What are the system requirements for installation?
CalEEMod was programmed by using Microsoft SQL Compact Edition in conjunction with a Visual Basic Graphical User Interface (GUI). CalEEMod requires Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, or 7 Operating System with Microsoft .Net Framework 4 or higher; Microsoft Windows 8 or 10 Operating system with Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5 (includes .Net 2.0 and 3.0); 300 Mb hard drive space available; and Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2.
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How do I install the model on my computer?
For a computer that does not have a previous version of CalEEMod installed: Download CalEEMod2016.3.1 and click on the CalEEMod2016.3.1.exe file and follow the installation instructions.
For a computer that currently has CalEEMod2013.2.2 installed: 1) change the CalEEMod 2013.2.2 desktop-shortcut icon name to CalEEMod2013; 2) Download CalEEMod2016.3.1; 3) click on the CalEEMod2016.3.1.exe file and follow the installation instructions. CalEEMod 2016.3.1 should be saved in a different folder from any older versions.
After installation, the CalEEMod icon will be installed on the desktop and in the Start, Programs menu. In some cases, network firewalls may prevent successful downloading of the model. Therefore, for some computers, especially those on an intranet or other type of network system, be sure to have appropriate user privileges activated and the proper system requirements prior to attempting installation. For more detailed installation instructions, refer to Chapter 2 of the User’s Guide.
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How do I operate the model?
New users and experienced users alike are encouraged to consult Chapter 3 of the User’s Guide. Open the model as you would open any other software program. The model will automatically open to the first screen, Project Characteristics, which will require the user to insert project name, location, climate zone and utility. The user has the option to choose which pollutants to report. To move to the next screen the user can either click the Next button at the bottom of the screen or the click on the following screen listed (e.g., Land Use) in the ribbon at the top of the screen. Once the user has made it to the Land Use screen, the user has the option to go directly to the Reporting screen as the fields will be automatically populated with default values for construction and operational activities based on the data provided on the first two screens (e.g., Project Characteristics and Land Use). The model does not contain default assumptions for demolition, grading, site preparation during construction, or mitigation during construction and operation. The user will have to provide this information in order to ensure inclusion in the final calculations.
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How can I learn more about running the model and the steps involved?
The user is recommended to read the User’s Guide and the Appendices to assist in operating the model as well as understand the detailed calculations and default assumptions used. Both documents can be downloaded fromUser’s Guide webpage. Further, the documentation provides the references and sources for the equations and default assumptions as substantial evidence to support their usage in the model and conclusions in the report.
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Can I change the defaults?
Yes, most of the defaults already provided in the model can be changed. However, if any defaults are modified, an explanation will be required in the “Remarks” box found at the bottom of the screen to justify and support the modification before the user will be able to proceed to the next screen. Modifications to defaults and the explanations are noted in the output report. Comments in the Remarks box are also included in the report and alert reviewers of modifications to the defaults. Comments are important because they show the user’s justification for the modifications, which allows the reviewers the ability to determine whether or not the modifications are reasonable and sufficiently justified.
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What is the function of the "Import csv" button?
Comma separated value (.csv) is a type of file that is formatted in simple text for a database table. Each record in the table is one line of the text file. Each field value of a record is separated from the next by a character (typically a comma), however, in Excel, separation is by column and/or row of data. The user is able to import a .csv file that includes the same information requested on the screen. This will enable users with projects that have a large number of land uses, construction equipment, etc., to be able to import the data rather than inserting the information manually. For example, instead of using the default construction phases and corresponding start/end dates on the CalEEMod screen, the user can prepare the information on phase name, phase type, start/end dates for each phase, number of days/week and total days of each phase specifically for the project and import the resulting spreadsheet using the Import csv function. A template with dropdown menus has been provided on the User’s Guide webpage to assist the user in importing data and defaults into CalEEMod. The spreadsheet can be imported wholly into CalEEMod using the Open Project function or each tab saved as .csv file to be imported under corresponding CalEEMod screen - e.g., Land Use tab imported into the Land Use screen. Please note that when using the template, the dropdown menus are provided for 100 rows. Deleting any unused rows before importing will prevent the program from reading blank rows and operating slower.
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How is CalEEMod 2016.3.1 different from the previous version (CalEEMod 2013.2.2)?
The following is a list of the top 10 revisions and additions that are included in CalEEMod 2016.3.1. For a complete list of the changes, please click here:
- CARB’s OFFROAD and EMFAC 2014 updates were incorporated. Also, the methodology in calculating running loss emissions for reactive organic gases (ROG) was modified from grams/trip (g/trip) to grams per vehicle miles traveled (g/VMT).
- The 2013 update to Title 24, Part 6 standard (building efficiency % reduction) was incorporated.
- The trip rates from Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) 9th edition of the Trip Generation Manual were incorporated.
- A new fleet mix tab was created to allow projects with multiple land uses to override default fleet mixes and trip lengths during the operation phase in a single model run.
- A new Start of Construction box was added to the Project Characteristics screen to trigger the construction schedule with a rolling calendar that keys off of the project start date.
- The global warming potentials (GWPs) were updated to reflect the Fourth Assessment Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2007 Report (referred to as AR4) in order to be consistent with GWPs used in CARB’s Scoping Plan Update (2014).
- A new screen was added to calculate operational emissions from certain types of stationary equipment (e.g., engines, boilers, and generators) based on user input (e.g., equipment type, number of equipment, hours of operation).
- The calculation methodologies for GHG mitigation measures LUT-1, LUT-4, LUT-6, LUT-9, and WSW-1 have been corrected. Also, the model has been revised so that the mitigation measures, when applied, will recognize when the user changes the defaults.
- The consumer products and architectural coating calculations for city parks, golf courses, recreational swimming pools, and parking lots/garages have been modified so that they no longer include the open spaces.
- A new default option has been added for projects located in San Luis Obispo County APCD or Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD to be able to use CARB’s 2.0 lbs PM10/VMT and 0.2 lbs PM2.5/VMT as the unmitigated fugitive dust emission factor for unpaved roads during the operational phase.
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Can I upload a project into CalEEMod Version 2016.3.1 that was originally created using Version 2013.2.2?
No, projects that were created using Version 2013.2.2 are not compatible with Version 2016.3.1. The User will need to create a new project in Version 2016.3.1.
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Who should I contact if I encounter problems or have questions about CalEEMod?
Please direct your CalEEMod inquiry to the contact person that corresponds to the region or Air District where your project is located. The Contact Us webpage has a list of regional contacts. For general questions, comments, feedback regarding any errors encountered while using the model or suggestions for improvements and future upgrades, please send an email to inquiry@caleemod.com. Please provide your contact name, organization, phone number and email address.
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Can CalEEMod be used for projects outside of California?
No. The model was developed using California mobile source emission factors, which are different from the mobile source emission factors used in most of the other 49 states. Similarly, other parameters, especially those related to calculating GHG emissions, are California-specific, including climate zones, carbon intensity factors, etc. Further, some default factors were provided by several air districts in California and, therefore, are county- or basin-specific.
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