Spotlight on HPXML: A Look Ahead to 2019
Last year was a great year for HPXML, the open data transfer standard for the residential energy efficiency industry. We are expecting continued growth in the adoption and use of HPXML for 2019.
When HPXML was initially published in 2013, there were six software developers using the standard. Now, there are 24 software companies and tools using HPXML, including privately owned and DOE-sponsored products. HPXML – compliant software provides a range of business services and tools for the industry, including energy modeling, enterprise software, open data platforms, and home energy ratings. There are also 11 home performance programs using HPXML in five states.
Over the next 12 months, Home Performance Coalition (HPC) will be focusing on increasing the adoption of HPXML by program administrators and other companies that are using home energy data to create value for energy efficiency. Below is a brief description of what’s ahead.
The working group is currently working on the next version of HPXML, which the Building Performance Institute (BPI) expects to publish in Fall 2019. This version will include updates made by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) that will increase consistency across U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and industry programs and lower industry-wide costs of maintaining multiple simulation engines. Working group members are also in the process of defining data describing health and safety measures and testing protocols, as well as other updates to the standard that expand how it is used by the industry.
The working group will be holding its annual in-person meeting on the first day of the 2019 HPC National Home Performance Conference & Trade Show on April 1st in Chicago.
HPC has convened a strategic planning committee of industry stakeholders that will meet monthly starting in January. This committee will focus on issues related to the long-term planning and governance of HPXML with the goal of drafting an outline for a 5-year strategic plan (or roadmap) for HPXML using the 2017 Data Standardization Roadmap as a framework. Among things being considered for discussion include: strategies for increasing outreach to industry stakeholders, expanding HPXML into new markets, such as new construction and solar, and quantifying the impact of HPXML.
We’re looking forward to continuing to support growth of the residential energy efficiency industry through HPXML. Reach out to learn more about what HPC is doing this year, or to join the HPXML working group.
Julie Caracino is the Director of Research and Standards at Home Performance Coalition. As Chair of the HPXML Working Group, she facilitates the development of HPXML and works with industry stakeholders to increase its adoption and use among software developers processing home energy data.