DOE’s Energy Asset Score diagnostic tool gets upgrade

The US Department of Energy's Energy Asset Score diagnostic tool is being upgraded to provide more robust capability.

The tool assesses the physical and structural energy efficiency of commercial and multifamily residential buildings and makes recommendations for improvement. The fairly complex tool probes in detail about a property's engineering, systems, and related infrastructure.

DOE has added a number of new features and capabilities to the score. About 70 million sf of space have received an Energy Asset Score to date in a beta version release. It will soon be offered in a fully realized version, able to access a wider array of mechanical systems in a building. The score requires at least 30 to 40 data points in order to judge a facility.

For the new phase of adoption, DoE wants to establish a leadership group consisting of 10 to 20 organizations. The department is currently selecting participants.

New ideas in design and constructability are radically changing how metal systems are used as roofing for commercial and institutional buildings. Behind the investment in these new kinds of expressions and construction approaches is a growing interest in improved performance and reduced environmental impact. Metal roofing systems can cut cooling and heating loads significantly, according to the EPA.