4.2.1 Background

The electronic format of the COMNET standard reports will be XML. XML is a broadly used mechanism for describing, storing, and exchanging data. The primary function of XML is to effectively organize data and allow for it to be distributed in a platform independent format. Designating XML as the electronic format for COMNET is not intended to create more work for the user. Rather, XML supplies consistency as well as flexibility to the reporting process. XML facilitates straightforward data transfer from users to rating authorities.

The flow of information from the user (e.g. energy analyst) to the rating authority is summarized in Figure 4.2.1-1. First, the user inputs the necessary building data into the interface and runs the simulation engine as usual. When the user makes a successful simulation, the COMNET software will generate an XML file and produce the standard reports. This XML file will contain all of the data relevant to a building project for the purposes of rating and tax evaluation. Finally, the XML file can be sent to a rating authority and uploaded into their database for use in certification, labeling or determining tax deductions.

Figure 4.2.1-1: "Information Flow"