egc-compliance

name

egc-compliance

description

Generate ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Energy Code Compliance reports for buildings. Uses the EnergyPlus MCP to run four simulation scenarios (as-built, DOE reference, code minimum, retrofit), calibrates to actual utility data, checks prescriptive compliance, and renders an interactive HTML report artifact. Use when asked about energy code compliance, ASHRAE 90.1, EnergyPlus simulation, prescriptive compliance checks, or comparing a building to code minimum. Requires the Audette plugin and EnergyPlus MCP token.

EGC Compliance — ASHRAE 90.1-2022

What It Does

Generates a full energy code compliance report by:

1. Pulling building envelope and systems data from Audette
2. Building EnergyPlus IDF files for 4 scenarios via the EnergyPlus MCP
3. Running simulations and calibrating to actual utility bills
4. Checking 9 prescriptive compliance items against ASHRAE 90.1-2022
5. Producing an interactive HTML report artifact

EnergyPlus MCP Tools Used

IDF Management

• load_idf(idf_path) — Load an EnergyPlus input file
• validate_idf(idf_path) — Validate IDF syntax and content
• get_model_basics(idf_path) — Summary of zones, surfaces, systems

Building Geometry

• list_zones(idf_path) — All thermal zones
• get_surfaces(idf_path) — Walls, roofs, floors, windows
• get_materials(idf_path) — Material and construction properties

Building Systems

• inspect_lights(idf_path) — Lighting power density
• modify_lights(idf_path, modifications) — Update LPD for scenarios
• inspect_people(idf_path) — Occupancy schedules
• inspect_electric_equipment(idf_path) — Plug loads
• discover_hvac_loops(idf_path) — HVAC topology
• get_loop_topology(idf_path, loop_name) — Detailed HVAC layout

Simulation

• modify_simulation_settings(idf_path, object_type, field_updates) — Configure run settings
• add_output_variables(idf_path, variables) — Add simulation outputs
• add_output_meters(idf_path, meters) — Add energy meters
• copy_file(source, target) — Clone IDF for each scenario

The 4 Scenarios

Scenario	Description	Purpose
As-Built	Current building (from Audette data)	Baseline
DOE Reference	ASHRAE 90.1-2004 baseline	Permit comparison
Code Minimum	ASHRAE 90.1-2022 prescriptive min	Compliance target
Retrofit	Optimized upgrades	Improvement roadmap

Prescriptive Checks (9 items)

Wall U-value · Roof U-value · Slab F-factor · Window U-value · Window SHGC · Heating efficiency · Cooling efficiency · DHW efficiency · Lighting Power Density (LPD)

Workflow

1. Get building_uid from Audette → fetch envelope + systems data
2. Build as-built IDF using geometry and equipment from Audette
3. Clone IDF 3× → modify each for DOE reference / code minimum / retrofit
4. Run all 4 simulations via EnergyPlus MCP
5. Fetch utility bills from Arcadia/Nectar → calibrate simulation outputs
6. Run prescriptive checks → pass/fail per ASHRAE 90.1-2022
7. Generate HTML artifact with charts and compliance table

Authentication

• Audette plugin: required — building data source
• EnergyPlus MCP token: Bearer token from Soapbox (set ENERGYPLUS_MCP_TOKEN)
• Arcadia or Nectar (optional): for calibration against actual utility bills