Frequently Asked Questions..
Q: How do I view my other properties?
A: From any page, click the 'Property selection' button in the upper right-hand area.
Q: I already input utility data into ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to get the ENERGY STAR score, do I have to input into the BML website too?
A: The BML website needs utility data to calculate the Energy Use Intensity (EUI) metric. It is recommended to export the utility data from Portfolio Manager and then use the BML website import function. Select a property utility account and open the 'Help with this page..' tab at the bottom of the utility account page for more details on the export/import options.
Q: How is the space daylit area percent calculated?
A: The space daylit area is calculated as the area daylit according to ASHRAE 90.1-2010 sidelit and toplit definitions, excluding any specific geometry or obstruction information, divided by the total area of the space. This calculation errors on the side of overestimation due to unknown specific geometry and overlap areas. The sidelit area is defined as the window width plus 2 ft. on either side multiplied by the window head height. The toplit area is defined as the skylight dimension plus 0.7*(ceiling height) in each direction. Diagrams of these areas can be seen below.
Q: Why does the utility account have an 'Empty!' status?
A: The status is empty because no usage data has been input for this account. Click on 'Go to Utility' and from the new page click 'Add or replace data for this utility account..' or click 'Import data from file or via copy/paste..'
Q: Why does the space have an 'Empty!' status?
A: The status is empty because no openings have been input. Click on 'Go to Space' and from the new page click 'Add openings to this space..' where window and skylight openings can be input.
Q: Where do I find my ENERGY STAR score to input?
A: The building ENERGY STAR score can be found by logging in to Portfolio Manager at www.ENERGYSTAR.gov. If the building information is not already input into Portfolio Manager, some general information as well as 12 consecutive months of utility data will need to be added to get an ENERGY STAR score. If the score is available, it should appear on the MyPortfolio page after the building is selected, shown here:
Q: What if I can't find my ENERGY STAR score?
A: If the current score in Portfolio Manager is unavailable, click on the 'N/A' and a pop-up window should appear explaining why the score cannot be calculated.
Q: Why does my map appear wrong?
A: Be sure you included the city and state when entering the address. It is also a good idea to verify your address with GoogleMaps.
Q: Why is my daylight score different on the BML sheet than when I calculated it?
A: The score will be the same on the sheet as when calculated in the website. Be sure the BML sheet is for the correct space, a BML sheet is made for each space separately.
Q: Can I remove one of the metrics from my BML sheet?
A: Yes, the BML sheet can be customized with any combination of the 4 metrics you prefer. After proceeding to the summary page, there is a section titled 'LABELING.' This is where the metric selections are made for each space BML sheet. Select the preferred metrics and the click 'Preview and Download the Labeling Sheet!'
Q: Which browser works best with the BML tool?
A: The BML tool is built around PHP and CSS which is generally problem-free for most modern browsers. The following versions are recommended:
Some useful resources..