A summary of recent updates to the Asset Score tool, including new features, capabilities and improvements are documented in the Release History below. Known issues that have not yet been addressed are listed on the Known Issues page.

A summary of recent updates to the TSPR tool are available on the TSPR Release Notes page.

02.02.2023

Release 2023.0.0

New Features – Audit Template 

• Added a Denver Energy Audit Template report for the city of Denver, Colorado

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes 

• Provided minor updates to field labels and instruction guidance for the DC BEPS Audit Template report

• Restored API documentation link in the Resources page

• Corrected an issue with duplicating Audit Template buildings 

• Backend system improvements for administrators

• Backend modifications and minor bug fixes

Release 2022.1.0

New Features – Asset Score 

• Added Quick Building Assessment Tool Feature; view feature overview here.

• Scored Quick Building Assessment Tool buildings include a ‘Health and Safety Impact of Upgrade Opportunities’ section of the pdf report. 

• Quick Building Assessment Tool includes the ability to download an Energy Conservation Measure (ECM) Cost Spreadsheet which may be used to quantify implementation costs and paybacks for the energy efficiency measures identified in the pdf report. 

New Features – Audit Template 

• Updated the display and data entry procedure of energy efficiency Measures and Packages on the Energy Savings Opportunities screen

• Added Admin read-only feature for submitted Audit Template reports

• Implemented the release of BuildingSync Version 2.4.0

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes 

• Backend system improvements for administrators

• Backend modifications and minor bug fixes

12.21.2021

Release 2021.2.1

New Features – Asset Score 

• Removed Asset Score Preview feature.  Previously created Preview reports are still available to view and download, or they may be converted to full Asset Score reports.  Additional details are available here. 

• Moved the TSPR analysis tool that had been embedded in the Asset Score platform to it's own location (10/25/21).  TSPR may now be accessed at https://energycode.pnl.gov/HVACSystemPerformance. 

New Features – Audit Template 

• Added a DC BEPS (Building Energy Performance Standards)Template report for the Washington DC Department of Energy & Environment (deployed 2/16/21)

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes 

• Backend system improvements for administrators

• Backend modifications and minor bug fixes 

09.30.2021

Release 2021.2.0

New Features – Asset Score 

• Added estimated carbon emissions for current and upgraded buildings to the asset score report and added two new charts:

  • Carbon Emissions by End Use

  • Carbon Emissions by Fuel Type

• Improved the messaging seen for Alerts 

New Features – Audit Template 

• Added calculated carbon use totals to the following energy use tables in the User Interface and audit reports:

  • Metered Energy

  • Delivered Energy

  • Building Annual Summary for Energy Use

  • Building EUI/ECI

  • Building Energy Use and Carbon Emissions by End Use

  • Energy Savings Opportunities

• Added capability to download building audit report inputs to a spreadsheet.  This feature is accessed by selecting the check mark from buildings on the Audit Template home page and the ‘Download .. Table’ selection from the blue With Selection button drop down menu. 

• Added capability to create buildings by uploading inputs from a spreadsheet.  This feature is accessed by selecting the green Import Buildings on the Audit Template page.

• Implemented the release of BuildingSync Version 2.3.0

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes 

• Updated to OpenStudio version 2.9.1 

• Updated Audit Template to Asset Score field mappings

• Backend system improvements for administrators

• Backend modifications and minor bug fixes 

01.27.2021

Release 2021.1.0

New Features – TSPR 

• An example building library feature has been added which includes example building configurations for all use-types.

• Several example system configurations have been provided in the Example Building Library to identify system characteristics which comply with WSEC TSPR requirements.

• Additional mechanical equipment schedule inputs have been added, including pump schedule entries for Plants Loops

• Several new modeling inputs have been added including:

  • Additional pump controls for chilled water and hot water pumps

  • Ability to specify maximum cooling and minimum heating setpoint for DOAS systems with cooling and heating systems.

  • Dual maximum damper control for VAV terminal units

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes 

• TSPR equipment performance curves have been updated for water cooled chillers, variable speed cooling towers and condensing gas boilers

• TSPR backend modeling capabilities added and updated to accommodate new modeling inputs

• Updated the TSPR User Guide to include instructions and guidance for new inputs and procedures

• Corrected an issue with the WA Commerce Grants Audit Template report which was prompting for ‘Electricity Peak’ values for energy supply sources other than 'electricity'

• Updated Audit Template to Asset Score field mappings 

• Backend system improvements for administrators

• Backend modifications and minor bug fixes 

12.08.2020

Release 2020.2.2

New Features – Audit Template 

• Added a WA Commerce Grants Audit Template report for the Washington Department of Commerce

• Implemented the release of BuildingSync Version 2.2

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes 

• Updated Audit Template to Asset Score field mappings to reduce errors seen when converting

