Building classification based on simulated annual results: towards realistic building performance expectations

This study reviews typical assumptions for days of operation, sub-space type receptacle and other unregulated process loads, and occupancy rates to propose a risk evaluation for energy simulation accuracy of office buildings. Office building simulations entail low-, medium-, or high- risk of being inaccurate based on the variation of key energy simulation parameters from typical values used in office buildings. The three parameters and associated risk should indicate a potential difference between projected design and actual energy use for high performance office buildings. Overall, the risk assessment provides a way to determine whether a building energy simulation is likely to produce realistic building energy performance expectations.