Oregon Multifamily Energy Program (OR-MEP) recently released new Energy Modeling Guidelines (version 2023.1). The Energy Modeling Guidelines describe the modeling requirements for new construction and existing building projects pursuing the Whole Building Path. The guidelines are a supplement to the OR-MEP Program Manual.
The Whole Building Path is designed for projects interested in comprehensive energy upgrades. It awards incentives based on energy savings calculations, which are completed by an independent third-party Energy Consultant through an approved energy modeling software. The OR-MEP Energy Modeling Guidelines can also inform the Menu or Bundled Path tailored measure opportunity.
The OR-MEP Energy Modeling Guidelines are based on best practices and, where applicable, align with regional and national industry accepted practices including:
- Northwest Modeling Requirements
- ENERGY STAR® MULTIFAMILY NEW CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM Simulation Guidelines Version 1, Revision 02
- ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Appendix G
Energy Consultants should use the OR-MEP Energy Modeling Guidelines to ensure their energy models produce savings estimates that are consistent across all projects participating in OR-MEP.
Summary of Changes
General Updates
- Program Manual, Modeling Guidelines, and Energy Efficiency Plan version number convention updated to include program year
Modeling Software
- Added IES-VE to approved modeling software
- Updated RME/Rate modeling guidelines to version 16.3.3
- Guidelines for version 15.7.1 or earlier moved to appendix
Code Update
- Updated mode requirements to align with 2021 Oregon Efficiency Special Code (OEESC)
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- 2019 Oregon Zero Energy Ready Commercial code moved to appendix
