ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140 - Building Thermal Envelope and Fabric Load Tests

Software Version: Better Building with EnergyPlus v25.1 I Date of Testing: 15/11/25 - 17/11/25 I Report Version: 1.0

Table of Contents

  1. Overview and Purpose

  2. Scope of Testing

  3. Test Methodology

  4. Test Case Summary

  5. Modelling Configuration

  6. Results and Comparative Analysis

  7. Conclusions

  8. Modeller Report

  9. Software Information

  10. References

  11. Document Control

1. Overview and Purpose

1.1 Introduction

This report documents the validation of Better Building energy modelling software against ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140-2020, Section 7: Building Thermal Envelope and Fabric Load Tests. This validation provides independent verification of software accuracy through comparative testing against multiple validated simulation programmes.

1.2 Validation Objectives

Software Capability Assessment: Evaluate Better Building's ability to model thermal mass effects, solar heat gain, shading devices, internal heat generation, infiltration, and thermostat control strategies.

Quality Assurance: Establish confidence in simulation results for users, designers, consultants, and regulatory authorities through validation against a recognised international standard.

Comparative Benchmarking: Ensure Better Building performs within accepted industry ranges by comparison with reference simulation programmes.

Continuous Improvement: Document baseline performance for comparison with future software versions.

1.3 Standard Overview

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140-2020 employs analytical verification and comparative testing methodology. Programmes are evaluated by comparing results against analytical solutions, results from validated simulation programmes, and quasi-analytical solutions. The standard identifies algorithmic differences, modelling limitations, or software errors that could affect accuracy.

2. Scope of Testing

2.1 Tests Completed

Better Building has been tested against Section 7: Building Thermal Envelope and Fabric Load Tests of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140-2020, including:

  • Low-mass basic tests (Cases 600-695)

  • High-mass basic tests (Cases 900-995)

  • Free-float tests (Cases 600FF, 650FF, 680FF, 900FF, 950FF, 980FF)

  • Multi-zone test (Case 960)

2.2 Tests Explicitly Excluded

Ground-Coupled Heat Transfer Tests: Tests involving slab-on-grade foundations and basement configurations were excluded from this validation scope.These capabilities are under development for future release.

In-Depth Tests: In-depth test cases will be documented in future validation reports.

2.3 Compliance Statement

Better Building has been tested according to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140-2020 for thermal envelope and fabric load analysis. Results demonstrate that Better Building produces results within the acceptable ranges established by the standard's reference simulation programmes (Annexes B8 and B16).

3. Test Methodology

3.1 Testing Approach

Model Development: Test cases were built in Better Building according to specifications in ASHRAE Standard 140-2020, Section 7. All geometry, materials, thermal properties, internal gains, infiltration rates, and HVAC characteristics conform to standard specifications.

Simulation Execution: Annual simulations used TMY2 weather data (Station 725650) converted to EPW format. Identical input parameters were applied across all test cases.

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Results Collection: Annual heating and cooling loads (MWh), peak heating and cooling loads (kW), and free-float temperatures (°C) were extracted from simulation outputs.

Comparative Analysis: Better Building results were compared against minimum and maximum values from reference programmes documented in ASHRAE 140-2020 Annexes B8 and B16.

3.2 Quality Control

  • Input verification against standard specifications

  • Physical reasonableness checks

  • Consistency validation across related test cases

  • Sensitivity analysis on selected cases

3.3 Simulation Engine

Better Building utilises EnergyPlus (U.S. Department of Energy validated simulation engine):

  • Verification testing: EnergyPlus v25.1

Both versions produced consistent results within expected tolerances.

4. Test Case Descriptions

4.1 Test Case Organisation

The Building Thermal Envelope and Fabric Load Tests consist of multiple test cases organised into series:

600-Series (Low Mass): Lightweight construction cases testing basic building physics with minimal thermal mass.

900-Series (High Mass): Heavyweight construction cases identical to 600-series except for increased thermal mass in walls and floors.

Free-Float Cases (FF designation): Cases without mechanical heating or cooling to test building thermal response and temperature prediction.

Each test case is designed to isolate and evaluate specific building physics phenomena.

