Energy Analysis How to Guide

Last Revised: 08.23.12

Table of Contents

Section 1: About …….…………………………………………………………. page 2

Section 2: Residential Buildings (ECC Chapter 4) ………………………. page 2

Section 3: Commercial Buildings (ECC Chapter 5 Or ASHRAE 90.1).. page 4

Section 4: Presentation Of Energy Analysis ………………….…………. page 6

Subsection 4.1: Registered Design Professional Responsibility …... page 7

Subsection 4.2: Applications that Are Not Exempt

but May Not Need to Comply with the NYCECC ………..………….. page 7

Section 5: Appendix …………………………………………………………… page 9

Figure 1: Sample REScheck Compliance Certificate ……………….. page 9

Figure 2: Tabular Analysis ……………………………………………... page 10

Figure 3: COMcheck Envelope ………………………………………... page 11

Figure 4: COMcheck HVAC-Service Water Heating …………..…….. page 12

Figure 5A: COMcheck Interior Lighting Certificate ……..………..... page 13

Figure 5B: COMcheck Interior Lighting Application Worksheet …..... page 14

Figure 6: COMcheck Exterior Lighting Certificate ………..….……..... page 15

Figure 7: Energy Modeling, EN1 Form ………………………………... page 16

Figure 8: Tabular Analysis ……………………………………………... page 17

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 SECTION 1: ABOUT

The Energy Analysis describes how a project complies with the New York City Energy
Conservation Code (NYCECC). It identifies the strategy or compliance path taken by the design
team and the ECC chapter or the ASHRAE standard used for design. An Energy Analysis is not
required if the project is exempt.

The Energy Analysis must represent the entire project, including a building’s envelope, HVAC,
service water heating, lighting and electrical power systems as applicable to the scope of the
project work. The Energy Analysis may be in one of the formats below. Other formats may be
used if approved in advance by the Secretary of State of New York State, where required and
the Buildings Commissioner.

 REScheck
 COMcheck
 DOE2-based energy modeling software, using Form EN1 for reporting to the Department
 Energy Code Tabular Analysis (pdf)

Applicants must key the identifying terms used in the energy analysis to the construction
drawings, so that each wall type, window type, HVAC unit, lighting fixture, etc., can be clearly
linked to their location in the drawings. Applicants must also provide sheet numbers, signaling
where the supporting documentation for each line item in the energy analysis can be found. This
can be done either through a column in the tabular analysis format or in notes section relating to
the COMcheck, REScheck or EN1 form in the drawings.

For more information and requirements regarding REScheck, COMcheck and DOE2 software,
see the Additional Information page.

SECTION 2: RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS (ECC CHAPTER 4)

The NYCECC defines residential buildings as one-, two-, three- and multiple-family
dwellings three stories or less. All residential buildings four stories and above are
categorized as a commercial building.

New Residential Buildings

You may use one of the below forms when doing an energy analysis for a new
residential building. See the Additional Information page for more information.

1. REScheck Software: Can be used to demonstrate compliance with the NYCECC

when doing an analysis for a new residential building. When using REScheck,
you must complete all the checkboxes on all the pages of the form as shown in
Figure 1 in the Appendix.

2. Tabular Analysis: Can be used to demonstrate compliance with the NYCECC

when doing an analysis for a new residential building, as shown in Figure 2 in the

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 Appendix and described in the Residential Additions and Alterations section
below.

Residential Additions and Alterations

You may use one of the below forms when doing an energy analysis for an addition or
alteration to a residential building. See the Additional Information page for more
information.

1. REScheck Software: Can be used to demonstrate compliance with the NYCECC

when doing an analysis for a residential addition or alteration when a whole
building analysis is being performed. When using REScheck, you must complete
all the checkboxes on all the pages of the form, as shown in Figure 1 in the
Appendix.

Note: The applicant should be prepared to prove all the values used to represent the existing
building.

2. Tabular Analysis: Can be used to demonstrate compliance with the NYCECC

when doing an analysis for a residential addition or alteration, as shown in Figure
2 in the Appendix. You must comply entirely with the prescriptive values in the
NYCECC, no performance calculations will be accepted and in the heading title
you must include “Energy Analysis,” the project’s occupancy (residential or
mixed), the scope of work and the climate zone. In the four columns below, you
must also include each scope of work item, the proposed energy value for each
item, the energy value prescribed for each item by the NYCECC with the relevant
citation and the drawing number(s) where supporting documentation may be
found.

