Request for Information (RFI) for Commercial Building Energy Asset Score, 9042-9044 [2013-02753]
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9042
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 26 / Thursday, February 7, 2013 / Notices
equipped with a water softener under the
current DOE test procedure may lead to
information that could be considered
misleading to consumers.
1. Identification of Basic Models
The Dishwasher models manufactured by
BSH which contain an integrated water
softener and were not included in previous
Waiver applications is as follows:
Bosch brand:
• Basic Model—SHE43T5###
• Basic Model—SHX43T5###
• Basic Model—SHE33T5###
Kenmore brand:
• Basic Model—S38KML4###
• Basic Model—S48KML2###
• Basic Model—S48KML3###
• Basic Model—S38KML5###
• Basic Model—S37KMK2###
Gaggenau brand:
• Basic Model—DF261761
• Basic Model—DF260761
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
2. Background
The design characteristic that is unique
among the above listed models is an
integrated water softener. The primary
function of a water softener is to reduce the
high mineral content of ‘‘hard’’ water. Hard
water reduces the effectiveness of detergents
leading to additional detergent usage. Hard
water also causes increased water spots on
dishware, resulting in the need to use more
rinse aid to counterbalance this effect.
‘‘Hard’’ water can reduce customer
satisfaction with Dishwasher performance
resulting in increased pre-rinsing and/or
hand washing as well as increased detergent
and rinse agent usage.
The water softening process requires water
usage for both the regeneration process and
to flush the system. For purposes of this
Waiver request, the term ‘‘regeneration’’ will
include the water and energy used in both
the flushing and regeneration process of the
water softener. The water used in the
regeneration process is in addition to the
water used in the dish washing process. The
water used in the regeneration process does
not occur with each use of the Dishwasher.
The frequency of the regeneration process is
dependent upon an adjustable water softener
setting that is controlled by the end user, and
based on the home water hardness.
Regeneration frequency will vary greatly
depending upon the customer setting of the
water softener. Data from the U.S. Geological
Survey shows considerable variation in the
water hardness within the U.S. and for many
locations the use of a water softener is not
necessary. Water hardness varies throughout
the U.S. with the mean hardness of 217 mg/
liter or 12.6 grains/gallon (based on
information provided by the U.S. Geological
Survey located at https://water.usgs.gov/owq/
hardness-alkalinity.html).
Calculations
Water Use
• Based on the DOE Energy Test for
Dishwashers, the BSH Dishwashers listed in
this waiver with an internal water softener
use an average of approximately 9 liters of
water per dish cleaning cycle.
• Based on an average U.S. water hardness
of 12.6 grains/gallon, the internal BSH
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:45 Feb 06, 2013
Jkt 229001
Dishwasher water softener system would be
set on ‘‘3’’.
• Based on a BSH Dishwasher internal
water softening system setting of ‘‘3’’ and the
dishwasher using 9 liters of water per run,
the water regeneration process would occur
every 6th cycle.
• When using the Dishwasher 215 times
per year (per DOE test procedure), the
regeneration process would occur 35.8 times
(36).
• The internal BSH water softening system
uses approximately 5.0 per regeneration
cycle.
• Water usage calculation based on above
data.
Æ 36 × 5 = 180 liters per year (47.6 gallons)
or .84 liters (.22 gallons) each time the
dishwasher is used.
Energy Used in kWh
• Formula W = V × T × K
Æ V = Weighted Average Water Usage per
DOE
Æ T = Nominal water heater temperature
rise of 39° C
Æ K = Specific heat of water 0.00115
• Calculated Energy use—180 × 39 ×
.00115 = 8.0 kWh/yr
Summary
• A Dishwasher built by BSH with an
integrated water softener in a home with a
12.6 grain per gallon water hardness would
be cycled through the water softening
regeneration process approximately every 6
dish cleaning cycles. When the water used in
the water softener regeneration process is
apportioned evenly over all dishwasher runs,
the amount of energy and water usage per
cycle is very low. Based on the assumptions
provided, BSH estimates the typical water
used in the internal Dishwasher water
softener regeneration process at .84 liters (.22
gallons) per use; furthermore, using about 8.0
kWh per year to heat this water in the home
hot water heater.
