New building energy quotient portal gives quick analysis on energy performance

ASHRAE recently launched the Building Energy Quotient (Building EQ) Portal.

The tool provides a faster, more automated approach to receive a Building EQ Performance Score. “The primary goal of the Building EQ program is to promote more energy efficient buildings and give owners actionable recommendations to improve a building’s energy use,” says Hugh Crowther, Building EQ committee chair.

The portal helps users identify opportunities to lower building operating costs and make informed decisions on steps that can increase the value of the property, ASHRAE says. Two different evaluations — In Operation, and As Designed — can be used to compare a candidate building to other similar buildings in the same climate zone or similar buildings averaged together for an assessment of a building's design potential compared to actual operation.

In Operation compares actual building energy use based on metered energy information. As Designed compares potential energy use based on the building's physical characteristics and systems with standardized energy use simulation. The In Operation rating is available now, and the As Designed rating will be available in early 2018.

To learn more about the Building EQ Portal, visit www.ashrae.org/buildingEQ.

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.