“Some people will use Energy Star Portfolio Manager report data because they have to, and others will use it to manage their buildings better,” Ms. Gilmer said.
That’s why the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, or ASHRAE, next year plans to introduce the Building Energy Quotient, which as Europe-like “A+” to “F” scores for as-designed and in-operation rating systems.
“PG&E has identified retro-commissioning as the biggest step for nonresidential efficiency before the very expensive upgrades to equipment and controls,” Mr. Kamrath said.
The California Certified Energy Rating & Testing Services (CalCERTS), California Building Performance Contractors Association (CBPCA), and the California Home Energy Efficiency Rating System (CHEERS) have been approved by the Commission as HERS providers to oversee HERS raters providing Title 24 field verification and diagnostic testing. People interested in becoming certified HERS raters should contact CalCERTS, CBPCA, or CHEERS.