From 63c4f6d858dcdbfea3992b56c1b7eb33ebf4ab35 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:47:25 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 01/27] Create
 get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category.md

---
 ...stringent_surface_conditioning_category.md | 45 +++++++++++++++++++
 1 file changed, 45 insertions(+)
 create mode 100644 docs/ruleset_functions/get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category.md

diff --git a/docs/ruleset_functions/get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category.md b/docs/ruleset_functions/get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..d0ee095478
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/ruleset_functions/get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category.md
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+
+## get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category
+**Schema Version:** 0.0.39
+Description: This function relies on get_surface_conditioning_category to return a dictionary that provides the more stringent conditioning category between the proposed and baseline RMDs.  This rule is written to ensure that the surface conditioning categories comply with the following:
+  "Space conditioning categories used to determine applicability of the envelope requirements in Tables G3.4-1 through G3.4-8 shall be the same as in the proposed design.
+  
+  Exception: Envelope components of the HVAC zones that are semiheated in the proposed design must meet conditioned envelope requirements in Tables G3.4-1 through G3.4-8 if, based on the sizing runs, these zones are served by a baseline system with sensible cooling output capacity >= 5 Btu/h·ft2 of floor area, or with heating output capacity greater than or equal to the criteria in Table G3.4-9, or that are indirectly conditioned spaces."
+
+
+Inputs:
+
+  - **B_RMD**: The baseline RMD used to determine surface conditioning category.
+  - **P_RMD**: The proposed RMD used to determine surface conditioning category.
+
+Functions:
+  - **get_surface_conditioning_category**
+
+Returns:
+
+  - **surface_conditioning_category**: The Surface Conditioning Category [exterior residential, exterior non-residential, exterior mixed, semi-exterior, unregulated].  
+
+Logic:  
+
+- Get the surface conditioning category dictionary for the B_RMD: `b_surface_conditioning_category = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD)`
+
+- Get the surface conditioning category dictionary for the P_RMD: `p_surface_conditioning_category = get_surface_conditioning_category(P_RMD)`
+  
+- Create a new surface conditioning category dictionary that will be a combination of the two: `surface_conditioning_category = {}`
+
+- Look at each surface id in the baseline RMD: `for surface_id in b_surface_conditioning_category:`
+
+  - Check to see if the two conditioning cateogries match: `if b_surface_conditioning_category[surface_id] == p_surface_conditioning_category[surface_id]:`
+ 
+    - then this category is the category to be used.  Add this category to surface_conditioning_category: `surface_conditioning_category[surface_id] = b_surface_conditioning_category[surface_id]`
+   
+    - Otherwise, if the proposed is semi-exterior, and the baseline is one of [exterior residential, exterior non-residential, exterior mixed], then the conditioning category needs to be the more stringent: `if b_surface_conditioning_category[surface_id] in ["exterior residential", "exterior non-residential", "exterior mixed"] and p_surface_conditioning_category[surface_id] == "semi-exterior": surface_conditioning_category[surface_id] = b_surface_conditioning_category[surface_id]`
+   
+    - All other cases, set the conditioning category equal to that in the proposed: `surface_conditioning_category[surface_id] = p_surface_conditioning_category[surface_id]`
+
+**Returns** `return surface_conditioning_category_dict`  
+
+**Notes**
+1.  What if the proposed is "unregulated" and the baseline is a different category?
+
+**[Back](../_toc.md)**

From 39a2308fc339f64378230eb2405054fe27511275 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:07:51 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 02/27] Update Rule5-10.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-10.md | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-10.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-10.md
index dc29c5b03d..51e211ff78 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-10.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-10.md
@@ -15,14 +15,14 @@
 **Data Lookup:** Tables G3.4-1 to G3.4-8  
 **Function Call:**  
 
-  1. get_surface_conditioning_category()  
+  1. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()  
   2. get_opaque_surface_type()  
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
 - Get building climate zone: ```climate_zone = B_RMR.weather.climate_zone```  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMR: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMR)```  
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMR: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, PRMD)```  
 
 - For each building segment in the Baseline model: ```for building_segment_b in B_RMR.building.building_segments:```  
 