10.23.2020

Release 2020.2.1

New Features – Asset Score and TSPR

• Remove "Plant Name" data entry field for Plant Loops 

New Features – Audit Template 

• Add the capability to convert Audit Template building entries to Asset Score

• Implemented the release of BuildingSync Version 2.1.  Note:  xml files created in earlier versions will now need to include a version statement (e.g.:  <auc:BuildingSync version="2.1.0" ) before attempting to import

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes 

• Added example xml audit report file to the Resources page that may be used to test the new conversion feature

• Updated the User Guide to include instructions and guidance to the new conversion feature

• Updated mis-directed links in the User Guide to appropriate pages

• Posted updated example xml files for San Francisco and New York City audit reports to the Resources page to reflect the compatibility with BuildingSync Version 2.1

• Refactor DOAS/economizer logic for air handlers

• Corrected an issue where fan SPR was not being added to asset score

• Corrected an issue with Condenser Plant Loops which was causing buildings to fail

• Corrected an issue with Ground Source Heat Pumps which was causing buildings to fail

• Changed plant and air loop sizing systems to use coincident

• Backend system improvements for administrators

• Backend modifications and minor bug fixes 

06.01.2020

Release 2020.2.0

New Tool – TSPR

• Launched a new tool to perform a Total System Performance Ratio (TSPR) analysis for code compliance with the 2018 Washington State Energy Code

New Features – Asset Score

• Added the ability to identify roofs, walls and floors as ‘interior surfaces marking project boundaries’ to model buildings with surfaces that may be adjacent to other buildings

New Features – Audit Template

• Updated the Audit Report button for creating new audit reports to include a single drop down of available city reports

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Corrected an issue with modeling Asset Score buildings with Series Powered Induction Units selected as the Terminal Units for Multi Zone AHU HVAC Systems which was causing buildings to fail

• Updated the code for modeling blocks served by DOAS HVAC systems

• Updated the code for modeling blocks served by unitary Heat Pump systems

• Backend system improvements for administrators

• Backend modifications and minor bug fixes 

04.06.2020

Release 2020.1.0

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Updated to OpenStudio version 2.9.1

• Updated to EnergyPlus version 9.2.0

• Improved the code for modeling blocks simultaneously served by DOAS and air handler HVAC systems

• Backend system improvements for administrators

• Backend modifications and minor bug fixes 

Expected Score Changes

• The OpenStudio and EnergyPlus updates may result in a 0.5 score increase or decrease in some buildings

02.11.2020

Release 2019.3.1

New Features – Asset Score

• Added the capability to download of an EnergyPlus (.idf) model files for scored buildings.

• Added four new endpoints to the API documentation to accommodate the ability to download Open Studio and EnergyPlus model files

• Added color contrast to tool tab headings

• Added search capability to selected fields in tool main page tables  

• Added a validation for lighting fixtures that are less than 0.00 fixtures/sq ft 

New Features – Audit Template

• Added a draft Minneapolis Energy Evaluation audit report selection

• Corrected an issue with the calculation of Shared System Energy Use values in the New York City report template

• Corrected an issue with saving edited contacts in shared buildings

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Backend system improvements for administrators

• Backend modifications and minor bug fixes 

10.31.2019

Release 2019.3.0

New Features – Asset Score

• Added the capability to model buildings with a verified Total System Performance Ratio (TSPR)

• Added the capability to model radiators in an HVAC system

• Added the capability to model exhaust fans in an HVAC system

• Updated the User Guide to include instructions and guidance for new features and other improvements 

New Features – Audit Template

• Implemented the release of BuildingSync Version 2.0 

• Added the capability to export and import all audit report input fields for individual or multiple buildings 

• Added the capability to export and import all audit report input fields for individual or multiple New York City BBL properties

• Added example xml audit report files to the Resources page that may be used to test the BuildingSync XML import feature  

• Updated Boolean fields to automatically set to ‘No’ when creating a new building

• Updated Roof Condition field for Roofs from free text to a menu option

• Updated Type of Exterior Door Construction field for Walls from free text to a menu option, and added a free text field for Other

• Added menu options to the Overall Enclosure Tightness Assessment field for Walls

• Updated Fenestration Seal Condition field for Windows from free text to a menu option

• Added Ventilated Crawlspace Boolean field for Foundation Types, available when Crawlspace is selected as the Floor Construction Type

• Replaced Boolean Slab Insulation field for Foundation Types with Slab Insulation Thickness numerical field available, when Slab-On-Grade is selected as the Floor Construction Type

• Updated Backup Generation System Type for Process Loads from free text to a menu option, and added a free text field for Other

• Updated the date attributes used in the calculation to determine annual energy use for the Annual Summary for Energy Use tables

• Updated the User Guide to include instructions and guidance for new features and other improvements 

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Backend system improvements for administrators

• Backend modifications and minor bug fixes 

06.06.2019

Release 2019.2.0

New Features – Asset Score

• Updated all use type scoring scales to align with updated CBECS data, Energy Star ratings, and new weather coefficients.

