Preface 

This is the first edition of CSA Z5020, Building energy modelling. CSA Group acknowledges that the development of this Standard was made possible, in part, by the financial support of BC Hydro, Independent Electricity System Operator, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Hydro Québec, Electricity Canada, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, and EfficiencyOne. This Standard was prepared by the Subcommittee on Building Energy Modelling, under the jurisdiction of the Technical Committee on Building Energy Systems and the Strategic Steering Committee (C400) on Standards for Energy Using Systems, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee. This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group. This Standard has been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as an American National Standard. 

Scope 

1.1 Aim This Standard describes energy model QA and QC rules and procedures to help standardize modelling requirements based on the energy model use case, in order to improve confidence in and consistency of modelling results. 

1.2 Methodology This Standard provides a methodology for classifying energy model use cases. 

1.3 Application This Standard supports the consistent application of energy modelling to new buildings to document compliance with the BEM program. 

1.4 Exclusions This Standard applies to all buildings except single-family houses, multifamily structures of three or fewer stories above grade, mobile homes, and modular homes. 

1.5 Requirements The requirements and procedures of this Standard are in addition to the requirements of the modelling ruleset prescribed by the BEM program. Where this Standard conflicts with the requirements of the modelling ruleset, the requirements of the modelling ruleset take precedence. 

1.6 Intended audience This Standard is intended to assist authorities having jurisdiction, rating authorities, and other entities that administer programs that require building energy simulation with establishing modelling and submittal requirements, simulation tool policies, and the submittal review process. 

1.7 Terminology In this Standard, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.