3. Requirements Sought To Be Waived
Dishwashers are subjected to test methods
outlined in 10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B, App.
C, Section 4.3, which specifies the method
for the water energy calculation.
• BSH is requesting approval to estimate
the water and energy used in the water
softening process based on the design of the
BSH Dishwasher and the calculations and
assumptions outlined above.
4. Grounds for Waiver and Interim Waiver
10 CFR 430.27(a)(1) provides that a
Petition to waive a requirement of 430.23
may be submitted upon grounds that the
basic model contains one or more design
characteristics which either prevent testing of
the basic model according to the prescribed
test procedures, or the prescribed test
procedures may evaluate the basic model in
a manner so unrepresentative of its true
energy consumption characteristics as to
provide materially inaccurate comparative
data.
If a water softener regeneration process was
to occur while running an energy test, the
water usage would be overstated. In this case,
the water energy usage would be
unrepresentative of the product providing
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Frm 00016
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
inaccurate data resulting in a competitive
disadvantage to BSH.
Granting of an Interim Waiver in this case
is justified since the prescribed test
procedures would potentially evaluate the
basic model in a manner so unrepresentative
of its true energy consumption characteristics
as to provide materially inaccurate
comparative data. In addition, a similar
Interim Waiver and Waiver have previously
been granted to BSH.
5. Manufacturers of Similar Products and
Affected Manufacturers
Web based research shows that at least two
other manufacturers are currently selling
dishwashers with an integrated water
softener, Miele Inc. and Whirlpool
Corporation (Waiver Granted).
Manufacturers selling dishwashers in the
United States include AGA Marvel, Arcelik
A.S., ASKO Appliances, Inc., Electrolux
North America, Inc., Fagor America, Inc.,
Fisher & Paykel Appliances, GE Appliances
and Lighting, Haier America, Indesit
Company Sa, Teka USA, Inc., LG Electronics
USA, Miele, Inc., Samsung Electronics Co.,
Viking Range Corporation and Whirlpool
Corporation.
BSH will notify all companies listed above
(as well as AHAM), as required by the
Department’s rules, providing them with a
copy of this Petition for Waiver and Interim
Waiver.
6. Conclusion
BSH Home Appliances Corporation hereby
requests approval of the Waiver petition and
Interim Waiver. By granting said Waivers the
Department of Energy will further ensure that
water energy is measured in the same way by
all Dishwasher Manufacturer’s that have a
integrated water softener. Further, BSH
would request that these Waivers be in good
standing until such time that the test
procedure can be formally modified to
account for integrated water softeners.
BSH Home Appliances certifies that all
manufacturers of domestic Dishwashers as
listed above have been notified by letter.
With Best Regards,
Mike Edwards
Senior Engineer, Performance and
Consumption
BSH Home Appliances Corporation (FNbG)
100 Bosch Blvd., Building 102
New Bern, NC 28562–6924
mike.edwards@bshg.com
Phone (252) 672–9161
Fax (949) 809 6177
[FR Doc. 2013–02751 Filed 2–6–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy
Request for Information (RFI) for
Commercial Building Energy Asset
Score
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
AGENCY:
E:\FR\FM\07FEN1.SGM
07FEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 26 / Thursday, February 7, 2013 / Notices
Notice for Request for
Information.
ACTION:
The U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE) has developed a
preliminary commercial building energy
asset score (hereinafter ‘‘score’’). The
score provides information regarding
the efficiency of a building’s major
energy consuming systems and is
intended to enable greater
understanding of building performance
and potential savings. DOE is
developing this voluntary program as
part of its effort to achieve a 20 percent
improvement in the energy efficiency of
commercial buildings by 2020.