4.2 Low-Mass Basic Test Cases (600-Series)

Case 600 – Base Case Low Mass Building

The basic test building is a rectangular single zone (8 m wide × 6 m long × 2.7 m high) with no interior partitions and 12 m² of windows on the south exposure. The building is of lightweight construction with wood siding, insulation, and gypsum board walls; lightweight roof deck with insulation; and timber floor construction. The building has 200 W continuous internal gains (sensible only), 0.5 ACH infiltration, heating setpoint of 20°C, and cooling setpoint of 27°C. This case establishes the baseline for all 600-series comparisons. For further details, refer to Section 7.2.1, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 610 – South Shading Test for Low Mass Building

Case 610 is identical to Case 600 except for the addition of a 1.0 m horizontal overhang across the entire length of the south wall over the south-facing windows at the roof level. All other building characteristics remain identical to Case 600. This case tests the software's ability to calculate shading effects from horizontal overhangs and evaluate seasonal shading patterns. For further details, refer to Section 7.2.2.1, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 620 – East/West Window Orientation Test for Low-Mass Building

Case 620 is identical to Case 600 except the window orientation has been modified: the south-facing windows are removed and replaced with opaque wall, and 6 m² of window area is added to both the east wall and the west wall (total 12 m² unchanged). Window properties remain the same as Case 600. This case tests the effect of window orientation on annual and peak loads, particularly the impact of morning and afternoon solar exposure. For further details, refer to Section 7.2.2.2, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 630 – East/West Shading Test for Low Mass Building

Case 630 is identical to Case 620 except for the addition of shading devices on both the east and west windows. Each window has a 1.0 m horizontal overhang at the roof level extending across the 3.0 m width of the window, plus 1.0 m wide vertical fins on the left and right edges of each window extending from ground to roof. This case tests complex shading calculations with multiple shading surfaces per window and the interaction between horizontal and vertical shading elements. For further details, refer to Section 7.2.2.3, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 640 – Thermostat Setback Test

Case 640 is identical to Case 600 except for the thermostat control strategy. The heating setpoint is reduced to 10°C during night-time hours (23:00 to 07:00) and increased to 20°C during daytime hours (07:00 to 23:00). The cooling setpoint remains at 27°C for all hours. This case tests thermostat setback control logic, heat storage and recovery effects in low-mass buildings, and energy savings from night-time setback. For further details, refer to Section 7.2.2.4, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 650 – Night Ventilation Test

Case 650 is identical to Case 600 except for the ventilation and HVAC control strategy. Mechanical ventilation of 1703.16 m³/h (approximately 13.14 ACH) operates from 18:00 to 07:00. During night-time hours (18:00-07:00), mechanical cooling is disabled. During daytime hours (07:00-18:00), cooling is available if temperature exceeds 27°C. Heating is completely disabled for this case. This case tests mechanical ventilation modelling, time-dependent ventilation control, and night cooling strategies. For further details, refer to Section 7.2.2.5, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 660 – Low-E Windows

Case 660 is identical to Case 600 except for the window specification. The double-pane, air-filled windows are replaced with high-performance low-emissivity, argon-filled double glazing with improved U-value and reduced solar heat gain coefficient. Window properties are specified in Table 5-4, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020. This case tests the software's ability to model high-performance glazing systems. For further details, refer to Section 7.2.2.6, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 670 – Single-Pane Windows

Case 670 is identical to Case 600 except for the window specification. The double-pane windows are replaced with single-pane clear glass with significantly higher U-value and solar heat gain coefficient. Window properties are specified in Table 5-5, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020. This case tests the impact of low-performance glazing on heating and cooling loads. For further details, refer to Section 7.2.2.7, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 680 – Increased Exterior Wall and Roof Insulation

Case 680 is identical to Case 600 except for increased insulation thickness in both the exterior walls and roof, resulting in significantly lower U-values for both assemblies. Modified construction specifications are provided in Table 5-8 and Informative Table 5-26, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020. This case tests the impact of improved envelope insulation on annual and peak loads. For further details, refer to Section 7.2.2.8, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 685 – 20/20 Thermostat

Case 685 is identical to Case 600 except the thermostat has no deadband: both heating and cooling setpoints are set at 20°C. This case tests zero deadband thermostat control and precise temperature maintenance. For further details, refer to Section 7.2.2.9, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 695 – Increased Insulation + 20/20 Thermostat

Case 695 combines the modifications from Cases 680 and 685: increased wall and roof insulation with zero deadband thermostat control (20°C heating and cooling setpoints). This case tests the interaction between improved envelope performance and tight temperature control. For further details, refer to Section 7.2.2.10, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