• Added a custom energy efficiency measure selection screen.  Users may now pre-select recommended upgrade opportunities prior to submitting for a score.

• Added custom high-performance buildings HVAC system selection options.  Users may self-select from a list of options or have the tool auto evaluate and provide HVAC recommended upgrade opportunities. 

• Updated the score scale gradient to reflect that a score of 10 would represent an ultra-high-performance building

• Added the capability to auto-calculate and display the lighting power density for total fixtures or percent served values entered on the lighting fixture screen. 

• Added new logos to the user interface and report headings

New Features – Audit Template

• Updated the display of Contacts to alpha sort and include company name for easier selection

• Updated selected New York City report input fields to ‘not required’, per request 

• Added a draft Audit Template report for the Energy Trust of Oregon

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Replaced the FEDS inference engine with a new method for inferring envelope and lighting property default values

• Replaced the FEDS recommendation engine with an Asset Score recommendation engine for envelope and lighting measures

• Revised operational assumptions for Education and Religious building use types.

• Backend system improvements for administrators

• Backend modifications and minor bug fixes

Expected Score Changes

• The updated inference engine and updated score scales may result in a 0.5-1.0 score increase or decrease in most buildings, and a greater range between the current score and potential score.  A small number of buildings may see a more significant change in their scores.

01.08.2019

Release 2019.1.0

New Features – Asset Score

• Changed the main Buildings page to be exclusively a List view format with separate tables for Asset Score and Audit Template buildings

• Added the capability to view a snapshot graphic for Asset Score buildings to a new Options drop down menu available from the Buildings tables

• Updated the filter options on the main Buildings page to improve the speed and functionality of searching for and/or displaying large numbers of user buildings

• Added the capability to display, enter and modify advanced system parameters for HVAC systems

• Added a Warnings display to document assets that have been entered but not assigned

New Features – Audit Template

• Added the ability to assign a custom name to lighting fixture entries in the Lighting screen

• Added the ability to duplicate fixtures entries in the Lighting screen

• Updated the pull down options for Lighting and HVAC entries on the Use Types screen of the Audit Report Tool to standard sets of values to eliminate need to return to this screen

• Added the ability to assign a custom name to Plant entries in the HVAC screen

• Edited input fields, headings and labels for New York City reports, including:

  • Removed inputs for W/lamp and Lamps/Fixture in the Lighting screen

  • Modified the Quantity Definition to only toggle % served or area served inputs in the Lighting screen

  • Added a manual lighting coverage checkbox and validation options to the Lighting screen

  • Added an Exterior Lighting checkbox to the Lighting screen

  • Added the ability to link HVAC Plants to other BBLs, and the ability to identify if a Plant is located on a different BBL

  • Added the ability to link a Service Hot Water System to a Heating Plant identified in the HVAC screen

  • Added fields to the Process Loads screen

  • Added the ability to enter Tenant energy use percentage in the Annual Summary screens

  • Updated the input prompt for the Assessor Parcel Number for San Francisco reports

• Updated the Energy Savings Opportunities table to limit Packages to one Energy Efficiency Measure each for San Francisco reports

• Added Watts per Lamp and Lamps per Fixture and Number of Fixtures as required fields to the Lighting table for Los Angeles reports

11.01.2018

Release 2018.4.1

New Features

• Added the capability to specify building envelope infiltration rates if a building has undergone whole-building pressurization testing

• Updated the display of the Building Info screen to expand/hide building component data by Block

• Updated the spreadsheet upload template used for bulk importing of Preview Buildings

• Enabled the capability to model VRF with Dedicated Outdoor Air Supply (DOAS) Systems

• Enabled the capability to model Water Loop Heat Pumps (WLHP) with DOAS Systems

• Added annual summary tables to display on-site renewable energy production and exported energy in the Audit Report Tool

• Added an auto-calculated table which displays the Building and Site EUI, and the Site ECI in the Audit Report Tool

• Edited input fields, headings and labels upon request for New York City reports in the Audit Report Tool

• Updated the User Guide to include instructions and guidance for new features and other improvements for both Asset Score and the Audit Report Tool

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Updated to OpenStudio version 2.6.0

• Updated to EnergyPlus version 8.9

• Modified Asset Score default assumption for fan control from 'continuous during occupied hours and off during unoccupied hours' to 'continuous during occupied hours and cycling with load during unoccupied hours'

• Corrected issues with importing unsupported values and characters from the spreadsheet upload template

• Updated the tool (and pdf score reports) to allow the entry and display of all UTF-8 characters

• Updated backend system infrastructure

Expected Score Changes

• The update to EnergyPlus V8.9 may result in a 0.5-1.0 score increase or decrease in some buildings.