From d7b3050e4d6300bd90a34871f3ce735de6bb94ce Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:08:32 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 03/27] Update Rule5-11.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-11.md | 6 +++---
 1 file changed, 3 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-11.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-11.md
index 3d8d315993..d9e5725276 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-11.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-11.md
@@ -14,12 +14,12 @@
 **Data Lookup:** None  
 **Function Call:**
 
-  1. get_surface_conditioning_category()  
+  1. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()  
   2. get_opaque_surface_type()  
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD)```  
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)```  
 
 - For each building segment in the Baseline model: ```for building_segment_b in B_RMD.building.building_segments:```  
 
@@ -40,4 +40,4 @@
 1. Update Rule ID from 5-14 to 5-11 on 10/26/2023
 
 
-**[Back](../_toc.md)
\ No newline at end of file
+**[Back](../_toc.md)

From ce2b0779ee9c3cb2282949bc811f6fcbf6cb402b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:09:15 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 04/27] Update Rule5-12.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-12.md | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-12.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-12.md
index 729df472fd..9e5af31432 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-12.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-12.md
@@ -15,14 +15,14 @@
 **Data Lookup:** Tables G3.4-1 to G3.4-8  
 **Function Call:**  
 
-  1. get_surface_conditioning_category()  
+  1. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()  
   2. get_opaque_surface_type()  
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
 - Get building climate zone: `climate_zone = B_RMD.weather.climate_zone`  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD)`  
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)`  
 
 - For each building segment in the Baseline model: `for building_segment_b in B_RMD.building.building_segments:`  
 

From 2733489928c83373252dbb29f13a0b9aeff87701 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:09:36 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 05/27] Update Rule5-13.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-13.md | 6 +++---
 1 file changed, 3 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-13.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-13.md
index f4d28ab526..aed353e26f 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-13.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-13.md
@@ -14,13 +14,13 @@
 **Data Lookup:** None  
 **Function Call:**
 
-  - get_surface_conditioning_category()
+  - get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()
   - get_opaque_surface_type()
   - match_data_element()
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD)`  
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)`  
 
 - For each building segment in the Proposed model: `for building_segment_b in B_RMD.building.building_segments:`  
 
@@ -49,4 +49,4 @@
 1. Update Rule ID from 5-17 to 5-13 on 10/26/2023
 
 
-**[Back](../_toc.md)
\ No newline at end of file
+**[Back](../_toc.md)

From 550818d830c618b86169ec8f48a17de86a47d608 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:11:34 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 06/27] Update Rule5-16.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-16.md | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-16.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-16.md
index 8f97d6c375..aebcf85dab 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-16.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-16.md
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
   1. get_area_type_window_wall_areas()  
   2. match_data_element()
   3. get_opaque_surface_type()
-  4. get_surface_conditioning_category()
+  4. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()
 
 ## Rule Logic:
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
   
     - Calculate total fenestration area for B_RMD: `total_fenestration_area_p += window_wall_areas_dictionary_p[area_type_p]["TOTAL_WINDOW_AREA"]`
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD)`
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)`
 
 - For each building segment in the Baseline model: `For building_segment_b in B_RMD.building.building_segments:`
 

From 91c0224841e18ef2ac60d922c9bdde95006175a8 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:12:12 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 07/27] Update Rule5-19.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-19.md | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-19.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-19.md
index 13427f5da7..1d8440ec6b 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-19.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-19.md
@@ -17,14 +17,14 @@
 
   1. data_lookup()
   2. get_opaque_surface_type()
-  3. get_surface_conditioning_category()
+  3. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()
   4. get_building_scc_skylight_roof_ratios_dict()
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
 - Get RMD climate zone: `climate_zone = ASHRAE229.weather.climate_zone`
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD)`
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)`
 
 - Get window wall ratio ratios dictionary for B_RMD: `get_building_scc_skylight_roof_ratios_dict = get_building_scc_skylight_roof_ratios_dict(B_RMD)`
 

From 1a821e7c34347e92c5d59be72037dcb9310cc915 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:12:37 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 08/27] Update Rule5-20.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-20.md | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-20.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-20.md
index 9501d8a1da..0e0f2d131e 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-20.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-20.md
@@ -17,14 +17,14 @@
 