For an optional method to present the tabular analysis, see the residential
building sections of the Energy Code Tabular Analysis table. Complete the lines
that apply to your project and delete those rows that do not apply to your project.

Note: One tabular prescriptive analysis may be used for both the residential and commercial
occupancies in a mixed occupancy project.

Mixed Occupancy with a Residential Section

When a proposed project has a mixed occupancy, each occupancy must be considered
separately and separate energy analyses must be performed demonstrating how the
occupancies will comply with Chapters 4 and 5 of the NYCECC, respectively, Section
ECC 101.4.6 of the NYCECC. For a residential building with commercial space, this can
be accomplished by simply adding a tabular analysis for the commercial space to
REScheck or by performing an entire analysis for both the residential and commercial
spaces through a single tabular analysis.

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 SECTION 3: COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS (ECC CHAPTER 5 OR ASHRAE 90.1)

The NYCECC defines commercial buildings as any building that is not a residential
building. This includes one-, two- or multiple-family dwellings four stories or higher,
which are called Group R Buildings in ECC Chapter 5 for envelope purposes as well as
all other occupancy types, regardless of number of stories.

Commercial projects must use either Chapter 5 of the NYCECC or ASHRAE 90.1 for
compliance. You must decide which code all disciplines will use for their project.

New Commercial Buildings

You may use one of the below formats when doing an energy analysis for a new
commercial building. See the Additional Information page for more information.

1. COMcheck: Can be used to demonstrate compliance with the NYCECC when

doing an analysis for a new commercial building. When using COMcheck, you
must complete all the checkboxes on all the pages of the form, as shown in
Figure 3 in the Appendix.

2. DOE2-Based Energy Modeling Software: Can be used to demonstrate

compliance with the NYCECC when doing an analysis for a new commercial
building. The analysis must be reported on the Energy Cost Budget
Worksheet (EN1 Form), as show in Figure 7 in the Appendix. You may use
either Section ECC 506 of the NYCECC or Chapter 11 in ASHRAE 90.1 and
energy modeling based on the DOE2 program.

3. Tabular Analysis: Can be used to demonstrate compliance with the NYCECC

when doing an analysis for a new commercial building, as shown in Figure 8
of the Appendix and described in in the Commercial Additions and Alterations
section below.

Note: The COMcheck Lighting Application Worksheet, as shown in Figure 5B in the

Appendix, may be submitted at the discretion of the applicant to demonstrate how the lighting
portion of the design will comply with the NYCECC.

Commercial Additions and Alterations

You may use one of the following formats when doing an energy analysis for an addition
or alteration to a commercial building. See the Additional Information page for more
information.

1. COMcheck Software for the Energy Conservation Construction Code of New

York State or ASHRAE 90.1: Can be used to demonstrate compliance with
the NYCECC when doing an analysis for an alteration or addition to a
commercial building. You must use whichever form was used for the design
and you must complete all the checkboxes on all the pages of the form, as
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 shown in Figures 3 through 6 in the Appendix – apply them as they seem fit to
the scope of work for examples of the COMcheck report elements.
The COMcheck report must state that the project type is an addition or
alteration where applicable.

COMcheck may only be used when a whole building analysis is being

performed, including both the existing building and addition/alteration. You
should be prepared to prove the values used to represent the existing
building.

2. DOE2-Based Energy Modeling Software: Can be used to demonstrate

compliance with the NYCECC when doing an analysis for an alteration or
addition to a commercial building. The analysis must be reported on the
Energy Cost Budget Worksheet (EN1 Form). You must use energy modeling
when such software is designed to model commercial additions or alterations
as applicable and reports such project type. See Figure 7 in the Appendix for
an example of a completed form.