DATES: Comments may be submitted on
or before March 11, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments via email
to asset.score@ee.doe.gov or send mail
to: Joan Glickman, Attn: Commercial
Building Asset Score RFI, EE–2J, 1000
Independence Ave., SW., Washington,
DC 20585.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joan
Glickman, asset.score@ee.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
methodology used to score buildings
and generate other relevant information
is described in detail in the document
entitled ‘‘Commercial Building Energy
Asset Score: Program Overview and
Technical Protocol Version 1.0’’
(hereinafter ‘‘the Protocol’’). This
request for information (RFI) seeks input
on the following three components of
the Protocol:
1. Data collection and validation;
2. The asset score report; and
3. Score durability.
This RFI provides an overview of the
three program components. Additional
detail on each of the three topics is
provided in the Protocol. Stakeholders
are encouraged to download the
Protocol, which is available at the
following link: https://www1.eere.energy.
gov/buildings/commercial_initiative/
pdfs/energy_asset_score_technical_
protocol_phase1.pdf
This is the second RFI that DOE has
issued related to the score. On August
8, 2011, DOE issued an RFI seeking
input to inform overall development of
the voluntary program. In addition, DOE
conducted market research and outreach
to better understand the perspective of
industry and other interested groups.
These efforts, along with initial pilot
testing of the score with commercial
building owners and operators in 2012,
informed the development of the
current score. More information on the
asset score development process can be
found at this site: https://www1.eere.
energy.gov/buildings/commercial/
assetscore.html.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:45 Feb 06, 2013
Jkt 229001
DOE plans to continue to work with
commercial building owners and
operators to pilot test the score in 2013,
including application of the score to
additional building types. During this
testing period, DOE will continue to
refine the program as well as conduct
additional analysis to inform future
program development. Future
development of the program will
continue to be guided by previously
established principles, as described in
Section 2.2 of the Protocol. In brief, the
system must produce credible scores
and useful information at an affordable
cost.
1. Data Collection and Validation
To obtain an energy asset score using
the tool, building owners must input at
least the minimum required set of
information about a building. This
‘‘simple-level’’ use of the tool requires
filling in approximately 20–30 data
fields. Based on this information, the
tool produces a preliminary report not
intended to be used for official purposes
such as public display or a real estate
transaction. DOE recommends that
building owners who want to display a
report publicly or use the score for
transactional purposes obtain an
advanced report, which requires
completion of approximately 60–80
fields of data and will likely also require
that the data is validated and submitted
by a person qualified to collect this
information. When a user leaves a nonrequired data entry field blank, the tool
uses a default value (an estimate based
on the building type, location, and age)
to complete the energy model.
A preliminary data input list for the
simple and the advanced use levels can
be found in Appendix C of the Protocol.
DOE is collecting feedback on the data
collection process through pilot testing.
The full list will not be finalized until
after a pilot period, during which users
can respond to the usefulness of the
results and the difficulty of data
collection. The total time required for
the simple-level score is estimated to be
6–8 hours; the total time required for the
advanced-level data collection is
estimated to be less than 20 hours. The
simple-level time estimate was tested
during the first pilot project in 2012 and
will be further tested during the second
pilot project in 2013. DOE invites
comments from respondents on the
preliminary data classification, data
collection time, and method that can be
used to maintain a balance between
reasonable cost of data collection and
acceptable accuracy of results.
In addition to seeking input on data
required for the simple and advanced
scores, DOE also invites input on
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
9043
methods that can be used to validate
scores in cases where a score is being
used for official purposes (e.g.,
marketing to lessees, real estate sales).
Considerations might include assessor
qualification requirements, methods for
verifying or testing assessor
qualifications, as well as quality
assurance requirements and
implementation options.
