Karpman Consulting offers a coordinated curriculum of eQUEST energy modeling training, designed to help students master the marketable skill.

We take a hands-on approach to energy modeling training. Most trainings feature extensive modeling exercises where attendees practice applying the theoretical concepts covered during the class.

We also believe in an incremental approach. Attendees are exposed to energy modeling in the introductory class (100-level), are given a foundation in the two day, 200-level classes, and are given the opportunity to build their skills and develop in-depth understanding in the 300-level intermediate and advanced classes.

We realize that no two attendees are alike, and our curriculum offers the flexibility to meet the needs of a variety of professionals. For example, those familiar with energy modeling concepts may wish to start with the 200-level class. Modelers with several years under their belts may choose to enroll in 300-level intermediate and advanced classes to build mastery and dig deeper.

We have developed a reputation for excellence in teaching and expertise in the field. Our trainings carry name recognition and are a reliable means to career advancement and professional growth for energy professionals.

Curriculum Map

Course Descriptions

101: Energy Modeling for Code Compliance, High Performance Buildings, and Building Retrofits

This eight hour training familiarizes building professionals including architects, engineers, building code officials and incentive program administrators with the fundamental concepts of whole building energy simulation, the energy modeling protocols of ASHRAE Standard 90.1, and the various applications of energy modeling including design optimization, demonstrating compliance with the energy code, LEED, Enterprise Green Communities, EPA Energy Star for Multifamily High Rise certification and incentive program participation.

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110: Performance-Based Compliance with ASHRAE Standard 90.1 2016

The training will educate jurisdiction decisionmakers about different performance-based compliance options, the level of QA/QC necessary for meaningful enforcement, and the available resources including the Enforcement Manual, Review Checklist, compliance forms developed with the DOE/PNNL funding, the qualification requirements for modelers and reviewers, and potential business models for funding the review of performance-based submittals.  

This web-based training covers the application of ASHRAE 90.1 Section 11 and Appendix G to renovations, core and shell projects, tenant fit-outs and projects served by district heating and cooling systems. It also addresses the modeling requirements related to selected building systems such as renewable energy, combined heat and power (CHP), water booster pumps, elevators, and commercial and industrial equipment. The examples are provided based on the real-life projects.

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201: eQUEST Energy Modeling for Existing Buildings

This sixteen hour training will focus on the practical skills of using energy modeling to evaluate efficiency opportunities in existing buildings. The course will offer hands-on building energy modeling experience while familiarizing attendees with best practices articulated in ASHRAE Procedures for Commercial Building Energy Audits, International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocols, and ASHRAE Guideline 14 - Measurement of Energy and Demand Savings. The training will cover, step-by-step, the process of developing an energy model for a sample project involving a high-rise multifamily building and an elementary school building, with attendees following the exercises on their laptops. Attendees will learn how to fine-tune (calibrate) the model to pre-retrofit utility bills to improve accuracy, and how to use the calibrated simulation for estimating savings from an array of typical retrofit options. Attendees will work with eQUEST’s Wizard mode, Wizard Energy Efficiency Measure mode, Detailed Data Edit mode, Parametric Runs tool, and Summary and Detailed reports, and learn how to perform model quality control and troubleshoot common issues.

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Performance-based Compliance for Multifamily: Tricks of the Trade

This course series presents a range of tips and tricks, useful tools created by industry experts, and deep dives into commonly misunderstood areas of energy modeling specifically focused on projects following ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G 2016 (and beyond), as used in NYS ECCC 2020, ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program, Enterprise Green Communities, LEED BD+C/ID+C v4 Pilot Credit EApc111, and LEED BD+C/ID+C v4.1, and various other programs for high performance buildings. The series comprises a selection of focused courses, each dedicated to different facets of energy modeling and performance-based compliance. The courses are individually approved for AIA LU|HSW credits, providing the flexibility to mix and match based on your specific learning needs and experience level. See more information about each course segment on the course series webpage.

#1: eQuest Productivity Tools and Tips Part 1 – Using Global Parameters and Logical Statements

#2: eQuest Productivity Tools and Tips Part 2 – Utilizing eQuest Import Functionality to Improve Efficiency

#3: eQuest Productivity Tools and Tips Part 3 – Auto populating Individual Space Lighting Power Densities and Quality Control Tips

#4: The Ins and Outs of Building Envelope — Part 1

#5: The Ins and Outs of Building Envelope — Part 2

#6: The Ins and Outs of Building Envelope — Part 3

#7: A Reviewer’s Perspective – Common Mistakes in Submission to the ENERGY STAR MFNC Program and Tips for Avoiding Them

#8: Lighting Power and Controls in Multifamily Buildings following Appendix G and the ENERGYSTAR MFNC Guidelines

#9: Documenting and Modeling Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems Part 1

#10: Documenting and Modeling Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems Part 2

