Join our commercial energy code field study for the U.S. Department of Energy

Help improve energy codes in large buildings
February 21, 2023 by Rebecca Sadler

The U.S. Department of Energy has contracted with Slipstream to conduct a Commercial Energy Code Field Study in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and the Northeast.

We are looking for commercial buildings larger than 75,000 sq. ft. with complex HVAC (heating and cooling controlled by a BAS) to participate in this study.

By joining our study, you can help provide valuable real-world information that will be used to improve energy code recommendations and processes for large, complex buildings.

Primary objectives of this study:

  • Understand the approaches and outcomes created by designers and contractors in addressing the complex elements of the commercial energy code in completed buildings
  • Construct a representative data set of larger commercial buildings in colder climates; use this data set to analyze compliance and enforcement
  • To improve methodologies for measuring compliance and address challenges in commercial buildings

The study has two components:

  1. A review of the permit set of drawings and specifications, and
  2. a visit to the building site one or two times, ideally just prior to occupancy.

What we're looking for:

  • Large office, high-rise mixed-use multifamily, K-12, medical clinics and university classrooms that were completed between January 2020 and November 2023 are ideal candidates.
  • Buildings with single zone, constant volume package or split units like RTU’s, PTACs or other through wall/window units are not suitable for this study.
  • The main thing we need from potential participants is a permit drawing set and permission to visit the site to view control sequences that have been programed in the BAS. Ideally, this would be just before or just after substantial construction completion. We anticipate the time commitment from participants is minimal.

Want to learn more?

Download our fact sheet (PDF)