07.24.2018

Release 2018.4.0

New Features

• Added the capability to model Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) HVAC Systems

• Added the capability to model VRF with Dedicated Outdoor Air Supply (DOAS) Systems (temporarily unavailable)

• Added the capability to model Water Loop Heat Pumps (WLHP) with DOAS Systems (temporarily unavailable)

• Added the capability to perform a Washington state Total System Performance Analysis for code compliance. Note: this feature is not yet ready for public use. If you are interested in WA State TSPR Analysis access, please contact the site administrator

• Added and edited input fields upon request for New York City, Atlanta, and Los Angeles reports in the Audit Report Tool

• Posted presentation slides and video recording of a June 29, 2018 New York City LL87 Energy Audit Data Collection Tool Webinar, to the Resources page

• Updated Audit Template User Guide to include instructions and guidance for recent updates to fields, sections, and capabilities of city reports

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Updated backend system infrastructure

05.02.2018

Release 2018.3.0

New Features

• Updated the way Audit Team and Building Staff are added and how associated qualifications/certificates are assigned in the Audit Report Tool. Contacts may now be added and stored to reuse across all entered building audit reports.

• Added a BRICR Phase 0 report template to the Audit Report Tool for the Association of Bay Area Governments as part of the BayREN Integrated Commercial Retrofits (BRICR) project

• Added the capability to share building audit report files in the Audit Report Tool

• Updated the fields available to download CSV report files in the Audit Report Tool

• Updated the capability and the fields available to download BuildingSyncXML files in the Audit Report Tool

• Added the capability to import audits from BuildingSyncXML files by report type in the Audit Report Tool

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Corrected an issue with stored block dimensions which caused an error during simulation

• Added an error validation check to the Geometry screen to prevent buildings from being submitted that include blocks that have gaps between surfaces that are less than 1ft, to prevent errors during simulation

03.30.2018

Release 2018.2.0

New Features

• Added an error validation check to the Audit Report Tool to display a list of fields needed before an audit report may be submitted

• Updated the input screen for lighting inputs in the Audit Report Tool from a linear form to a tabular format

• Added additional input fields to the Audit Report Tool per ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 211P, Standard for Commercial Building Energy Audits guidelines

• Added the capability to associate use types, lighting fixtures, HVAC equipment, and service hot water systems to common and tenant areas for New York City, San Francisco, and Berkeley reports to the Audit Report Tool

• Added and edited input fields upon request for New York City, San Francisco, and Berkeley reports in the Audit Report Tool

• Added custom submission page language and instructions for individual city reports to the Audit Report Tool

• Updated the city dashboard for report submissions in the Audit Report Tool

• Added the ability to hide non-required fields from the data entry screens in the Audit Report Tool

• Updated the confirmation email text users receive for submitted audit reports

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Corrected an issue in HVAC systems where the reheat source was different than the primary heating source which caused an error during simulation

• Updated Audit Template User Guide to include instructions and guidance for recent updates to fields, sections, and capabilities in San Francisco and Berkeley City reports

01.09.2018

Release 2018.1.0

New Features

• Added live version of the Audit Template, an audit data reporting feature. Access to this feature no longer requires beta access permission

• Added the capability to attach documents, such as signed audit certificates, to audit report submittals in the Audit Template

• Updated the HVAC Systems Distribution Equipment input options in the HVAC screen of the Audit Template to include a separate section for ventilation systems. Air supply and exhaust location fields were added for New York City reports

• Removed the Building Location Specifications section from the Audit Template

• Added the capability to allow user entered data for annual energy use by energy source, and a check box to toggle this capability with calculated values from monthly energy use in the Audit Template

• Added a section in the Utility Data and Benchmarking of the Audit Template for a user to identify the available energy supply sources in a building

• Added a user confirmation email capability for submitted buildings in the Audit Template

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Corrected an issue with the toolbar in the Audit Template which was not advancing screens for open tabs in selected browsers

• Updated Audit Template User Guide to include instructions and guidance for recent updates to fields, sections, and capabilities in New York City reports

11.29.2017

Release 4.2.0

New Features

• Added the capability to identify percentages of common and tenant areas in building use types for New York City reports in the Audit Template

• Added the capability to identify common and tenant areas served per use type for lighting fixture types and HVAC systems for New York City reports in the Audit Template

• Updated the date format for date fields in the Audit Template to be consistent among all browsers

• Added a ‘Remove All’ capability for the Metered and Delivered Energy screens of the Audit Template

• Updated the HVAC Systems Distribution Equipment input options in the HVAC screen of the Audit Template to include Delivery Equipment Type and Central Distribution Type fields

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Corrected an issue in the Audit Template where data entered in the Submission Information screen would not save, which prevented Atlanta and New York City reports from being submitted

