are eligible to participate in the Pilot:

Multifamily

Office

Retail

School

Additions and/or alterations of these occupancy types may be considered on a case by case basis.

What form will my participation take?

Participants will be asked to submit alternate energy analysis forms documenting a new or existing project and provide feedback on the process itself. Along with a cover sheet, there will be one report for each building systems: envelope, mechanical and lighting. Forms will be completed with assistance from PNNL and submitted to the Department for review and data collection.

How will my data be used after submission?

Participant data will be received and reviewed solely by the PNNL+DOB Pilot team. Collected data will be analyzed anonymously. The data and analysis results will be used only for the purpose of identifying where the compliance tools could be further developed and improved.

How long will it typically take to prepare a report?

The time to analyze a project using any one of the proposed system performance pathways will depend on the size and complexity of the project. The level of effort is expected to be similar to using COMcheck compliance software. For example, a typical 25,000 square foot office building should take about 4-6 hours to complete each of the reporting tools.

Will the pilot for a job application replace regular ECC compliance approvals per current Codes?

No. The pilot is voluntary and separate participation. Submission for the pilot will be independent from regular ECC compliance approval steps.

If a pilot testing results in ‘Not Passing’ in a job application, will it affect regular compliance approval or future permit of the same job reviewed under current Codes?

No. The pilot is meant to test a new approach and methodology for various real job applications, and the results will be used only to further improve the alternate tools and future Energy Codes.

Will this future transition of NYCECC to performance-based compliance approach apply to all building/job types and sizes?

No. In accordance with Local Law of 2018 requirement for ‘Covered Buildings,’ the performance-based compliance path will likely apply to most buildings of 25,000 square feet or greater. Although they will have the option of using the performance-based approach, all other buildings will likely continue with prescriptive performance path as an option for compliance.

Who should I contact if I have questions about the program or tools?

All questions regarding the Pilot program shall be sent to EnergyCodePilot@buildings.nyc.gov.

If I am planning an alteration can I participate?

Yes. Large alterations will be considered on a case by case basis. To be considered, please email EnergyCodePilot@buildings.nyc.gov with details of your alteration.

Can I participate if I am simply planning an HVAC upgrade?

Although whole building Analysis is preferred, certain system alterations may be considered. Please email EnergyCodePilot@buildings.nyc.gov with details of your alteration.

Are you still interested in the report if I can’t get my project to pass the criteria set forth in the Performance Pilot?

Yes. The purpose of the pilot is to determine feasibility of the tools and applicability of a Performance-Based Energy Code. Projects that do not pass within the current tools will be still be analyzed to inform future criteria of the tools.

Does PNNL or DOB have tutorials, or offer trainings for each of the tools?

Yes, training will be offered to those participating in the Pilot program. In addition, please find additional information regarding the programs and performance-based Codes at:

Total Systems Performance Ratio @ Asset Score – https://help.buildingenergyscore.com/support/solutions/articles/8000081245-total-system-performance-ratio-in-asset-score

Total Systems Performance Ratio Training – https://buildingenergyscore.energy.gov/documents/TSPR_Training_Presentation_Slides_2020-06-03.pdf

Performance Based Codes – https://www.energycodes.gov/site/default/files/2021-07/Performance-Based_Code_Compliance_Roadmap_Final.pdf.

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