Optimization of Energy Efficiency to Achieve Zero-Net Energy in Multifamily and Commercial Buildings
Optimization Strategies for Reducing Electricity Consumption and Achieving Cost-effective Zero Net Energy Use in Multifamily and Commercial BuidlingsNE.
Regents of the University of California, Davis
Recipient
Davis, CA
Recipient Location
3rd
Senate District
4th
Assembly District
$999,534
Amount Spent
Completed
Project Status
Project Result
This project is completed and the final report is under CEC review as of April 2023.
The Issue
The technical feasibility of achieving Zero Net Energy (ZNE) in many building types in California has been documented, but the optimal cost-effective strategy to reduce net electricity consumption toward ZNE goals remains unclear. The number of building types and technologies are too numerous to address performance and cost-effectiveness questions through field studies and the available open-source software tools and analysis methodologies are not comparable. Aligning their results and reliably monetizing impacts would require coordination among competitors. In addition, they are they not being developed or funded in competitive markets.
Project Innovation
This is a modeling study. The recipient uses EnergyPlus, a building energy modeling tool, to analyze the cost-effectiveness of various electricity saving/generation measures for multifamily and commercial buildings in California. Each building type and climate zone will receive a cost-benefit analysis for each measure individually and an optimized package of measures to achieve as close to zero net energy as is cost-effectively possible.
Project Benefits
This project will accelerate the adoption of cost-effective electricity saving and generation technologies, equipment, materials and construction practices in California multifamily and commercial buildings by providing a rapid-assessment tool. This tool will help stakeholders identify and prioritize energy efficiency measures/technologies based on their cost-effectiveness.
Affordability
This project will provide optimized recommendations for cost-effective electricity saving solutions for a wide variety of California's building portfolio in all 16 climate zones. Detailed modeling of building energy modeling packages will allow for accurate determination of cooling and heating loads, enabling right sizing of equipment which could extend equipment life for building owners.
Key Project Members
David Vernon
Subrecipients
Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
BIRA Energy
Match Partners
Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
Regents of the University of California, Davis