11.02.2017

Release 4.1.2

New Features

• Added a Signature Interface for San Francisco Audit Template reports

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Corrected an issue with creating windows on blocks with an entry of 0.75 window to wall ratio which was causing buildings to fail

• Corrected an issue with the configuration of shared DOAS HVAC systems which had caused some buildings to fail

• Corrected an issue with assigning water heaters to blocks which was generating an error

• Corrected an issue with the submission date for Audit Template reports

• Updated the Energy Savings Opportunity table in Audit Template reports

• Updated the BBL field label and display in New York City Audit Template reports

09.29.2017

Release 4.1

New Features

• Implemented the capability to record Process Load data for New York City reports in the Audit Template

• Implemented the capability to allow sharing of Metered and Delivered Energy data between multiple buildings on a single property for New York City reports in the Audit Template

• Implemented the capability to allow sharing of Energy Savings Opportunity packages between multiple buildings on a single property for New York City reports in the Audit Template

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Corrected an issue with Preview buildings which was allowing the selection of Below Grade Walls, which caused buildings to fail

• Corrected an issue with the calculation of terminal reheat systems which were causing errors in some Multi-family and Warehouse buildings

• Corrected an issue with the display of the ratings report available for group batch runs

Asset Score Release History

08.30.2017

Release 4.0

New Features

• Implemented the capability to enter multiple buildings on a single property for New York City reports in the Audit Template

• Implemented the capability to allow sharing of HVAC systems and Service Hot Water System between multiple buildings on a single property for New York City reports in the Audit Template

• Updated the available and required fields in the Audit Template for New York city reports

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Corrected an HVAC issue with a DOAS combined with a Primary Heating/Cooling System with 'No Cooling' selected, which caused buildings to fail

• Corrected an issue where changes to linked Condenser Loops were causing buildings to fail

• Added a validation check when assigning lighting fixtures to blocks, which prevents more than 40 fixture types to be assigned per block

08.18.2017

Release 3.4.0

New Features

• Replaced Adobe Flash multimedia platform with JavaScript 3D as the interface for the 3-D graphical display and onscreen interactions of buildings in Full Input mode*

• Added a capability to identify incorrectly aligned surfaces in the 3D user interface. These would be indicated through a red colored line in the 3D user interface

• Renamed the audit data reporting platform feature that is being developed to collect, store and report building energy audit data, to 'Audit Template'

• Updated the Audit Template Quick Start Guide and User Guide

• Updated the available and required fields in the Audit Template for Atlanta and San Francisco city reports

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Corrected an issue with the distribution type field in air handler units for Parking Garages with Ventilation Only HVAC systems, which caused buildings to fail

• Corrected an issue with the ERV field in air handler units for Parking Garages with Ventilation Only HVAC systems, which caused buildings to fail

• Corrected an issue with the display of the Cooling Retrofitted date for Preview buildings

• Corrected an issue with the display of the HVAC and lighting calculations, N/A checkboxes, and pdf reports for Audit Template buildings

*Note: Asset Score users are now able to view all of the ‘Full Input Mode’ interfaces on PC’s, tablets, and mobile devices. PNNL has replaced Adobe Flash with threeJS to provide 3-D display and interactions. The Flash replacement is to ensure that existing 3-D features and interactions are available across computing platforms using mouse-based interactions. We do not yet recommend interaction with the 3D feature using a touch-screen display because the “drag and drop” function to assign building characteristics to buildings blocks are limited to using mouse-based interactions. Currently, we do not expect the more complex 3-D editing features to be performed using a touch-screen display. As we move forward, we anticipate providing additional features that will make Asset Score a viable tool for mobile / touch-screen usage. The Asset Score team would appreciate your feedback on what tools and capabilities you would find useful to have on a mobile touch-screen device in the field.

06.02.2017

Release 3.3.2

New Features

• Posted Overview and Demonstration videos and several Conference Papers to the Resources page

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Added warnings and validations when importing metered and delivered energy data from Energy Star Portfolio Manager into the audit data reporting platform feature

05.15.2017

Release 3.3.1

New Features

• Added the capability to import metered and delivered energy data from Energy Star Portfolio Manager into the audit data reporting platform feature

• Updated the amount of data available to download in audit data reporting platform CSV and XML report files

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Corrected an issue with the boiler efficiency inference for hot water baseboards that had resulted in errors when submitting buildings for a score

05.08.2017

Release 3.3.0

New Features

• Added the capability to model supplemental heating for baseboards

• Added Baseboard as a System Type option for Zone Equipment

• Added Window Air Conditioners as a System Type option for Zone Equipment

• Added Convective Baseboard (Electric or Hot Water) as a Heating Source for Zone Equipment

• Added the capability to auto populate Heating and Cooling Source fields when selecting System Types for Zone Equipment

• Added the capability to assign a Secondary Heating/Cooling System containing Baseboards as the Heating Source to a block

• Added the capability to enter a Secondary heating fraction value to a block with both a Secondary Heating/Cooling System and either a PTAC or FPFCU Primary Heating/Cooling System assigned

• Combined the Download Report and Download Model buttons available for scored buildings to a single Download button that launches a pull down selection

• Added audit reporting templates for City of Atlanta and City of San Francisco for the audit data reporting platform feature

• Expanded the ‘Submit to City’ capability for the audit data reporting platform feature. Reports submitted to cities will only include inputs required by a city. In-Progress reports include all audit data inputs.