   1. data_lookup()
   2. get_opaque_surface_type()
-  3. get_surface_conditioning_category()
+  3. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()
   4. get_building_scc_skylight_roof_ratios_dict()
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
 - Get RMD climate zone: `climate_zone = ASHRAE229.weather.climate_zone`
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD)`
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)`
 
 - Get window wall ratio ratios dictionary for B_RMD: `get_building_scc_skylight_roof_ratios_dict = get_building_scc_skylight_roof_ratios_dict(B_RMD)`
 

From 06eef19c254a89f731758d3e861423202e33bf5a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:13:00 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 09/27] Update Rule5-21.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-21.md | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-21.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-21.md
index ed3e3748d0..bca3bf93d5 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-21.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-21.md
@@ -16,11 +16,11 @@
 **Function Call:**  
 
   1. match_data_element()
-  2. get_surface_conditioning_category()
+  2. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()
 
 ## Rule Logic:
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD)`
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)`
 
 - For each building segment in the Baseline model: `for building_segment_b in B_RMD.building.building_segments:`
 

From 872e0e66c82b2ba00486d2960dbd481e4174eaea Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:13:23 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 10/27] Update Rule5-22.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-22.md | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-22.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-22.md
index e3d22f2145..2f5f8fcebe 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-22.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-22.md
@@ -13,11 +13,11 @@
 **Data Lookup:** None  
 **Function Call:**
   1. get_opaque_surface_type()
-  2. get_surface_conditioning_category()
+  2. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()
 
 ## Rule Logic:
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMR: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMR)```
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMR: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)```
 
 - For each building segment in the Baseline model: ```for building_segment_b in B_RMR.building.building_segments:```
 

From 54aed41dbad315dc1df8bb57fc5564e343f1827c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:13:56 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 11/27] Update Rule5-26.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-26.md | 6 +++---
 1 file changed, 3 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-26.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-26.md
index cc449cfd79..a215e8f32a 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-26.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-26.md
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 **Function Call:**  
 
   1. get_building_segment_skylight_roof_areas()  
-  2. get_surface_conditioning_category()
+  2. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()
   3. get_opaque_surface_type()
   4. match_data_element()
 
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 - Get building segment skylight roof areas dictionary for P_RMD: `skylight_roof_areas_dictionary_p = get_building_segment_skylight_roof_areas(P_RMD)`
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD)`  
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)`  
 
 - For each building segment in the Baseline model: `For building_segment_b in B_RMD.building.building_segments:`
 
@@ -59,4 +59,4 @@
 1. Update Rule ID from 5-36 to 5-26 on 10/26/2023
 
 
-**[Back](../_toc.md)
\ No newline at end of file
+**[Back](../_toc.md)

From 635b09125f8017ca844b5a3cea90ba3426ecd34c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:14:20 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 12/27] Update Rule5-27.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-27.md | 6 +++---
 1 file changed, 3 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-27.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-27.md
index 55b6e8bb76..dc5195f459 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-27.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-27.md
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 **Data Lookup:** Tables G3.4-1 to G3.4-8  
 **Function Call:**
 
-  1. get_surface_conditioning_category()
+  1. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()
   2. get_opaque_surface_type()
   3. get_building_scc_skylight_roof_ratios_dict()
   4. data_lookup()
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 - Get RMR climate zone: `climate_zone = ASHRAE229.weather.climate_zone`  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMR: `scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMR)`  
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMR: `scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)`  
 
 - Get B_RMR skylight roof ratios dictionary: `get_building_scc_skylight_roof_ratios_dict = get_building_scc_skylight_roof_ratios_dict(B_RMR)`
 
@@ -90,4 +90,4 @@
 
 1. Update Rule ID from 5-37 to 5-27 on 10/26/2023
 
-**[Back](../_toc.md)**
\ No newline at end of file
+**[Back](../_toc.md)**

From 3b4ad881c99f7e2f2bd9698322f1b86830b28e40 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:14:48 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 13/27] Update Rule5-28.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-28.md | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-28.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-28.md
index 6c1b276dd5..b8bf595693 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-28.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-28.md
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 **Data Lookup:** Tables G3.4-1 to G3.4-8  
 **Function Call:**
 
