Modeling Multi-Family Projects in Ekotrope

Modified on Thu, 8 Aug at 1:42 PM

Modeling Multifamily Projects with Ekotrope

Given Ekotrope's ability to model single family homes efficiently, efforts have been made to address the unique modeling needs for multifamily (MF) projects. MF projects include various Unit-Types across one or more buildings, so having the ability to quickly enter and link the Unit-Types is important. In order to help model the Unit-Types quickly and efficiently in Ekotrope, we recommend modeling them using the process outlined below for creating projects representing Unit-Types and how to link them in order to filter the list to a specific project name.

The steps include future capabilities in Ekotrope to assist with modeling MF Unit-Types across an entire MF project.

4/27/19 Capabilities in RED will be coming soon.

UPDATE 3/9/23: Text in yellow added by Nico as part of EK-18995. Don't add red parts.

1. Creating Unit-Types related to a MF project

Select "New Project" button
Enter unique name of the Multifamily Project into Community Field ( Allows users to filter projects based on Community to view Unit-Types in MF project )
Enter Unit-Type name, electric rates and project information to set a Unit-Type ( This project will represent a unique Unit Type )
Complete geometry, design and specifications for the Unit-Type the same as with single-family homes
Select "Copy" button and create remaining Unit-Types based on design and specifications

2. Sharing Unit-Types with Provider/Rater

Filter projects (Unit-Types) by Community using unique Multifamily Project name
Select all projects (Unit-Types)
Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Share with Rater" if you want to share with your Rater.
Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Share with Provider" if you want to share with your provider.
Projects can be unshared. Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Unshare with Provider".

3. Batch Editing

Filter projects (Unit-Types) by Community using unique Multifamily Project name
Select all projects (Unit-Types)
Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Modify Projects"
Enter the desired changes for all selected projects. Ekotrope currently supports batch modifications to the project info, building envelope, infiltration rate, onsite generation and dehumidifers
If other modifications are required, select "Request a custom batch modification" and described the changes. This emails Ekotrope support team to modify the selected projects. See point 4 "Modeling Mechanical Equipment" for modeling guidance in multifamily projects.
All projects can be rotated to worst-case orientation. Select "Batch Actions", choose "Set to Worst Case Orientation"

4. Modeling Mechanical Equipment

How to model central mechanical equipment and appliances
How to model shared multifamily mechanical ventilation systems
How to model shared boilers with water loop heat pumps
How to model shared chillers and cooling towers with water loop heat pumps

5. Creating Reports for Projected Ratings/Permitting

Filter projects (Unit-Types) by Community using unique Multifamily Project name
Select all projects (Unit-Types)
Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Batch Export CSV" (Emails spreadsheet with design and results)
Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Testing Spreadsheet" (Downloads spreadsheet with infiltration, duct leakage and ventilation targets in format of EPA Testing and Measuring spreadsheet for multifamily buildings)
Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Minimum Rated Features" (Downloads spreadsheet identifying the specs of the minimum rated features)
Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Projected Reports" (View and print reports for client). Here is a more detailed guidance on printing reports in batch.

6. Batch editing InspectionSync files

Batch Editing - Same steps in Number 3 - Batch Editing above
Air Leakage Testing - filter projects (Unit-Types) by Community, select appropriate Unit-Type and enter blower door results
Total Duct Leakage Testing - filter projects (Unit-Types) by Community, select appropriate Unit-Type and enter total duct leakage values (if tested)
Duct Leakage to Outside Testing - filter projects (Unit-Types) by Community, select appropriate Unit-Type and enter duct leakage to outside results
Mechanical Ventilation Testing - filter projects (Unit-Types) by Community, select appropriate Unit-Type and enter ventilation flow test results
InspectionSync files - select "Batch Actions", choose "Upload Inspection Sync Json". Choose the inspection files to be uploaded

7. Confirmed Ratings - Submit for QA

Filter projects (Unit-Types) by Community using unique Multifamily Project name
Select all projects (Unit-Types)
Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Submit for QA" (Alerts Provider that Units have been final tested and ready for QA)
Projects can be unsubmitted for QA. Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Unsubmit to QA".

8. Confirmed Ratings - Upload to RESNET Registry

Filter projects (Unit-Types) by Community using unique Multifamily Project name
Select all projects (Unit-Types)
Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Register with RESNET" (Uploads all Unit-Types to RESNET Registry)

9. Confirmed Ratings - Reporting

Filter projects (Unit-Types) by Community using unique Multifamily Project name
Select all projects (Unit-Types)
Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Final Reports" (Select required reports necessary). Here is a more detailed guidance on printing reports in batch.
Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Batch Export CSV" (Emails batch results on Unit-Types)
Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Submit to Utility Program" (Submit Unit-Types to Utility Programs that Ekotrope supports)