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In the Extended Project Data section, the baseline for US and Canadian projects will be automatically calculated based on the Zero Tool, but custom baselines may be input instead. After use type(s) and associated square footage are entered, the DDx will automatically calculate a baseline based on the Zero Tool, along with a target. You may then either choose the default baseline, or enter your own pEUI baseline and and source information before saving.
Zero Tool
Architecture 2030 developed the Zero Tool so that regional average Baseline EUIs for projects could continue to be calculated using CBECS 2003 once EPA’s Target Finder calculator switched to the 2012 CBECS. For consistency of reporting for the AIA 2030 Commitment program, and to reduce potential “baseline confusion”, the AIA 2030 Commitment has incorporated the Zero Tool with the DDx as the recommended approach to define project baselines. The Zero Tool replicates, as well as streamlines, the calculation procedures that were used by ENERGY STAR Target Finder.
Special Use Baselines
We recommend using the Zero Tool/DDx default to establish 2030 baselines whenever possible. However, in some cases, there may be a need to use a different baseline. For instance, some use types such as laboratories are not available, or cannot be accurately benchmarked, in Zero Tool. When available, use alternative benchmarking tools like Labs21 for these use types. When using other tools, always check to make sure the percent savings is reasonable.
Projects in Canada
Canada has a robust public database of operational building energy use (Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency’s Commercial and Institutional Consumption of Energy Survey, or CICES). Architecture 2030 provides ‘Canadian Target Tables’ which summarize relevant CICES data.
Note: to convert from GJ/m2 to kBtu/sf, multiply by 88.06. (1 GJ = 947.8171 kBtu; 1 m2 = 10.7639 sf)
International Projects
For international projects not supported by Zero Tool, the DDx defaults to the US National Average based on CBECS 2003. (See table below) These values provide a quick and reasonable Baseline (General Inputs, Section 2) and Target (General Inputs, Section 3); however, you may use EDGE tool or other country-specific data about building performance in 2003 to set a “custom” baseline.
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- If the country and the use type are available in EDGE, select Custom Baseline in the Baseline Energy Use section in the DDx. (See image above.) Enter the baseline from EDGE.
National Average EUI Reference Table
For whole building projects (Residential and Non-residential), the table below displays each use type currently included in the DDx, with an associated baseline EUI and its source, and incrementally increasing target EUIs (i.e., 60 percent target from 2010-2014, 70 percent target from 2015-2019, and on to 100 percent in 2030).
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