#11: Documenting and Modeling Ventilation Systems in Multifamily Buildings following the ENERGY STAR MFNC Program Guidelines Part 1

#12: Documenting and Modeling Ventilation Systems in Multifamily Buildings following the ENERGY STAR MFNC Program Guidelines Part 2

203: eQUEST Energy Modeling for New Construction using ASHRAE 90.1 2016

This on-demand training develops the technical skills necessary for modeling commercial and multifamily buildings in eQUEST following requirements of ASHRAE Standard 90.1 2013 Appendix G with Addendum BM package, and 90.1 2016 Appendix G and beyond, as used in NYS ECCC 2020, ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program, Enterprise Green Communities, LEED BD+C/ID+C v4 Pilot Credit EApc111, and LEED BD+C/ID+C v4.1, and various other programs for high performance buildings. The training includes approximately fourteen hours of video content, hands-on exercises that involve modeling a mixed-use building from start to finish in eQUEST, quizzes, and a final assessment. The training also covers efficient workflow, productivity tips, and simulation quality control.

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210: Compliance Documentation for ASHRAE 90.1 Section 11 and Appendix G

This 2-hour training discusses reporting requirements of ASHRAE 90.1 applicable to the performance-based projects and covers documentation that must be submitted to code officials. It illustrates how to fill out the submittal forms, discusses productivity tips, establishing efficient workflow, and will cover the common mistakes and best practices. The material will be based on the common reporting mistakes observed by Karpman Consulting staff when reviewing modeling-based submittals, and input from jurisdictions such as NYC DOB.

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212: Review of the Modeling-based Submittals for ASHRAE 90.1 Section 11 and Appendix G

The training will discuss submittal review strategy and the key review areas including verifying the submittal for completeness; confirming that building systems and components shown in the compliance forms reflect design documents; that the configuration of the baseline (budget) design model is established correctly based on the applicable rules of ASHRAE 90.1 Section 11 or Appendix G; that, based on the simulation reports, the baseline (budget) and proposed designs were modeled as described in the compliance forms; and that the compliance outcome was established correctly based on the energy modeling results. The training will illustrate how to effectively use the Enforcement Manual and the companion Review Checklist to implement these steps and will include project examples based on of real-life projects and quizzes followed by discussion.

The training includes hands-on exercises to illustrate how to apply procedures described in the Enforcement Manual to example projects based on real life submittals, how to use the annotated simulation reports included in the Enforcement Manual to review energy models, and how to communicate review comments to permit applicants. The training will also cover the additional review checks for projects following the NY Stretch.

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213: Integrating Performance-based Compliance into the Design Process

The training illustrates the use of energy modeling following the framework of ASHRAE Standard 209 – Computer Simulation Aided Design throughout design development, encompassing all phases of the design process including the schematic design, construction document, and compliance documentation phases. The topics focus on design decisions made at different design stages that may lead to projects failing to comply with code using the performance path, such as the high fenestration area, inefficient orientation, ventilation rates exceeding minimum code requirements, inefficient ventilation system design, and others. The training also covers the relevant new rules of the performance path, such as the envelope backstop introduced in the NY Stretch and change in enforcement practices on projects with CHP. The training will provide specific examples of designs that may not meet code due to recent changes to requirements.

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301: Intermediate HVAC Modeling in eQUEST

This eight hour (1 day) hands-on training will build on the foundation established by Modeling 201 or Modeling 202 above, to enhance attendee modeling skills beyond the beginner level. The focus will be on the most common HVAC systems and related energy efficiency measures. The training is applicable to modeling both new and existing buildings.

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302: Water-Side HVAC and High Performance Systems in eQUEST

This one-day training covers intermediate and advanced topics in eQUEST modeling. Water-side HVAC modeling is covered, including boilers, chillers, and heat rejection and the associated distribution systems. Modeling techniques for high performance systems are also discussed, including VRF (variable refrigerant flow) systems, dedicated outdoor air systems, and chilled beam systems. The training focuses on eQUEST’s detailed data edit interface, and significant time is spent exploring detailed and hourly reports. Additional intermediate and advanced topics are also covered.

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310: Simulation Requirements of ASHRAE Standard 90.1 2007 / 2010 / 2013

This one-day training compares the energy modeling requirements of different vintages of Standard 90.1. Jurisdictions and rating authorities such as NYS ECCC and LEED are transitioning to the newer versions of the standard, and it is important for professionals involved in new construction and major renovation projects to be understand the key differences between versions and their impact on stringency. This training focuses on high impact areas and practical implications for projects.

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Cancellation Policy

For cancelations made at least 30 days prior to the training start date, 75% of the registration fee is refunded. No refunds are given for cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the training start date, however 100% of the fee paid may be applied toward any future training delivered by Karpman Consulting. There is no fee for transferring the registration to a different training or a different attendee.