National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Energy Analysis Office
Building Technologies Analysis
The Building Technologies analysis supports research and development on technologies and practices for energy efficiency, working closely with the building industry and manufacturers; promotes energy and money-saving opportunities to builders and consumers; and works with state and local regulatory groups to improve building codes and appliance standards.
Building Energy Software Tools Directory
Described here are 283 energy-related software tools for buildings, with an emphasis on using renewable energy and achieving energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings.
This site includes tables of building energy data, as well as EIA information.
Technical Expertise
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Buildings Research
Researchers and analysts in NREL's expertise in solar applications includes solar water heating, polymer materials, freeze protection, system certification, solar absorption cooling, transpired solar collectors, PV technologies, testing, building integration, codes and standards, solar resources, and financing.
NREL's State and Local Initiatives
This NREL program provides policy expertise and renewable energy/energy efficiency resources for state and local governments, schools, and energy offices.
Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) at NREL
NREL's FEMP program provides expertise in the areas of performance contracting, military and other federal housing, energy auditing, measurement, and verification.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) HVAC Research
ORNL provides specialized expertise in the areas of heating and cooling equipment, compressor retrofits, and HVAC test facilities.
ORNL Building Envelope Research
ORNL provides expertise in building envelope systems, including advanced wall systems, moisture control, roof coatings, hot-box testing, and evacuated panel super-insulation.
ORNL Community-Based Programs
These programs include a Weatherization Assistance Program, Rebuild America technical assistance, Partnerships for Affordable Housing, State Energy Program metrics and evaluation, and programs focusing on the effects of utility restructuring on low-income customers.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Lighting Research
LBNL provides expertise on lamps, fixtures, torchieres, fiber optic illumination, and uses advanced test facilities.
LBNL Windows Research
LBNL conducts extensive research into advanced windows technologies, coatings, optical testing, and software.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL): Buildings
PNNL provides expertise on building energy codes, including model energy code development, removal of code barriers, and compliance tools; and provides technical assistance and grants for states to implement energy codes and training.
Guidebooks and Documents
Energy Savers
Interactive web site developed by NREL to help consumers identify simple energy saving opportunities around their homes.
Builder's Guides
These guides, developed by Building Science Consortium for Building America, contain construction details for new houses and additions in four climate regions.
Military Housing Guidebooks
This set of three guidebooks, developed by ORNL for the U.S. Army and Air Force, include a Design Guide, Retrofit Guide and Inspection Field Manual.
Technology Fact Sheets
ORNL and Southface Energy Institute developed this series of bulletins for designers and builders to address building components and systems interactions on new construction and additions.
Analysis and Evaluation
BESTEST
The BESTEST (Building Energy Simulation TEST) method evaluates design and analysis tools relative to their ability to adequately model the energy performance of buildings.
Energy-10
An award-winning PC-based design tool that helps architects and building designers quickly identify the most cost-effective, energy-saving measures for small commercial and residential buildings.
SUNREL
A detailed hourly building energy simulation program that aids in the design of small energy-efficient buildings. SUNREL is temporarily unavailable.
Rules, Codes, and Standards
Rules, codes, standards, and guidelines for buildings, building equipment, and appliances.
Appliance Standards
Find out more about DOE's program, the general rules and regulations that manufacturers need to comply with, and the latest information on rulemaking, standards, and test procedures for specific products.
Building Energy Codes
DOE's Building Energy Codes Program is an information resource on national model energy codes. We work with other government agencies, state and local jurisdictions, national code organizations, and industry to promote stronger building energy codes and help states adopt, implement, and enforce those codes.
HERS/EEMs Documents
A list of HERS/EEMs (Home Energy Rating System/Energy-Efficient Mortgage) documents available for download.
More Information
Related publications
Related models/tools
Key staff analysts
Jørn Aabakken
Nate Blair
Walter Short
Access more information on all of our Staff Analysts