2. Energy Asset Score Report
The energy asset scoring tool
produces a report that includes four
sections: A whole-building score, a
system evaluation, identified
opportunities for improvement, and a
description of building assets. The
primary modeling output of the energy
asset scoring tool is the energy use
intensity (EUI), which is used to
generate the energy asset score. No
baseline buildings are needed because
the calculated EUI is placed on a fixed
scale. Two sets of scores and associated
modeled EUIs are presented on the same
energy asset score scale: Current score
and potential score.
System evaluations are provided for
building components, including
envelope (roof, wall, window), lighting,
heating, cooling, and service hot water
systems. This information can help
users identify parts of the building in
need of attention. Two buildings with
the same energy asset score may have
different system evaluations. These
evaluations can give users insight into
their building’s strengths and
weaknesses. Based on the entered
building information, the energy asset
scoring tool also identifies potential
improvement opportunities in each
system evaluated.
Section 5 of the Protocol provides
detailed descriptions of the score
calculations, system evaluations
methods, and the generation of a costeffective upgrade package. DOE
welcomes comments on critical
information to be included in the energy
asset score report and the methodology
used to evaluate systems and generate
recommendations.
3. Durability of Energy Asset Score
DOE expects that a building’s score
will remain current for at least 10 years,
as long as the building does not undergo
significant infrastructure changes
including replacement of asset-related
energy systems. If DOE makes any
significant changes to the scoring
methodology or tool, users will be
notified and can receive an updated
energy asset score report based on the
latest version of the scoring tool.
After establishing 100-point scales for
all relevant building types, DOE expects
E:\FR\FM\07FEN1.SGM
07FEN1
9044
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 26 / Thursday, February 7, 2013 / Notices
that the scales can remain static for at
least 10 years. The overall efficiency of
the U.S. building stock is not expected
to change dramatically enough to
warrant scale revisions within 10 years.
Although building equipment will
degrade over time, equipment
performance is affected by multiple
factors, most of which are related to
operation and maintenance. Given this
combination of influences, equipment
degradation is not accounted for in the
score and will not affect the durability
of the score.
DOE will incorporate new software
releases of EnergyPlus as they are
developed. However, DOE expects that
most new features that extend modeling
capability or increase simulation speed
will have little effect on the energy asset
score. If a software update of EnergyPlus
or other updates to the scoring tool
result in a change of the modeling
results, prior users of the tool will
receive an updated score report.
More information about the score
durability is described in Section 3.2.4
of the Protocol. DOE welcomes
stakeholder comments on the durability
of the energy asset score scale and the
period for which a building should be
able to maintain its score.
Submitting Comments to DOE
DOE invites comments on all
elements discussed above, as well as
additional issues that respondents deem
important. Specifically, DOE requests
comments on (1) Data classification for
the simple and advanced levels of tool
use as well as score validation methods;
(2) critical information to be included in
the energy asset score report; and (3)
durability of the energy asset scores.
Comments may be submitted in
writing via direct mail or email within
on or before March 11, 2013. Please
limit comments to no more than 3 pages
per program area, not to exceed a total
of 8 pages.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Disclaimer and Important Notes
17:45 Feb 06, 2013
Jkt 229001
Issued in Washington, DC, on February 1,
2013.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy
Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy.
[FR Doc. 2013–02753 Filed 2–6–13; 8:45 am]
This is an RFI issued solely for
information and program planning
purposes; this RFI does not constitute a
formal solicitation for proposals or
abstracts. Your response to this notice
will be treated as information only. DOE
will not provide reimbursement for
costs incurred in responding to this RFI.
Respondents are advised that DOE is
under no obligation to acknowledge
receipt of the information received or
provide feedback to respondents with
respect to any information submitted
under this RFI. Responses to this RFI do
not bind DOE to any further actions
related to this topic.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
Confidential Business Information
According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any
person submitting information he or she
believes to be confidential and exempt
by law from public disclosure should
submit via email, postal mail, or hand
delivery/courier two well-marked
copies: One copy of the document
marked confidential including all the
information believed to be confidential,
and one copy of the document marked
non-confidential with the information
believed to be confidential deleted.
Submit these documents via email or on
a CD, if feasible. DOE will make its own
determination about the confidential
status of the information and treat it
according to its determination.
Factors of interest to DOE when
evaluating requests to treat submitted
information as confidential include: (1)
A description of the items; (2) whether
and why such items are customarily
treated as confidential within the
industry; (3) whether the information is
generally known by or available from
other sources; (4) whether the
information has previously been made
available to others without obligation
concerning its confidentiality; (5) an
explanation of the competitive injury to
the submitting person which would
result from public disclosure; (6) when
such information might lose its
confidential character due to the
passage of time; and (7) why disclosure
of the information would be contrary to
the public interest.
It is DOE’s policy that all comments
may be included in the public docket,
without change and as received,
including any personal information
provided in the comments (except
information deemed to be exempt from
public disclosure).
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[FRL–9777–4]
Adequacy Status of the Motor Vehicle
Emission Budgets for Metropolitan
Washington DC Area (DC–MD–VA)
1997 8-Hour Ozone Non-Attainment
Area’s 2009 Attainment Plan and 2010
Contingency Plan
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
AGENCY:
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
ACTION:
Notice of adequacy.
In this notice, EPA is
notifying the public that the Motor
Vehicle Emissions Budgets (MVEBs) for
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and
nitrogen oxides (NOX) in the 2009
Attainment Plan and 2010 Contingency
Plan submitted as a State
Implementation Plan (SIP) revision on
June 4, 2007 by the Maryland
Department of the Environment (MDE)
and June 12, 2007 by both the Virginia
Department of Environmental Quality
(VADEQ) and the District of Columbia
Department of Health (DCDOH) are
adequate for transportation conformity
purposes. As a result of EPA’s finding,
the Washington DC–MD–VA
Nonattainment Area for the 1997 8-Hour
Ozone National Ambient Air Quality
Standard (the Metropolitan Washington
Area) must use the MVEBs from the
June 4, 2007 and June 12, 2007
Attainment Plan and Contingency Plan
for future conformity determinations for
the 1997 8-hour ozone standard.
DATES: The adequacy finding for MVEBs
for VOCs and NOX is effective February
22, 2013.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Martin Kotsch, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Region III, 1650
Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
19103 at (215) 814–3335 or by email at:
kotsch.martin@epa.gov. The finding is
available at EPA’s conformity Web site:
https://www.epa.gov/otaq/
stateresources/transconf/currsips.htm.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The word
‘‘budgets’’ refers to the motor vehicle
emission budgets for VOCs and NOX.
The word ‘‘SIP’’ in this document refers
to the Attainment Plan and Contingency
Plan for the Metropolitan Washington
Area, 1997 8-Hour Ozone
Nonattainment Area submitted to EPA
as a SIP revision on June 4, 2007 by
MDE and June 12, 2007 by VADEQ and
DCDOH.
Today’s notice is simply an
announcement of a finding that EPA has
already made. In this notice, EPA is
notifying the public that we have found
that the MVEBs in the 2009 Attainment
Plan and 2010 Contingency Plan,
submitted on June 4, 2007 by MDE and
June 12, 2007 by VADEQ and DCDOH,
are adequate for transportation
conformity purposes. As a result of
EPA’s finding, the Metropolitan
Washington Area must use the MVEBs
from the 2009 Attainment Plan and
2010 Contingency Plan for future
conformity determinations for the 1997
8-hour ozone standard. This finding has
also been announced on EPA’s
conformity Web site: https://
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\07FEN1.SGM
07FEN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 26 (Thursday, February 7, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9042-9044]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-02753]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Request for Information (RFI) for Commercial Building Energy
Asset Score
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
[[Page 9043]]
ACTION: Notice for Request for Information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has developed a
preliminary commercial building energy asset score (hereinafter
``score''). The score provides information regarding the efficiency of
a building's major energy consuming systems and is intended to enable
greater understanding of building performance and potential savings.
DOE is developing this voluntary program as part of its effort to
achieve a 20 percent improvement in the energy efficiency of commercial
buildings by 2020.
DATES: Comments may be submitted on or before March 11, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments via email to asset.score@ee.doe.gov or send
mail to: Joan Glickman, Attn: Commercial Building Asset Score RFI, EE-
2J, 1000 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20585.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joan Glickman, asset.score@ee.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The methodology used to score buildings and
generate other relevant information is described in detail in the
document entitled ``Commercial Building Energy Asset Score: Program
Overview and Technical Protocol Version 1.0'' (hereinafter ``the
Protocol''). This request for information (RFI) seeks input on the
following three components of the Protocol:
1. Data collection and validation;
2. The asset score report; and
3. Score durability.
This RFI provides an overview of the three program components.
Additional detail on each of the three topics is provided in the
Protocol. Stakeholders are encouraged to download the Protocol, which
is available at the following link: https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/commercial_initiative/pdfs/energy_asset_score_technical_protocol_phase1.pdf
This is the second RFI that DOE has issued related to the score. On
August 8, 2011, DOE issued an RFI seeking input to inform overall
development of the voluntary program. In addition, DOE conducted market
research and outreach to better understand the perspective of industry
and other interested groups. These efforts, along with initial pilot
testing of the score with commercial building owners and operators in
2012, informed the development of the current score. More information
on the asset score development process can be found at this site:
https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/commercial/assetscore.html.
DOE plans to continue to work with commercial building owners and
operators to pilot test the score in 2013, including application of the
score to additional building types. During this testing period, DOE
will continue to refine the program as well as conduct additional
analysis to inform future program development. Future development of
the program will continue to be guided by previously established
principles, as described in Section 2.2 of the Protocol. In brief, the
system must produce credible scores and useful information at an
affordable cost.
1. Data Collection and Validation
To obtain an energy asset score using the tool, building owners
must input at least the minimum required set of information about a
building. This ``simple-level'' use of the tool requires filling in
approximately 20-30 data fields. Based on this information, the tool
produces a preliminary report not intended to be used for official
purposes such as public display or a real estate transaction. DOE
recommends that building owners who want to display a report publicly
or use the score for transactional purposes obtain an advanced report,
which requires completion of approximately 60-80 fields of data and
will likely also require that the data is validated and submitted by a
person qualified to collect this information. When a user leaves a non-
required data entry field blank, the tool uses a default value (an
estimate based on the building type, location, and age) to complete the
energy model.
A preliminary data input list for the simple and the advanced use
levels can be found in Appendix C of the Protocol. DOE is collecting
feedback on the data collection process through pilot testing. The full
list will not be finalized until after a pilot period, during which
users can respond to the usefulness of the results and the difficulty
of data collection. The total time required for the simple-level score
is estimated to be 6-8 hours; the total time required for the advanced-
level data collection is estimated to be less than 20 hours. The
simple-level time estimate was tested during the first pilot project in
2012 and will be further tested during the second pilot project in
2013. DOE invites comments from respondents on the preliminary data
classification, data collection time, and method that can be used to
maintain a balance between reasonable cost of data collection and
acceptable accuracy of results.
In addition to seeking input on data required for the simple and
advanced scores, DOE also invites input on methods that can be used to
validate scores in cases where a score is being used for official
purposes (e.g., marketing to lessees, real estate sales).
Considerations might include assessor qualification requirements,
methods for verifying or testing assessor qualifications, as well as
quality assurance requirements and implementation options.
2. Energy Asset Score Report
The energy asset scoring tool produces a report that includes four
sections: A whole-building score, a system evaluation, identified
opportunities for improvement, and a description of building assets.
The primary modeling output of the energy asset scoring tool is the
energy use intensity (EUI), which is used to generate the energy asset
score. No baseline buildings are needed because the calculated EUI is
placed on a fixed scale. Two sets of scores and associated modeled EUIs
are presented on the same energy asset score scale: Current score and
potential score.
System evaluations are provided for building components, including
envelope (roof, wall, window), lighting, heating, cooling, and service
hot water systems. This information can help users identify parts of
the building in need of attention. Two buildings with the same energy
asset score may have different system evaluations. These evaluations
can give users insight into their building's strengths and weaknesses.
Based on the entered building information, the energy asset scoring
tool also identifies potential improvement opportunities in each system
evaluated.
Section 5 of the Protocol provides detailed descriptions of the
score calculations, system evaluations methods, and the generation of a
cost-effective upgrade package. DOE welcomes comments on critical
information to be included in the energy asset score report and the
methodology used to evaluate systems and generate recommendations.
3. Durability of Energy Asset Score
DOE expects that a building's score will remain current for at
least 10 years, as long as the building does not undergo significant
infrastructure changes including replacement of asset-related energy
systems. If DOE makes any significant changes to the scoring
methodology or tool, users will be notified and can receive an updated
energy asset score report based on the latest version of the scoring
tool.
After establishing 100-point scales for all relevant building
types, DOE expects
[[Page 9044]]
that the scales can remain static for at least 10 years. The overall
efficiency of the U.S. building stock is not expected to change
dramatically enough to warrant scale revisions within 10 years.
Although building equipment will degrade over time, equipment
performance is affected by multiple factors, most of which are related
to operation and maintenance. Given this combination of influences,
equipment degradation is not accounted for in the score and will not
affect the durability of the score.
DOE will incorporate new software releases of EnergyPlus as they
are developed. However, DOE expects that most new features that extend
modeling capability or increase simulation speed will have little
effect on the energy asset score. If a software update of EnergyPlus or
other updates to the scoring tool result in a change of the modeling
results, prior users of the tool will receive an updated score report.
More information about the score durability is described in Section
3.2.4 of the Protocol. DOE welcomes stakeholder comments on the
durability of the energy asset score scale and the period for which a
building should be able to maintain its score.
Submitting Comments to DOE
DOE invites comments on all elements discussed above, as well as
additional issues that respondents deem important. Specifically, DOE
requests comments on (1) Data classification for the simple and
advanced levels of tool use as well as score validation methods; (2)
critical information to be included in the energy asset score report;
and (3) durability of the energy asset scores.
Comments may be submitted in writing via direct mail or email
within on or before March 11, 2013. Please limit comments to no more
than 3 pages per program area, not to exceed a total of 8 pages.
Disclaimer and Important Notes
This is an RFI issued solely for information and program planning
purposes; this RFI does not constitute a formal solicitation for
proposals or abstracts. Your response to this notice will be treated as
information only. DOE will not provide reimbursement for costs incurred
in responding to this RFI. Respondents are advised that DOE is under no
obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or
provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information
submitted under this RFI. Responses to this RFI do not bind DOE to any
further actions related to this topic.
Confidential Business Information
According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any person submitting information he
or she believes to be confidential and exempt by law from public
disclosure should submit via email, postal mail, or hand delivery/
courier two well-marked copies: One copy of the document marked
confidential including all the information believed to be confidential,
and one copy of the document marked non-confidential with the
information believed to be confidential deleted. Submit these documents
via email or on a CD, if feasible. DOE will make its own determination
about the confidential status of the information and treat it according
to its determination.
Factors of interest to DOE when evaluating requests to treat
submitted information as confidential include: (1) A description of the
items; (2) whether and why such items are customarily treated as
confidential within the industry; (3) whether the information is
generally known by or available from other sources; (4) whether the
information has previously been made available to others without
obligation concerning its confidentiality; (5) an explanation of the
competitive injury to the submitting person which would result from
public disclosure; (6) when such information might lose its
confidential character due to the passage of time; and (7) why
disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest.
It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public
docket, without change and as received, including any personal
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be
exempt from public disclosure).
Issued in Washington, DC, on February 1, 2013.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2013-02753 Filed 2-6-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P