energy-efficiency

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Comprehensive energy analysis using EnergyPlus, commissioning best practices, and ASHRAE standards for building energy modeling, code compliance verification, and performance optimization

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When & Why to Use This Skill

This Claude skill provides a comprehensive suite for professional building energy analysis, leveraging EnergyPlus simulations and ASHRAE standards. It streamlines the complex process of energy modeling, code compliance verification, and performance optimization. By integrating technical engineering data with financial NPV analysis, the skill enables users to generate detailed compliance reports, optimize HVAC systems, and conduct lifecycle cost assessments, making it an essential tool for sustainable building design and LEED certification support.

Use Cases

  • Automating ASHRAE 90.1 and IECC code compliance verification for commercial building projects to ensure regulatory alignment.
  • Performing lifecycle cost analysis (NPV) to compare high-efficiency HVAC alternatives against baseline systems for informed decision-making.
  • Calculating and benchmarking Building Energy Use Intensity (EUI) to identify and implement performance optimization opportunities.
  • Generating stakeholder-ready energy reports and LEED cost-benefit summaries directly from EnergyPlus simulation outputs and Excel data.
nameenergy-efficiency
descriptionComprehensive energy analysis using EnergyPlus, commissioning best practices, and ASHRAE standards for building energy modeling, code compliance verification, and performance optimization

Energy Efficiency Analysis Skill

This skill provides specialized knowledge for building energy analysis and optimization projects.

Core Capabilities

Energy Modeling

  • EnergyPlus simulation setup and analysis
  • OpenStudio model development
  • Weather data integration and selection
  • HVAC system modeling strategies

Code Compliance

  • ASHRAE 90.1 performance path analysis
  • IECC commercial compliance verification
  • Energy cost budget calculations
  • Baseline model development

Performance Analysis

  • Energy use intensity (EUI) calculations
  • Peak demand analysis and optimization
  • Load profile evaluation
  • Equipment efficiency assessments

Available Scripts

  • scripts/energyplus_postprocess.py: Post-process EnergyPlus outputs
  • scripts/ashrae_compliance.py: ASHRAE 90.1 compliance calculations
  • scripts/eui_calculator.py: Building EUI analysis

Reference Materials

-

eferences/ashrae_standards.md: Key ASHRAE standard requirements

eferences/energyplus_tips.md: EnergyPlus modeling best practices

eferences/iecc_requirements.md: IECC compliance procedures

Asset Templates

  • ssets/compliance_report_template.docx: Standard compliance report format
  • ssets/energy_model_checklist.xlsx: QA/QC checklist for models

Usage Examples

  • "Analyze this EnergyPlus model for ASHRAE 90.1 compliance"
  • "Calculate the energy savings from this efficiency measure"
  • "Generate a code compliance report for this building"
  • "Optimize the HVAC system sizing for this model"

Cost Analysis Tools

NPV Analysis Email Generator

Purpose: Generate lifecycle cost analysis summaries for energy efficiency measures and design alternatives

Location: scripts/npv_analysis_email_generator.py

Documentation: docs/TOOL_SECC_NPV_Email_Generator.md

When to Use:

  • Comparing energy efficiency measure costs vs. savings over lifecycle
  • Evaluating HVAC system alternatives (baseline vs. high-efficiency)
  • Generating cost comparison reports for LEED energy models
  • Creating stakeholder-ready summaries of first costs and NPV

Common Workflow:

  1. Run energy models for baseline and alternatives
  2. Extract annual energy costs from simulation results
  3. Input costs into NPV spreadsheet (Assumptions, Upfront_Costs, Cashflows_XNPV sheets)
  4. Recalculate formulas if needed
  5. Generate formatted summary:
    python scripts/npv_analysis_email_generator.py "path/to/NPV_Analysis.xlsx" \
  -o "path/to/Summary.xlsx" \
  -p "Project Name"

Output:

  • Excel summary with color-coded cost comparisons
  • Highlights lowest lifecycle cost option
  • Ready for client presentations and stakeholder communication

Integration:

  • Use xlsx skill to edit NPV spreadsheet and recalculate formulas
  • Use work-command-center to track NPV summary as deliverable
  • Use diagnosing-energy-models for HVAC alternative modeling

Example Use Cases:

  • "Compare lifecycle costs of GSHP vs. conventional HVAC"
  • "Generate NPV summary for LEED cost-benefit analysis"
  • "Create stakeholder report showing first cost vs. 25-year savings"