The Cost of Prediction: Where the Models End and Meters Begin
As energy costs surge and buildings shift to all-electric systems, predicting and managing not just energy use but operating cost is essential. Using a series of real multifamily housing projects, this session compares actual owner and tenant utility costs to modeled predictions, examining strengths and weaknesses of compliance tools like WUFI and HERS to predict cost. We’ll show how early-stage utility cost modeling can guide critical design choices from mechanical systems to who pays for what.
Session Chairs
Session Speakers
Identify the limitations and strengths of common energy modeling tools, including WUFI and HERS, in predicting actual energy use and operating costs for multifamily housing projects.
Evaluate the relationship between modeled energy performance and real utility cost data to improve design-phase decision-making and cost forecasting.
Apply high-level utility cost estimating methods early in the design process to inform key project choices such as mechanical system selection, metering strategy, and payment structure.
Integrate energy cost prediction insights into design and development workflows to support owners, architects, and engineers in achieving both performance and financial goals for all-electric multifamily buildings.
This session is pre-approved for 1 credit hour toward AIA (LU|HSW), MA CSL, and NARI certification. Those who attend a full day of the conference are additionally eligible for credit toward Phius and RESNET certification.