3. Tabular Analysis: Can be used to demonstrate compliance with the NYCECC

when doing an analysis for an alteration or addition to a commercial building,
as shown in Figure 8 in the Appendix. You must comply entirely with the
prescriptive values in the NYCECC, no performance calculations will be
accepted unless the COMcheck Lighting Application Worksheet is submitted
with trade-offs within lighting only. In the heading title you must include
“Energy Analysis,” the project’s occupancy (commercial), the scope of work,
the climate zone and the standard used (Chapter 5 or ASHRAE 90.1). In the
four columns below, you must also include each scope of work item, the
proposed energy value for each item, the energy value prescribed for each
item by the NYCECC with the relevant citation and the drawing number(s)
where supporting documentation may be found.

Note: The COMcheck Lighting Application Worksheet, as shown in Figure 5B in the

Appendix, may be submitted at the discretion of the applicant to demonstrate how the lighting
portion of the design will comply with the NYCECC.

For an optional method to present the tabular analysis, see the commercial building
sections of the Energy Code Tabular Analysis table. Complete the lines that apply to
your project and delete those rows that do not apply to your project.

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 SECTION 4: PRESENTATION OF ENERGY ANALYSIS

The energy analysis must be included on a drawing or drawings within the construction
drawing set.

Projects Filed Under One Application Number with No Discipline Trade-Offs

When all disciplines are filed under one application number and there are no trade-offs
among disciplines, each element of the energy analysis may be submitted with the
related drawings.

For example, if you are using COMcheck, the envelope report may be included in the
architectural set, the mechanical report with the mechanical set or the lighting report
with the electrical or energy drawings (or architectural or mechanical drawings, as
applicable); or the entire energy analysis may also be submitted with the initial filing of
the project.

Projects Filed Under Separate Application Numbers

When disciplines are filed under separate application numbers, the energy analysis
elements for all disciplines must be submitted together in the initial filing for the project.

Discipline Trade-Offs

When trade-offs are used among disciplines, the energy analysis must be included in
the initial filing for the project and signed and sealed by the lead professional.

Foundation Permits

When a foundation permit is filed separately for a new building, the foundation drawings
must include a tabular analysis and details showing foundation insulation. Additionally,
the next filing for the entire project must include the entire energy analysis, including the
foundation.

Signing and Sealing

When multiple applicants are permitted to sign and seal their parts of the energy
analysis (as above in this section) and all parts of the energy analysis are presented on
one sheet (or more as required) with each professional signing and sealing his or her
respective report, there should be no seal and signature on the title block of the sheet
and it must bear the EN discipline designator.

Each report may be placed on a separate sheet bearing the EN discipline designator,
and each professional should then sign and seal his or her respective sheet at the title
block only or the lead professionals should sign and seal at the title block.

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 SUBSECTION 4.1: REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Lead Professional

When trade-offs among disciplines are used, a single professional, identified as the lead
professional, must sign and seal the entire energy analysis.

For example, a building design utilizes a glass curtain wall that underperforms the
prescriptive requirements in the NYCECC for the envelope, but this is mitigated with the
lighting and mechanical systems that exceed NYCECC efficiency requirements.
Because the envelope will not pass the compliance test, the project must undergo
energy modeling using a DOE2-based program in order to demonstrate that the overall
project will not use any more energy than a building of similar occupancy, mass, height,
etc., and meets all the other prescriptive requirements of the NYCECC without trade-
offs. Consequently, one professional must take responsibility for the entire energy
analysis by signing and sealing the energy analysis drawing(s).

Respective Professional Responsibility

When trade-offs are not used among disciplines registered design professionals may
sign and seal their respective parts of the energy analysis. See Section 4: Presentation
of Energy Analysis” above for information on where to sign and seal the drawing(s).

Registered Design Professional, Other than the Design Applicant of Record

Registered design professionals other than the design applicant(s) of record may sign
and seal the energy analysis, provided that such professional(s) file a PW1 form as a
subsequent filing to the initial filing for the project. For the work type, such registered
design professionals should check “OT” and indicate “EN” or “E” on the line following.

SUBSECTION 4.2: APPLICATIONS THAT ARE NOT EXEMPT BUT MAY NOT
NEED TO COMPLY WITH THE NYCECC

When you must check on the PW1 form that the application complies with the NYCECC
(see the Professional Statement page for more information) but the scope includes
exempt items, items that may be exemptions under Section ECC 101.4.3 of the
NYCECC or you deem items as not required to comply with the NYCECC, Section ECC
101.4.3 of the NYCECC, then you should list these items in the energy analysis and
then address them there. We recommend listing them in the tabular analysis, as it is the
best and easiest format for this situation in most cases. In such case, where appropriate
and applicable, the applicant may indicate “NA” in the proposed value column and “NA”
in the prescriptive value column and provide the citation where applicable as indicated
above.