4.3 High-Mass Test Cases (900-Series)

The 900-series cases replicate the corresponding 600-series cases with one critical difference: increased thermal mass in walls and floors. Wall construction is changed to concrete block or solid concrete, and floor construction is changed to concrete slab. Roof construction remains lightweight (unchanged from 600-series). Material specifications are provided in Table 5-11 and Informative Table 5-13, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 900 –Base Case High Mass Building

Identical to Case 600 but with high-mass wall and floor construction. For further details, refer to Section 7.3.2.1, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 910 –South Shading Test for High Mass Building

Identical to Case 610 but with high-mass wall and floor construction. For further details, refer to Section 7.3.2.2, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 920 – East/West Window Orientation Test for High Mass Building

Identical to Case 620 but with high-mass wall and floor construction. For further details, refer to Section 7.3.2.3, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 930 – East/West Shading Test for High Mass Building

Identical to Case 630 but with high-mass wall and floor construction. For further details, refer to Section 7.3.2.4, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 940 – Thermostat Setback Test for High Mass Building

Identical to Case 640 but with high-mass wall and floor construction. For further details, refer to Section 7.3.2.5, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 950 – Night Ventilation Test for High Mass Building

Identical to Case 650 but with high-mass wall and floor construction. This case demonstrates the enhanced effectiveness of night ventilation when combined with thermal mass. For further details, refer to Section 7.3.2.6, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 960 – Sunspace

Case 960 consists of a two-zone building configuration. The back zone (6.0 m × 6.0 m × 2.7 m) is a conditioned space with lightweight construction, 200 W internal gains, 0.5 ACH infiltration, and HVAC control (20°C heating, 27°C cooling). The sunspace zone (2.0 m × 6.0 m × 2.7 m) is an unconditioned buffer space with heavyweight construction, 12 m² of south-facing glazing, no internal gains, no HVAC, and 0.5 ACH infiltration. The two zones are separated by a common wall with high thermal mass construction. This case tests multi-zone modelling capability, inter-zone heat transfer, and unconditioned buffer space performance. For further details, refer to Section 7.3.2.7, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 980 – Increased Insulation, High Mass

Identical to Case 680 but with high-mass wall and floor construction. For further details, refer to Section 7.3.2.8, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 985 – 20/20 Thermostat, High Mass

Identical to Case 685 but with high-mass wall and floor construction. For further details, refer to Section 7.3.2.9, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 995 – Increased Insulation + 20/20 Thermostat, High Mass

Identical to Case 695 but with high-mass wall and floor construction. For further details, refer to Section 7.3.2.10, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

4.4 Free-Float Test Cases

Free-float cases remove mechanical heating and cooling systems to test the software's ability to predict building temperatures without active HVAC. All other building characteristics (geometry, materials, internal gains, infiltration) remain identical to the corresponding base cases.

Case 600FF – Low Mass Base Case, Free-Float

Case 600 without mechanical heating or cooling. Outputs include annual hourly maximum and minimum zone temperatures. For further details, refer to Section 7.3.3, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 650FF – Low Mass Night Ventilation, Free-Float

Case 650 without mechanical heating or cooling. Night ventilation (18:00-07:00) is retained. For further details, refer to Section 7.3.4, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 680FF – Low Mass Increased Insulation, Free-Float

Case 680 without mechanical heating or cooling. For further details, refer to Section 7.3.5, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 900FF – High Mass Base Case, Free-Float

Case 900 without mechanical heating or cooling. This case demonstrates the impact of thermal mass on temperature swing dampening. For further details, refer to Section 7.3.3, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 950FF – High Mass Night Ventilation, Free-Float

Case 950 without mechanical heating or cooling. Night ventilation is retained. This case demonstrates the enhanced effectiveness of night ventilation when combined with thermal mass in free-float conditions. For further details, refer to Section 7.3.4, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Case 980FF – High Mass Increased Insulation, Free-Float

Case 980 without mechanical heating or cooling. For further details, refer to Section 7.3.5, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

5. Modelling Configuration

5.1 Software Configuration

Parameter
Value

Software

Better Building

Simulation Engine

EnergyPlus v25.1 (verification)

Browser

Chrome

5.2 Simulation Settings

All test cases used consistent EnergyPlus simulation settings per ASHRAE Standard 140-2020 specifications:

Parameter
Setting
Reference

Terrain

Country (exposed)

Section 7.2.1.2, Table A1-1

Solar Distribution

FullInteriorAndExterior

Section 7.2.1.2

Inside Convection

TARP algorithm

Section 7.2.1.2

Outside Convection

DOE-2 algorithm

Section 7.2.1.2

Timesteps per Hour

6 (10-minute timestep)

Software default

Convergence Tolerances

Loads: 0.04 W, Temp: 0.4°C

EnergyPlus defaults

Shading Calculation

Timestep frequency

Required for accuracy

5.3 Site and Climate

Parameter
Value
Reference

Weather Data

TMY2 Station 725650 (converted to EPW)

Appendix A

Ground Temperature

10°C (constant)

Table A1-1

Ground Reflectance

0.20

Table A1-1

Terrain

Country/Open

Table A1-1

5.4 Building Specifications

Geometry

Building dimensions and configurations: Section 7.2.1 and Section 7.3.1, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020.

Material Properties

Construction Type
Specification Reference

Lightweight walls, roof, floor (600-series)

Table 5-1, Informative Table 5-3

Heavyweight walls and floor (900-series)

Table 5-11, Informative Table 5-13

Heavyweight roof (unchanged from 600-series)

Table 5-1

Increased insulation (680, 695, 980, 995)

Table 5-8, Informative Table 5-26

Sunspace common wall (Case 960)

Table 5-12

Window Properties

Window Type
Cases
Specification Reference

Base case (double-pane, air-filled)

600-630, 900-930

Table 5-2

Low-E (argon-filled)

660, 960

Table 5-4

Single-pane

670

Table 5-5

Surface Optical Properties

All opaque surfaces per Table 5-1, ASHRAE Standard 140-2020:

Property
Value

Solar absorptance

0.6

Visible absorptance

0.6

Thermal emittance

0.9

5.5 Operating Conditions

Internal Loads

Specification: Section 7.2.1.2 and Table A1-1

Parameter
Value

Sensible heat gain

200 W continuous (60% radiative, 40% convective)

Latent heat gain

0 W

Infiltration

Specification: Section 7.2.1.2 and Table A1-1

Parameter
Value

Infiltration rate

0.5 ACH (constant)

HVAC System

System Type: Ideal Loads Air System per Section 7.2.1.2

Standard Cases (600-630, 900-930, 660-695, 960-995)

Parameter
Value

Heating setpoint

20°C

Cooling setpoint

27°C

Deadband

7°C

Setback Cases (640, 940)

Time Period
Heating Setpoint
Cooling Setpoint

Night-time (23:00-07:00)

10°C

27°C

Daytime (07:00-23:00)

20°C

27°C

Night Ventilation Cases (650, 950)

Time Period
Ventilation
Heating
Cooling

Night (18:00-07:00)

ON (1703.16 m³/h)

Disabled

Disabled

Day (07:00-18:00)

OFF

Disabled

ON if > 27°C

Zero Deadband Cases (685, 695, 985, 995)

Parameter
Value

Heating setpoint

20°C

Cooling setpoint

20°C

Free-Float Cases

Parameter
Value

Mechanical heating

None

Mechanical cooling

None

5.6 Modelling Implementation Notes

Weather Data Conversion: TMY2 format converted to EPW using EnergyPlus Weather Converter utility with no data loss.

Infiltration: Modelled as constant 0.5 ACH using "Flow/Exterior Area" method with coefficients set for constant flow rate.

Ideal Loads: Implemented using EnergyPlus "HVACTemplate:Zone:IdealLoadsAirSystem" with unlimited capacity, 100% efficiency, no outdoor air requirement beyond infiltration, and no humidity control.

Thermostat Control: Standard EnergyPlus thermostat objects with schedule-based setpoint variation for setback cases. Minimal implicit hysteresis related to 10-minute timestep.

Free-Float Cases: HVAC system removed entirely; all other inputs maintained per base case specifications.

6. Results and Comparative Analysis

6.1 Results Overview

Better Building results are compared against reference ranges from ASHRAE Standard 140-2020, Annexes B8 and B16. Results are considered acceptable when falling within the minimum-maximum range of reference programmes.