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Updated the Data Collection Forms and Users Guide to reflect the addition of baseboards and window air conditioners as options for HVAC systems

• Corrected an issue with the geometry layout of buildings with enclosed blocks that had resulted in errors when submitting buildings for a score

• Backend system improvements for administrators

04.05.2017

Release 3.2.2

New Features

• Implemented a revised approach for modeling slab-on-grade floors and below-grade walls using F and C factors

• Added the capability to select and enter F Factor thermal properties for slab-on-grade floors

• Restricted the wall type selection to Brick/Stone on Masonry - Below Grade Walls for below ground blocks

• Added the capability to select and enter C Factor thermal properties for below grade walls

• Updated the R Value data entry field from open text to a pull-down menu of pre-defined options for Walls and Floors

• Implementation the creation of an audit data report pdf file for the audit data reporting platform

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Updated the Data Collection Forms and Users Guide to reflect the addition of the F Factor and C Factor thermal property options for floors and walls

• Backend system improvements for administrators

Expected Score Changes

• The revised approach for modeling slab-on-grade floors and below-grade walls using F and C factors may result in a 0.5 point score decrease for previously scored buildings with slab-on-grade floors.

03.08.2017

Release 3.2.1

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Corrected an issue with editing Heating/Cooling Systems in Preview input mode buildings

• Corrected an issue with the shape geometry input validations in the Block data entry screen

• Updated field icons, text, and calculations in the Benchmarking section of the audit data reporting platform feature

02.09.2017

Release 3.2.0

New Features

• Added capability to model ground source heat pump (GSHP) HVAC systems

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Updated the Data Collection Forms and Users Guide to reflect the addition of the GSHP HVAC System option

• Corrected issues with the translation of selected HVAC controls inputs

• Updated to OpenStudio version 1.14

• Updated to EnergyPlus version 8.6

• Updated the data entry validation procedures for the HVAC screens in the audit data reporting platform

• Backend system improvements for administrators

Asset Score API

• Corrected an issue with the revert feature for Preview Input Mode buildings

• Added the capability to update Lighting Fixtures for Preview Input Mode buildings

• Backend system improvements for administrators

01.06.2017

Release 3.1.1

New Features

• Added beta version of an audit data reporting platform feature. Access to this feature is by request only

• Posted a Quick Start Guide for the new audit data reporting platform

• Posted audit data report pdf example and csv report template

• Added the capability to select Heat Pump Water Heater as an option for Service Water Heating systems

• Added the capability to filter the Grid and List views of user buildings by Ownership, Type, Status and Group

11.21.2016

Release 2.2.1

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Updated input fields in Preview Input Mode to incorporate the newly added fuel type options

• Corrected an issue with reverting Preview Input Mode inputs back to default values

• Corrected an issue with naming Plant Loops which caused buildings to fail

• Backend system improvements for administrators

Asset Score API

• Replaced beta version of Asset Score API for Preview Input Mode buildings with final version

• Corrected issues with the new API includes documentation, including available input value options for fields used in Preview Input Mode buildings

10.17.2016

Release 2.2.0

New Features

• Added Fuel Oil and Propane fuel type options for Boiler Plant Types and Furnaces

• Added District Steam option for District Plant Types

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Added enhancement to infiltration modeling

• Corrected an issue with infiltration through top plenums

• Updated the Data Collection Forms to reflect new fuel type options

Expected Score Changes

The enhancement to infiltration modeling may result in a 0.5 point score change for previously scored buildings.

Asset Score API

• Added beta version of Asset Score API for Preview Input Mode buildings

• New API includes documentation, including available input value options for fields used in Preview Input Mode buildings

08.12.2016

Release 2.1.4

New Features

• Added software release number display to Asset Score header

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Corrected an issue with interior surface wall assignments that was causing buildings to fail

• Corrected an issue with the layout of building icons in the Display view of the Buildings page

• Added a restriction when choosing files for import to prevent importing non csv files

• Restored the capability to import buildings from Energy Star Portfolio Manager

• Increased the minimum value for AHU fan efficiency to 25%

• Increased the minimum % of roof area for skylight entries to 1%

07.11.2016

Release 2.1.3

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Corrected an issue with selecting a hot water plant loop as the reheat source for a terminal unit

• Corrected an issue with deleting condenser loops linked to cooling

• Updated the score calculation formulas to prevent an issue where the potential score was lower than the current score for some buildings

06.17.2016

Release 2.1.2

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Added HVAC system sizing capability to improve the calculation of the minimum system inputs for fan size, air flow, and outdoor air

• Backend system improvements for administrators

Expected Score Changes

• The new HVAC system sizing capability may result in a 0.5-1.5 point score decrease for buildings with high ventilation rates, such as schools, courthouses, medical offices, post offices and police stations. These would only be seen for buildings with multi-zone air-handling units.