For example, if you are adding an unconditioned garage accessory to a one-family

residence, where the roof, walls, windows and slab-on-grade of the garage are exempt
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from thermal requirements of the NYCECC but the lighting must comply, you must
check that the application complies in section 10 of the PW1 form. Then in the energy
analysis on line 1, indicate “new roof, new walls and new floor” for the scope of work
item, a proposed value of “NA” and a prescriptive value of “NA” and cite the exemption
that allows no insulation (§ECC 101.5.2). On line 2, indicate “install two lighting fixtures”
for the scope of work item, indicate a prescriptive value of 0.3W/SF and cite the code
section prescribing the lighting requirements for this U occupancy (ECC Table 505.5.2).

Note: In cases where Section 10 of the PW1 form must be checked for compliance, but when the energy
analysis shows no compliance is necessary, the TR8 will automatically be triggered as a required item.
See the Professional Statement page and Information About Forms page for more information on how to
address this form in such circumstances.

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 SECTION 5: APPENDIX

FIGURE 1: SAMPLE RESCHECK COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

Notes:

1. Roof, Skylight, Wall,

Window, Door and
Foundation Types in
Energy Analysis should
be carried over to
construction drawings for
clear identification.

2. Provide sheet numbers

where each line item is
supported in the
construction drawings.

Supporting Documentation Reference:

Roof Type 1: A104.01

Exterior Wall Types A and B: A301.01
Doors A and B: A401.01
Windows 1-5: A401.01

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 FIGURE 2: TABULAR ANALYSIS

Applicants must include reference to the applicable Supporting

Documentation for EACH item within the Tabular Analysis.

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 FIGURE 3: COMCHECK ENVELOPE

Supporting Documentation Reference:

Roof Type 1: A601.01
Wall Types 1-5: A401.01
Doors A and B: A501.01
Windows 1-8 A501.01
Foundation Type 1: S201.01
Basement Wall Type 1: S201.01, A402.01
Progress Inspections for Envelope: A601.01

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 FIGURE 4: COMCHECK HVAC-SERVICE WATER HEATING

Supporting Documentation Reference:

AHU #1 - #5: M701.01

Controls Narrative: M604.01
Typical duct insulation and sealing: M602.01
Progress Inspections for Mechanical: M801.01

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 FIGURE 5A: COMCHECK INTERIOR LIGHTING CERTIFICATE

Supporting Documentation Reference

Interior lighting layouts, Floors B-3: E101.01 – E104.01

Exterior lighting layouts: E106.01
Lighting Fixture Legend: E601.01
Lighting Controls Narratives: E602.01
Progress Inspections: E801.01

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 FIGURE 5B: COMCHECK INTERIOR LIGHTING APPLICATION WORKSHEET

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 FIGURE 6: COMCHECK EXTERIOR LIGHTING CERTIFICATE

Supporting Documentation Reference

Exterior lighting elevations: A601.01 – A604.01

Exterior lighting layouts: A606.01
Lighting Fixture Legend: A601.01
Lighting Controls Narratives: A602.01
Progress Inspections: EN102.01

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 FIGURE 7: ENERGY MODELING, EN1 FORM

Supporting Documentation Reference

Roof Types 1-3: A801.01
Wall Types 1-5: A401.01, A402.01
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Doors A – G: A501.01
Curtain wall Types #1-20: A601.01 – A625.01
Foundation Wall Types 1-4: A701.01, S501.01 – S504.01
Boilers 1, 2: M501.01, M801.01
AHU #1 - #6: M502.01 – M505.01, M801.01
Controls Narratives: M802.01
Interior Lighting Layouts: E101.01 – E125.01
Exterior Lighting Layouts and Elevations: E130.01 – E136.01
Lighting Legends: E801.01
Lighting Controls and Narratives: E002.01

FIGURE 8: TABULAR ANALYSIS

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