How scores are calculated

The models behind the benchmark scores and the energy savings.

On this page

Calibrated model

  • What it is: A model based on actual weather data and measured energy use.
  • How it’s used: The starting point for all other calculations.

Weather-normalized model

  • What it is: The calibrated model run with typical weather data (TMY3).
  • How it’s used: For consistent energy analysis across different time periods.

Two reference models

The scores compare your building with two versions of itself:

  • Typical Operation Scenario (B) - Your building with standard (ASHRAE) operating schedules and setpoints. It shows how much of your energy use comes from how the building is operated.
  • Code-Compliant Scenario (C) - Your building built to just meet the selected energy code. It shows how much comes from the building itself: its envelope and equipment.

On the Benchmark page, your building as it operates today is the Current Building Performance (A).

Both scores use a scale where 100 means using no energy and 50 means using exactly as much as the reference scenario. Higher is better.

Operational score

  • Reference: Typical Operation Scenario (B), using standard (ASHRAE) schedules instead of the actual operating conditions
  • Formula: Operational score = 100 - 50 × A EUI / B EUI

Asset score

  • Reference: Code-Compliant Scenario (C), with the input parameters changed to meet the selected energy code
  • Formula: Asset score = 100 - 50 × A EUI / C EUI

Energy savings

For retrofit projects, the model with the proposed energy conservation measures is compared with the calibrated model.

`mermaid graph TD A[“Weather-normalized calibrated model (A)”] A –>|”Operational Score”| C[“Typical Operation Scenario (B)”] A –>|”Asset Score”| D[“Code-Compliant Scenario (C)”]

subgraph "Benchmarking Score"
    C
    D
end

style A fill:#ff9999,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px

style C fill:#f0f0f0,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
style D fill:#f0f0f0,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px ```

Simplified explanation

  1. Start with a model based on real data (the calibrated model).
  2. Adjust it for typical weather (weather-normalized).
  3. Create two more models from it:
    • one with standard operating schedules, for the operational score
    • one that meets the energy code, for the asset score
  4. Compare the models to see how the building performs against typical operations and against the energy code.
  5. The formulas give higher scores to buildings that use less energy than the reference scenarios.