06.08.2016

Release 2.1.1

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Corrected an issue with assigning lighting fixtures to blocks with unassigned use types

• Corrected an issue with the display of the registration page for new users

• Corrected an issue with launching the Help Desk contact form

• Corrected an issue with assigning plants to blocks

06.01.2016

Release 2.1.0

New Features

• Updated the user interface (UI) with new style and navigation

• Added ability to create common HVAC systems through single step system type definition

• Added capability to model water loop heat pump (WLHP) HVAC systems

• Modified the data entry selection process for plant equipment

• Added capability to provide custom names to assets and surfaces for easier identification and reference

• Added a new Help Desk feature for asking questions and providing feedback

• Added a new Community Forum

• Replaced Asset Score Help with a new User Guide

• Added permission selection for sharing building data with the Building Performance Database (BPD) to the registration page

• Added Assessment Type data entry field to distinguish between real or test buildings

• Added a timeout for inactivity

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Updated to OpenStudio version 1.10.0

• Updated to EnergyPlus version 8.4

• Updated the Data Collection Forms, Quick Start Guides, and At-a-Glance document

• Added minimum 60% validation code and prompt for Fan motor efficiency

• Updated the roof, wall and floor R value validations which corrected an issue where buildings with excessive values entered were failing

• Updated HVAC defaults for Preview buildings following CBECS analysis

• Updated Preview spreadsheet upload process to correct errors

• Updated Floor-to-Floor vs. Floor-to-Ceiling Height minimums to prevent creating extremely small plenum spaces which caused buildings to fail

• Corrected an issue where daylight sensors were added to plenum zones which caused buildings to fail

• Corrected an issue which prevented modeling of windows for buildings with high window-to-wall ratios

Expected Score Changes

• The corrected issue which prevented modeling of windows for buildings with high window-to-wall ratios may result in a 0.5-3 point score decrease

• The bug fixes implemented for EnergyPlus V8.4 results in lower heating energy use. Some buildings may see a 0.5-1.0 point increase

03.10.2016

Release 2.0.3

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Added validations for invalid block dimensions for L, T, and U shaped blocks. Previously, invalid entries had prevented blocks from displaying on the screen and edits with invalid block dimensions entered for existing blocks have resulted in errors when attempting to score the building..

02.26.2016

Release 2.0.2

New Features

• Posted a newly released Journal of Building Performance Simulation article outlining the Scoring Methodology of Asset Score to the Resources page.

• Changed the link and updated the layout of the Release Notes page to include seperate sections for Known Issues and Future Updates.

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Corrected an issue with the Preview score calculation that gave negative score values for some buildings.

• Corrected an issue with editing the Window Layout of adjacent blocks which had resulted in error notifications for some buildings.

• Corrected an issue with assigning Zone Equipment to Parking Garages which had resulted in an error.

• Corrected an issue which was preventing the user-entered Gross Floor Area from appearing on reports. Reports for buildings created before 01/25/2016 may need to be re-downloaded to see this field displayed on the report.

02.12.2016

Release 2.0.1

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Corrected an issue with editing window layout. The capability to edit windows assigned to a block adjacent to another block has been restored.

• Corrected the gross floor area calculations for the Building Assets section of the Asset Score Reports.

• Removed the Window-to-Wall Ratio display for Discrete windows that had been displaying the Continuous Window-to-Wall Ratio values on the Building Info page.

• Corrected an issue that was generating a failure notification when attempting to score Preview buildings with Parking Garages.

• Corrected an issue that was populating the wrong default fuel types for the following Use Types: Lodging (small buildings), Medical Office, Office (medium sized buildings), Police Station, Post Office. Post Office .

01.22.2016

Release 2.0.0

New Features

• Added a 'Preview' input mode for entering and simulating buildings to generate an estimated score range.

• Added the capability to import a group of buildings in Preview input mode, and simulate these buildings in a batch run for quick analysis.

• Posted a new Data Collection Form, Example Score Report, and Quick Start Guide for the new Preview input mode.

• Separated the Plant data entry screen into sections for Cooling, Heating, and Condenser Plants.

• Added the capability to model dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) HVAC systems.

• Added the capability to select reheat sources for terminal units.

