The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has developed COMcheck, a software program to simplify the process of demonstrating compliance with commercial building energy codes. Architects, engineers, builders, and energy code officials can use COMcheck to determine whether a building project meets the energy efficiency requirements specified by the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1.COMcheck is popular among building professionals to help ensure compliance with energy codes and standards, which can result in energy savings and reduced operating costs for building owners and occupants. According to The Constructor, one of the least expensive ways of mitigating the impact of climate change and related health issues is ensuring buildings are energy efficient.
The Uses and Applications of COMcheck Software
Compliance verification: COMcheck helps building designers and code officials verify compliance with the building energy codes and standards. The software compares the proposed building design against the IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 requirements and identifies areas where it falls short of the energy efficiency standards.
Building energy analysis: COMcheck can analyze the energy performance of a building and identify opportunities for energy savings. It helps designers to explore various design options and evaluate their energy efficiency impacts.
Building energy code enforcement: COMcheck can assist code officials in enforcing energy codes and standards by verifying building designs and construction projects meet energy efficiency requirements! COMcheck helps ensure architects and construction engineers construct buildings to be energy-efficient, which can reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy code training: COMcheck can provide training to building designers, architects, engineers, and code officials on building energy codes and standards. It can help illustrate how different design decisions affect energy efficiency and help users understand the energy code requirements.
Benefits of Using COMcheck Software
Compliance: COMcheck software helps building professionals demonstrate compliance with energy codes and standards. COMcheck can help architects, engineers, and builders meet the requirements of local building codes and national energy standards by providing a quick and easy way to verify the energy performance of a building,
Time and cost savings: COMcheck software can help building professionals save time and money by reducing the need for manual calculations and paperwork. It automates the energy compliance process and generates compliance reports, which can help streamline the design and construction process.
Energy efficiency: COMcheck can help promote energy-efficient building design and construction practices by facilitating compliance with energy codes and standards. It, in turn, can reduce energy consumption, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions.
User-friendly interface: COMcheck software has a user-friendly interface that simplifies the compliance process. It provides guidance on inputting building data and interpreting the results, making it accessible to building professionals with varying levels of technical expertise.
Conclusion
COMcheck is a software tool developed by the U.S. Department of Energy to simplify the compliance process for energy codes and standards, such as the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). COMcheck is a useful and user-friendly tool for verifying compliance with energy codes and standards, analyzing building energy performance, and promoting energy efficiency in commercial and high-rise residential buildings.
