Recommendations for 15% Above-Code Energy Efficiency Measures on Implementing Houston Amendments to Multifamily Residential Buildings in Houston, Texas

Abstract

This paper presents results from an analysis of the energy saving potential for multifamily residential buildings in Houston. In this analysis, the energy efficient measures were proposed by the building officials with the City of Houston and analyzed by the Energy Systems Laboratory using a code-compliant calculator. Along with the options proposed by the officials, additional measures were selected from the 15% above code energy analysis conducted by the Energy Systems Laboratory for residential houses across the State of Texas. A total of 16 measures based on their energy savings above a code-compliant residence were selected. These measures were categorized into five groups: renewable power options, heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), fenestration, envelope, lighting and domestic hot water (DHW) options. The analysis was performed using a simulation model of an International Energy Conservation Code (IECC 2000 with 2001 supplement)-compliant, single-family residence in Houston, Texas. Two sets of simulations based on the choice of heating fuel type were considered. Individual measures were then categorized into 3 groups: 2 to 5%, 5 to 10%, and above 10% energy savings above base case. Individual measures from the three categories were then chosen to form group measures whose combined energy savings is above 15%. Six group measures were simulated for the electric/gas base case building and five group measures for the all-electric base case building. The cost of implementing the individual measures was also calculated along with simple payback period.