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6.2.2 Baseline Standard

Purpose
Applicability All Projects
Definition The purpose for which the COMNET software is used:
The modeling rules and procedures for most of the building descriptors are triggered by this choice.
Units List of COMNET supported purposes
Input Restrictions Compulsory input
Baseline Rules The definition of the baseline building is derived from this input, when applicable.
Building Classification
Applicability When the whole building method is used instead of the space-by-space method of classifying activity in the building
Definition The building type or principle activity. One of two available classification methods for identifying the function of the building or the functions of spaces within the building, which in turn determine energy-related requirements for the baseline building design. Appendix B lists the building classifications that are available under the building area method.
Units List: Choose a building activity from Appendix B or select “Space-by-Space” if the space-by-space method is used.
Input Restrictions For multi-use buildings, the building may be divided and a different building classification may be assigned to each part. Either the building classification method or the space-by-space classification method must be used, but the two classification methods may not be mixed within a single rating.
Baseline Rules The proposed design designations apply to the baseline building.
Baseline Standard
Applicability All projects
Definition The baseline standard that defines the baseline building. ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001 is the baseline standard for tax deduction calculations. ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 is the baseline standard for green building ratings. This is determined from the Purpose (see above) and it may not be necessary to enter it explicitly.
Units List: Either ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001, 2007 or 2010, depending on Purpose (see above).
Input Restrictions None
Baseline Rules Not applicable
Percent Savings Method
Applicability Tax deduction calculations and green building ratings
Definition

The method used to calculate percent savings. For tax deductions, only regulated energy is addressed in the numerator and denominator of the percent savings calculation, while with green building ratings, all energy uses in the building are accounted for. Regulated energy includes interior lighting, heating, cooling, fans and hot water. Non-regulated energy is everything else. The same equation is used with both methods (see Equation Figure 6.2.2-1), however, the Q term only includes regulated energy for tax deductions, but total energy for green building ratings.

 

$$Percent\ Savings = \left( \frac{Q_{Baseline} - Q_{Proposed}}{Q_{Baseline}} \right) \times 100$$

Figure 6.2.2-1: "Percent Savings Method Equation"
Units List
Input Restrictions This building descriptor is determined from the purpose and is not generally input directly by the software user.
Baseline Rules Not applicable