No energy simulation is required. This is fast, prescriptive, and favored by most engineers.
Compliance is determined by calculating two primary performance-based metrics and comparing them against maximum allowable values based on climate zones : ashrae 90.4 pdf
Incentives for using on-site or off-site renewable resources. Key Performance Metrics: MLC and ELC No energy simulation is required
This calculates the combined losses across segments of the electrical chain, primarily the UPS and distribution systems. ASHRAE 90.4 has driven measurable changes:
Since its 2016 release, ASHRAE 90.4 has driven measurable changes: