CSA Group CSA/ANSI Z5020:23 Building energy modelling

Preface

This is the first edition of CSA Z5020, Building energy modelling.

CSA Group acknowledges that the development of this Standard was made possible, in part, by the financial support of BC Hydro, Independent Electricity System Operator, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Hydro Québec, Electricity Canada, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, and EfficiencyOne.

This Standard was prepared by the Subcommittee on Building Energy Modelling, under the jurisdiction of the Technical Committee on Building Energy Systems and the Strategic Steering Committee (C400) on Standards for Energy Using Systems, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee. This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.

This Standard has been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as an AmericanNational Standard.

Note: The Strategic Steering Committee (C400) on Standards for Energy Using Systems has provided the following direction for the interpretation of standards under its jurisdiction: “The literal text shall be used in judging compliance of products with the safety requirements of this Standard. When the literal text cannot be applied to the product, such as for new materials or construction, and when a relevant committee interpretation has not already been published, CSA's procedures for interpretation shall be followed to determine the intended safety principle.”

Notes:
1) Use of the singular does not exclude the plural (and vice versa) when the sense allows.
2) Although the intended primary application of this Standard is stated in its Scope, it is important to note that it remains the responsibility of the users of the Standard to judge its suitability for their particular purpose.
3) This Standard was developed by consensus, which is defined by CSA Policy governing standardization — Code of good practice for standardization as “substantial agreement. Consensus implies much more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity”. It is consistent with this definition that a member may be included in the Technical Committee list and yet not be in full agreement with all clauses of this Standard.
4) To submit a request for interpretation of this Standard, please send the following information to [email protected] and include “Request for interpretation” in the subject line:
a) define the problem, making reference to the specific clause, and, where appropriate, include an illustrative sketch;
b) provide an explanation of circumstances surrounding the actual field condition; and
c) where possible, phrase the request in such a way that a specific “yes” or “no” answer will address the issue.
Committee interpretations are processed in accordance with the CSA Directives and guidelines governing standardization and are available on the Current Standards Activities page at standardsactivities.csa.ca.
5) This Standard is subject to review within five years from the date of publication. Suggestions for its improvement will be referred to the appropriate committee. To submit a proposal for change, please send the following information to [email protected] and include “Proposal for change” in the subject line:
a) Standard designation (number);
b) relevant clause, table, and/or figure number;
c) wording of the proposed change; and
d) rationale for the change.

1 Scope

1.1 Aim
This Standard describes energy model QA and QC rules and procedures to help standardize modelling requirements based on the energy model use case, in order to improve confidence in and consistency of modelling results.

1.2 Methodology
This Standard provides a methodology for classifying energy model use cases.

1.3 Application
This Standard supports the consistent application of energy modelling to new buildings to document compliance with the BEM program.

1.4 Exclusions
This Standard applies to all buildings except single-family houses, multifamily structures of three or fewer stories above grade, mobile homes, and modular homes.

1.5 Requirements
The requirements and procedures of this Standard are in addition to the requirements of the modelling ruleset prescribed by the BEM program. Where this Standard conflicts with the requirements of the modelling ruleset, the requirements of the modelling ruleset take precedence.

1.6 Intended audience
This Standard is intended to assist authorities having jurisdiction, rating authorities, and other entities that administer programs that require building energy simulation with establishing modelling and submittal requirements, simulation tool policies, and the submittal review process.

1.7 Terminology
In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as
requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their
application.