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This paper details the process and results from the first step of a three-step research process. This first step looks to identify the most predictive pre-retrofit metric of energy consumption to utilize in a model to predict the energy savings post retrofit. The ultimate goal of this research is to predict candidacy for retrofit using only a combination of demographic and home-characteristics data that is available for the entirety of the U.S. residential housing stock. This is important, as utility data is almost always protected for privacy and thus unavailable to assist in targeting where energy efficiency retrofits will be successful. It is found that the best metric is the simplest, total energy consumption divided by total floor area. In addition to evaluating which pre-use metric is most indicative of post retrofit savings, the paper evaluates the endogenous component of pre-use to post use and a potential method to alleviate this endogeneity. The research finds that by removing the year that is used to calculate the savings as the baseline pre-use year removes a portion of the endogeneity. It is also found that one year before the savings base year is the best year to utilize as the base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Thermal mass combined with other passive strategies can play an important role in buildings energy efficiency, minimizing the need of space-conditioning mechanical systems. However, the use of lightweight materials with low thermal mass is becoming increasingly common. Phase Change Materials (PCMs) can add thermal energy storage benefits to lightweight constructions. There are many studies about the use of PCM in buildings, but there are still some difficulties for effective use and practical application of these materials. The study of applications used in real buildings could help us find solutions to these difficulties. This paper analyzed different PCM applications presented in highly efficient lightweight construction houses that have participated in the American Solar Decathlon, an international competition organized by U.S. Department of Energy. These houses have been tested and monitored in Washington DC, place with suitable climate conditions for short term thermal storage systems. The study started with a classification of the PCM applications and included an analysis of the systems, materials, switching temperatures, containments and design strategies used to improve the houses energy performance. Also, it included results of numerical simulations and experimentation that the participant team had done, complemented with information available in the literature about similar materials or applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]