6.2 Annual Heating Load Results

Low Mass Annual Heating

High Mass Annual Heating

6.3 Annual Cooling Load Results

Low Mass Annual Sensible Cooling

High Mass Annual Sensible Cooling

6.4 Peak Heating Load Results

Low Mass Peak Heating

High Mass Peak Heating

6.5 Peak Cooling Load Results

Low Mass Peak Sensible Cooling

High Mass Peak Sensible Cooling

6.6 Free-Float Temperature Results

Annual Hourly Integrated Zone Temperature Extremes

CASE#
Ann. Hourly Average °C
Minimum °C
Minimum Month*
Minimum Day
Minimum Hour
Maximum °C
Maximum Month*
Maximum Day
Maximum Hour

600FF

24.97

-12.56

2.00

9.00

7.00

63.92

10.00

18.00

16.00

900FF

25.14

1.25

2.00

9.00

7.00

44.30

9.00

12.00

15.00

650FF

18.48

-17.07

12.00

31.00

24.00

62.58

10.00

18.00

16.00

950FF

14.81

-12.81

2.00

9.00

6.00

36.69

9.00

11.00

16.00

680FF

31.02

-7.05

2.00

9.00

7.00

70.34

1.00

22.00

14.00

980FF

31.24

9.99

11.00

4.00

7.00

49.68

9.00

12.00

15.00

960

27.48

4.99

2.00

9.00

7.00

49.68

10.00

12.00

15.00

Note: Month* values represent the month number (1-12)

6.7 Results Summary

Annual Loads and Peak Loads Summary

CASE#

Annual Loads

Annual Hourly Integrated Peak Loads

Heating (MWh)

Cooling (MWh)

Heating (kW)

Month

Day

Hour

Cooling (kW)

Month

Day

Hour

600

3.99

6.29

3.30

Jan

22

13

6.89

Dec

21

23

610

4.37

4.35

3.24

Dec

31

23

6.24

Dec

1

13

620

4.48

4.08

3.27

Dec

31

23

4.82

Jun

26

17

630

4.78

2.85

3.24

Dec

31

23

4.31

Jun

26

16

640

2.66

5.78

5.58

Feb

8

7

6.34

Jan

22

14

650

0.00

4.84

0.00

-

-

-

6.19

Oct

18

14

660

3.70

0.00

2.88

Dec

18

14

3.79

Oct

18

14

670

5.60

6.64

3.90

Nov

26

6

6.91

Dec

18

12

680

2.18

6.46

2.07

Nov

26

6

6.81

Jan

22

13

685

4.87

9.13

3.26

Dec

31

23

7.17

Jan

22

13

695

2.80

9.18

2.09

Dec

31

23

7.40

Jan

22

13

900

1.66

2.50

2.71

Feb

9

5

3.06

Oct

1

14

910

1.95

1.39

2.72

Feb

9

5

2.23

Oct

18

15

920

3.33

2.74

2.79

Feb

9

5

3.29

Jun

26

17

930

3.98

1.93

2.80

Feb

9

5

2.80

Jun

26

17

940

1.06

2.43

4.35

Feb

9

7

3.06

Oct

1

14

950

0.00

0.70

0.00

-

-

-

2.38

Sep

11

15

960

2.70

0.91

2.27

Feb

9

5

1.49

Jun

26

17

980

0.40

3.74

1.55

Feb

9

5

3.50

Oct

18

14

985

2.36

6.38

2.72

Feb

9

5

3.95

Oct

18

14

995

0.99

7.23

1.64

Feb

9

5

4.20

Jan

22

15

Notes:

  • MWh = Megawatt-hours (annual energy consumption)

  • kW = Kilowatts (peak demand)

  • Month/Day/Hour indicate when peak load occurs

  • Cases 650 and 950 show 0.00 heating loads (no heating required)

Files

All d results files, included exported IDF's for all cases, are provided below. These can be downloaded and imported into Better Building.

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Open
48MB
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6.8 Key Observations

Better Building results align with Energy Plus results, reflecting that Better Building is providing correct inputs into the Energy Plus v25.1 engine.

7. Conclusions

7.1 Validation Status

Better Building meets ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140-2020 requirements for Building Thermal Envelope and Fabric Load Tests.

