Our project is a small building under 20,000 ft2 in area, with a simple rectangular geometry. Is it acceptable to use Energy 10 to calculate the energy cost budget? We plan to use the energy numbers for cost & usage from Energy 10, and document it in the LEED required format.
Energy-10 is acceptable software to use for energy modeling to earn LEED credit points for appropriate projects only. The software does have some significant modeling limitations such as the ability to model only two zones with simple residential and small commercial HVAC equipment. Its accuracy declines as it is used for larger buildings with more complex HVAC requirements such as separate perimeter zones. As long as the project can be modeled within the limitations of Energy-10, it could be considered for energy modeling under EAc1. Energy-10 will be acceptable for use within the following boundaries. Version 1.5 or higher must be used. The project must have two or less zones or building functions. The project should be external load dominant as opposed to internal load dominant. Projects with separate perimeter zones cannot use Energy-10. The HVAC systems in the project are limited to the systems available for modeling by Energy-10. Work-arounds for other systems will not be accepted without proper documentation and comprehensive explanation. The energy efficiency measures included in the proposed design must be able to be modeled directly by Energy-10. In general, the project should be a low-rise residential or light commercial structure of 10,000 square feet of conditioned floor space or less. The use of Energy 10 on larger facilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Not enough information on your particular project has been provided to make a definitive ruling related to your project. Further ensure proper use of the program by referring to its "help" menu and the "Mastering Energy-10" user\'s manual. See http://www.sbicouncil.org/store/e10.php for access to the user\'s manual and training workshops. Applicable internationally. Applicable internationally.