scope:

FOREWORD

Addendum a updates Section 5.2 and renames it "Modeler Qualifications," and also adds two supporting definitions to Section 3.2. The section effectively restricted who could apply Standard 209 to those with either an ASHRAE BEMP or AEE BESA certification. Currently, only 510 modelers are BEMP certified, and the BESA certification is no longer accepting new applications. This severely limits the application of Standard 209 and excludes many people with extensive modeling experience. The new language recognizes that many design professionals have experience in modeling and quantifies the number of projects and years of experience that are required to use Standard 209. It is a shift from a test-based requirement to one focused more on practical experience. This section was debated extensively when Standard 189.1 added a reference to Standard 209 and specifically chose to exclude this section. The values used for the number of years and number of projects were debated and represent a compromise between those that wanted the requirement more restrictive or less restrictive, but the two years of energy modeling experience by a design professional is consistent with the eligibility requirements for the BEMP certification. By also applying to the individual supervising the modeler, it allows less-experienced modelers to follow the standard. It also makes clear that the authority having jurisdiction can override these qualifications with their own. Finally, it removes a perceived conflict of interest for an ASHRAE standard to effectively require the use of an ASHRAE certification. Overall, this change is expected to increase the adoption of Standard 209.

Note: In this addendum, changes to the current standard are indicated in the text by underlining (for additions) and (for deletions) unless the instructions specifically mention some other means of indicating the changes.