The Building Energy Modeling (BEM) sub-program is an important part of BTO and its Emerging Technologies Program. BEM is a versatile, multipurpose tool that is used in new building and retrofit design, code compliance, green certification, qualification for tax credits and utility incentives, and even real-time building control. BEM is also used in large-scale analyses to develop building energy-efficiency codes and inform policy decisions. So what exactly is BEM? And what roles does the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) play in the BEM industry and community? Learn more about BEM, its uses, and BTO’s BEM portfolio ►
Software and Project Portfolio
EnergyPlus
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EnergyPlus is DOE's open-source state-of-the-art whole building energy simulation engine.
OpenStudio
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OpenStudio is an open-source software development kit (SDK) for energy modeling with EnergyPlus.
Spawn-of-EnergyPlus (Spawn)
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Spawn is a next-generation BEM-controls engine based on open-standards for co-simulation (FMI) and equation-based modeling (Modelica).
Building Energy Modeling Project Portfolio
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BTO's active and completed Building Energy Modeling projects.
End-Use Breakdown: The BEM Blog
Python EMS: A Unique EnergyPlus Feature Gets a Serious Upgrade
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Released in March 2020, EnergyPlus 9.3.0 fast-forwards the Energy Management System feature about 40 years.
Autodesk Brings Detailed EnergyPlus HVAC Simulation to Revit
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New Systems Analysis capabilities use EnergyPlus and the OpenStudio SDK to allow Revit users to simulate detailed HVAC systems.
RMI Enlists EnergyPlus to Power its Portfolio Energy Optimization Initiative
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RMI is developing a web-based platform to perform portfolio-level analysis, prioritize energy projects, and track and deliver results.
Radiance Creator Greg Ward Receives Prestigious Daylight Award 2018
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Daylighting was a niche technique 30 years ago, but thanks to work of researchers like Ward, it is a core element of many high-performance buildings.
Resources for Modelers and Stakeholders
Unmet Hours
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A peer-to-peer help and support forum for BEM with search, voting, and notification tools. BTO uses UnmetHours to support EnergyPlus and OpenStudio.
Building Energy Software Tools Directory
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Hosted by IBPSA-USA, this directory has vendor-driven content and supports images, video, ratings, reviews, and search, sort, and filter functions.
BEM Guide for Owners and Managers
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Created by Rocky Mountain Institute, this guide gives BEM clients like building owners information needed to engage with and contract BEM services.