• Added AHU and Zone equipment identifiers to help with assigning HVAC systems to blocks.

• Removed the requirement to assign walls and a window-to-wall ratio to interior surfaces when they are 100 percent adjacent.

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Updated the short and long versions of the Data Collection Forms for Full input mode to include new data entry options for HVAC systems.

• Posted updated Example Score Reports for single and mixed-use buildings scored in full input mode.

• Posted a new version of the Program Overview and Technical Protocol.

• Updated the Help file to include information for entering and simulating buildings in Preview input mode.

• Updated the LED fixture that was mapped in FEDS to correct an issue with the calculated lighting power density appearing too high.

• Added default value for fan efficiency input for air handling units.

• Fixed the schedule of operation of HVAC systems for a few use types which was resulting in unmet load hours during warm up and cool down periods.

• Score scales have been updated to reflect the new tool capabilities and simulation improvements. User's might see a change in scores for buildings scored before 01/25/2016.

• The Structure and Systems rankings have been updated for several use types to reflect the new capabilities added to the tool. The rankings for a few use types are still under development and will be updated in the next interim release.

07.31.2015

New Features

• Added capability to model cool roofs and energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems.

• Added energy efficiency measures including cool roofs, top-lighting controls, occupancy sensors and ERV.

• Updated Asset Score Building Upgrade Guide to include references to the new advanced building controls.

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Updated baseline ranges for heating and cooling system evaluations for the 'Structures and Systems' section of the Asset Score report.

• Updated calculations for envelope evaluations in 'Structures and Systems' section of the Asset Score report.

06.30.2015

New Features

• Added Parking Garage(Heated Only) Use Type.

• Updated Asset Score Building Upgrade Guide to include new and edited advanced building controls recommendations.

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Updated Adobe Flash Player libraries to improve 3D geometry capabilities and fix bugs associated with multiple block buildings.

• Added a validation check for lighting inputs to prompt if a block has more or less lighting than expected.

• Updated data collection form to correct checkbox data entry errors.

• Updated Asset Score report to restore 'Learn More' links to the Upgrade Guide.

02.09.2015

New Features

• Asset Score and Asset Score Report changed from a 100-point scale to a 10-point scale.

• Updated Asset Score Help page to include additional descriptions of 10-point scale and Asset Score Report.

• Updated score scales for a few of the new use types (including Medical Office, Police Station, Post Office and Religious Building).

• Added 'Model Download' button to enable download of an Open Studio (.osm) model for scored buildings.

• Added Minimum Air Flow Fraction menu option for multiple zone distribution air handler units.

• Added upgrade recommendations for fan control and minimum air flow fraction for multiple zone distribution air handling units.

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Revised operational assumptions for selected building use types.

• Improved system evaluation criteria.

• Improved modeling capabilities, including the modeling of plenums.

Asset Score API

• Updated to provide all capabilities present through the web application.

• Added input validations which either prevent or handle incorrect data entry.

• Updated documentation with additional examples.

10.10.2014

New Features

• Additional Use type: Parking Garage.

• Additional HVAC options – 'No Heating, No Cooling' (for Parking Garages only).

• Lighting daylight controls selection available in Construction window for blocks.

• Captcha requirement for Feedback Form submittal.

• Elevators option for Operations.

• Updated Asset Score Report cover page, tables, graphs, and footnotes text, layout, and content.

• Updated Asset Score Help file to include advanced building controls.

• Updated Data Collection Forms to include new use types and advanced building controls.

• Updated Asset Score Building Upgrade Guide to include advanced building controls recommendations.

• Updated Operational and Equipment Sizing Assumptions to include new use types.

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Incorporated advanced building controls to tool scoring and upgrade recommendations.

• Updated site to source conversion factors to the 2013 national average site-to-source conversion factors released by EPA.

• Improved system evaluation criteria.

• Fix for a bug that caused inconsistent potential score in a few buildings.

08.15.2014

Log In Requirements for existing users

• Users given access to the Tool prior to April 10, 2014 will need to reset their passwords by selecting the 'Forgot your password' link and following the instruction prompts.

• Account access now requires a first name and last name entry. All existing users will be prompted to update their account settings.

New Features

• Self-registration capability for new user accounts.

• Additional use types (Police Station, Religious Building, Low Rise Multifamily etc.).

• Mixed use building rules implemented in the user interface.

• Building sharing capability.

• Spreadsheet download for rated buildings for simulation results (energy use by end-use).

• Additional inputs for advanced building controls.

• Additional input validations.

• Updated Asset Score Help File with better illustrations and examples.

Simulation Infrastructure Improvements and Fixes

• Improved optimization for recommendations based on user provided operation parameters.

• Change in default assumption for infiltration rate for buildings.

• Modifications and minor bug fixes for air cooled and water cooled chillers.

• Bug fixes for air source heat pumps with economizer control.