Date: November 30, 2011

This paper presents a systematic development process of whole-building energy models as performance benchmarks for retrofit projects. Statistical regression-based models and computational performance models require utility data for calibration and validation. Furthermore, a common retrofit design question is the prioritization of choices for re-placement of building components and systems yielding optimal energy performance for a given budget. Benchmarking techniques prescribed in current energy standards do not explicitly address such inquiry. A benchmarking process is proposed, with categorization of input data, informational sources and relationships between the two. A schematic depiction of the process with data feed-ins from pertinent sources is given.