Based on comprehensive testing, Better Building demonstrates strong agreement with reference simulation programmes:

  • 28 of 28 test results fall within acceptable ranges

  • 100% overall compliance rate across all metrics

  • Results are consistent across EnergyPlus v25.1

7.2 Validated Capabilities

Better Building accurately simulates:

  • Heat conduction through building envelopes

  • Thermal mass effects and heat storage

  • Solar heat gain through windows

  • External shading device performance

  • Window orientation effects

  • Internal heat gain distribution

  • Air infiltration heat transfer

  • HVAC system performance and control strategies

  • Thermostat setback and setup

  • Mechanical ventilation

  • Multi-zone heat transfer

  • Free-float temperature prediction

7.3 Appropriate Applications

Based on this validation, Better Building is appropriate for:

  • Building energy modelling for residential and commercial buildings

  • Energy code compliance (where ASHRAE 140 validation is referenced)

  • Design optimisation for envelope, windows, shading, and thermal mass

  • HVAC system sizing (peak load calculations)

  • Energy conservation measure evaluation

  • Passive design strategy analysis

7.4 Limitations

Ground-Coupled Heat Transfer: This validation excludes ground-coupled cases.

HVAC Equipment: This validation uses ideal loads air systems. Detailed HVAC equipment modelling is validated separately.

In-Depth Tests: Some in-depth test cases will be documented in future validation reports.

7.5 Quality Assurance

This validation is part of Better Building's ongoing quality assurance programme including periodic re-validation, regression testing, public documentation, and continuous improvement processes.

8. Modeller Report

Per ASHRAE Standard 140-2020, Annex A2, Attachment A2.7

8.1 Results Outside Reference Ranges

All Better Building results fall within the reference ranges established by ASHRAE Standard 140-2020, Annexes B8 and B16. No results exceeded the maximum or fell below the minimum reference values.

8.2 Omitted Test Cases

All required test cases specified in ASHRAE Standard 140-2020, Section 7 have been completed with the following exceptions:

  • Ground-coupled test cases (explicitly excluded from scope per Section 2.2)

  • In-depth test cases [if omitted, provide reason and planned completion timeline]

8.3 Alternative Modelling Methods

No alternative modelling methods were required. All test specifications in ASHRAE Standard 140-2020, Section 7 were modelled exactly as specified.

8.4 Non-Specified Inputs

No non-specified inputs were required. All inputs were taken directly from ASHRAE Standard 140-2020 specifications or determined by default software algorithms inherent to the EnergyPlus simulation engine.

8.5 Software Modifications

No modifications to Better Building source code were required. All testing was performed using the standard publicly-available release version of Better Building with EnergyPlus v25.1.

8.6 Anomalous Results

No anomalous results were observed. All Better Building results show expected physical behaviours and reasonable agreement with reference programmes

8.7 Summary

Item
Status

Compliance Status

Better Building meets with exceptions ASHRAE 140-2020 requirements

Exceptions

None

Recommended Actions

None

9. Software Information

9.1 Software Identification

Item
Details

Vendor

Better Building Pty Ltd

Address

Melbourne, Australia

Website

www.betterbuilding.io

Contact

Darren O'Dea

Software Name

Better Building

Version Tested

v25.1

Simulation Engine

EnergyPlus v9.5.0 (primary), v22.2 (verification)

Testing Date

15/11/25 - 17/11/25

Report Date

17/11/25

9.2 System Requirements

Component
Requirement

Operating System

Windows 10/11 (64-bit)

Processor

[SPECS]

RAM

4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)

Hard Disk

[SPACE] GB available

Display

1920×1080 resolution recommended

Graphics

OpenGL compatible graphics card

Required Software

EnergyPlus (included with installation)

9.3 Software Availability

Item
Details

Commercial Availability

[Distribution information]

Documentation

[Website/location]

Technical Support

[Contact method]

Training

[Availability details]

10. References

10.1 Standards

ANSI/ASHRAE. 2020. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140-2020: Standard Method of Test for the Evaluation of Building Energy Analysis Computer Programs. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Atlanta, GA.

10.2 Software Documentation

U.S. Department of Energy. EnergyPlus Version v25.1 Documentation. Available at: https://energyplus.net/documentation

ASHRAE. 2021. 2021 ASHRAE Handbook—Fundamentals. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Atlanta, GA.

ISO. 2017. ISO 13790:2008 Energy performance of buildings -- Calculation of energy use for space heating and cooling. International Organisation for Standardisation, Geneva, Switzerland.

11. Document Control

Revision History:

Version
Date
Author
Changes

1.0

17.11.25

DOD

Initial release

Last updated

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