Energy Modeling and Analysis of the WRCNC Building on NCSU's Centennial Campus

Abstract

This study compares the actual and projected energy consumption for the Wildlife Resources Commission’s North Carolina headquarters building located on the Centennial Campus of the North Carolina State University and, suggests a new strategy for applying LEED ratings to the energy performance of buildings. In the initial part of the study, monthly building energy consumption data from August 2005 to May 2009 and energy-saving measures taken by the building mechanical engineers from March 2007 to October 2008 are recorded. When compared with the early design energy use projections, the actual energy consumption was still much higher.

In the second part of the study, a detailed energy model of the building reflecting changes made to the building was built and simulated using EnergyPlus. The results were then compared to the actual energy consumption of the building. According to ASHRAE Guideline 14-2002, the EnergyPlus model is considered calibrated. Thus, it is suggested that energy models used by LEED for rating purposes need to be verified and a more accurate rating system adopted, one that places emphasis on actual energy consumption rather than solely on projections.