Access Tools
Analytical Software Tools
The following analytical software tools are intended to help choose conservation measures that are most cost effective and environmentally friendly. Used at the facility evaluation and assessment stage of energy project development, the tools compare potential energy conservation measures by performing complex energy consumption analyses and modeling, as well as comparative life-cycle costing analyses.
BLCC—The Building Life-Cycle Cost (BLCC) program analyzes capital investments in buildings. Includes EERC 1.0-09b, the Energy Escalation Rate Calculator that computes an average annual escalation rate based on EIA energy price forecasts to calculate contract payments in ESPC and UESC projects.
EnergyPlus—The EnergyPlus Simulation Program helps building designers and owners save money, reduce energy and improve indoor air quality.
FEDS 6.0—The Facility Energy Decision System provides a comprehensive integrated resource planning approach to selecting technologies with a minimum life-cycle cost.
WATERGY 3.0—Download this updated version of WATERGY. Changes include bug fixes and worksheets that are easier to read and print out.
FRESA—A new, improved version of the Federal Renewable Energy Screening Assistant (FRESA) is currently under development. The new, Web-based version will better help users examine which renewable technologies are cost-effective at their site. Please check back for more information on its release, or contact Alicen Kandt at alicen_kandt@nrel.gov.
Information on more than 200 software tools is available from the U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Web site. Some of the software is free and downloadable.
Database Tools
High Performance Federal Buildings Database
The High Performance Federal Buildings Database showcases sustainable, high-performing buildings in the federal government. These buildings feature various combinations of energy-efficient practices, such as daylighting, and renewable energy technologies, such as building integrated photovoltaics. This database taps into the High Performance Buildings Database of the DOE Building Technologies Program and provides valuable project-related information. Depending on the project, this information can include details about finance, land use, building materials, and many other project elements. For more information, visit the High Performance Federal Buildings Database.
Sustainable Federal Buildings Database
This tool provides easy access to a compilation of federal agency policies and guidelines on energy efficient, sustainable government facilities. Exemplary policies from other levels of government are also included. Documents included range from general policy directives to specific design criteria and operating requirements. For more information, visit the tool on the Whole Building Design Guide Web site.