COMNET Modeling Guidelines and Procedures referenced in Massachusetts' draft report

Massachusetts issues draft report for public comment through February 12, 2011: "An MPG Rating for Commercial Buildings: Establishing a Building Energy Asset Labeling Program in Massachusetts"

In December 2010, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) published a white paper to provide a framework for commercial building asset energy rating and labeling. It presents a set of program design and pilot phase implementation recommendations. The program is to be tested initially on a pilot stage and then based on the pilot stage results it is to be applied on a statewide scale.

 This report primarily addresses three program design issues:

• The nature of the rating scale (i.e., what is being measured)
• The manner in which a rating is communicated (i.e., the label)
• The process by which the necessary data and other information are collected and shared with program participants

Some of the recommendations under the above three categories include:

• Use of a technical rating scale that would rate buildings against a zero energy benchmark;
• Use of site energy use intensity (EUI) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions metric asset rating.
• Use of guidelines to standardize inputs into energy modeling tools (e.g. Commercial Energy Services Network (COMNET) guideline).
• Develop a letter grading system and design a visually appealing label that effectively communicates the grading system and results in easy building to building comparisons.
• Standardize data collection and modeling guidelines in collaboration with ASHRAE, COMNET and other key stakeholders;
• Performance of ASHRAE Level II on site assessment audit. Frame recommendations based on energy audits and incentive programs applicable to buildings.
• Perform a post-retrofit re- assessment of buildings to assign a final energy rating standard 
• Develop quality assurance measures, training and certification programs for energy assessing professionals.