-  1. get_surface_conditioning_category()
+  1. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()
   2. get_opaque_surface_type()
   3. get_building_scc_skylight_roof_ratios_dict()
   4. data_lookup()
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 - Get RMD climate zone: `climate_zone = ASHRAE229.weather.climate_zone`  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD)`  
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)`  
 
 - Get B_RMD skylight roof ratios dictionary: `get_building_scc_skylight_roof_ratios_dict = get_building_scc_skylight_roof_ratios_dict(B_RMD)`
 

From 309ef6e9c40f2386fbccc35a18396385dd865931 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:15:12 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 14/27] Update Rule5-29.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-29.md | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-29.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-29.md
index b36f4301ba..290da8e59d 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-29.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-29.md
@@ -16,11 +16,11 @@
 **Function Call:**  
 
   1. get_opaque_surface_type()
-  2. get_surface_conditioning_category()
+  2. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD)```  
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)```  
 
 - For each building segment in the Baseline model: `for building_segment_b in B_RMD.building.building_segments:`
 

From 93ebe50a60ca1c03f55c39a01a32e9599aab0c28 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:15:34 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 15/27] Update Rule5-3.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-3.md | 6 +++---
 1 file changed, 3 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-3.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-3.md
index 00ef03fd26..6e66f21a56 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-3.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-3.md
@@ -13,12 +13,12 @@
 **Evaluation Context:** Each Data Element  
 **Data Lookup:** None  
 **Function Call:**
-  1. get_surface_conditioning_category()  
+  1. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()  
   2. get_opaque_surface_type()  
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMR: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMR)```  
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMR: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)```  
 
 - For each building segment in the Baseline model: ```for building_segment_b in B_RMR.building.building_segments:```  
 
@@ -38,4 +38,4 @@
 
 1. Update Rule ID from 5-4 to 5-3 on 10/26/2023
 
-**[Back](../_toc.md)**
\ No newline at end of file
+**[Back](../_toc.md)**

From 6b77d0cd27dbade46f16cbb20c9b3e1126a8c571 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:16:00 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 16/27] Update Rule5-31.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-31.md | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-31.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-31.md
index d02b7dfa94..9450e3f223 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-31.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-31.md
@@ -16,11 +16,11 @@
 **Function Call:**  
 
   1. get_opaque_surface_type()
-  2. get_surface_conditioning_category()
+  2. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMR: `scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMR)`
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMR: `scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)`
 
 - For each building segment in the Baseline model: `for building_segment_b in B_RMR.building.building_segments:`  
 

From 5e441c1a086d5bdd9e9a21eb9b0412491dfdd917 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:16:36 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 17/27] Update Rule5-35.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-35.md | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-35.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-35.md
index db70adf1d1..a4ade8d979 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-35.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-35.md
@@ -15,12 +15,12 @@
 **Data Lookup:** None  
 **Function Call:** 
 
-  1. get_surface_conditioning_category()
+  1. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()
   2. get_zone_conditioning_category()
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dict_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD)`
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dict_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)`
 
 - Get zone conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `zone_conditioning_category_dict_b = get_zone_conditioning_category(B_RMD)`
 

From e7ddcb9a5a96937f5967b4537a6c3105ef2bcff1 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:17:14 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 18/27] Update Rule5-37.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-37.md | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-37.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-37.md
index 3776e8a86b..dec0294c3d 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-37.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-37.md
@@ -15,12 +15,12 @@
 **Data Lookup:** None  
 **Function Call:**
 
-  1. get_surface_conditioning_category()
+  1. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()
   2. get_zone_conditioning_category()
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for P_RMR: `scc_dict_p = get_surface_conditioning_category(P_RMR)`
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for P_RMR: `scc_dict_p = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)`
 
 - Get zone conditioning category dictionary for P_RMR: `zone_conditioning_category_dict_p = get_zone_conditioning_category(P_RMR)`
 

From f02e100bb9078e3b153116623578ec6dd0ecbff5 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:18:16 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 19/27] Update Rule5-39.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-39.md | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-39.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-39.md
index b39ce55ca4..0efb46b972 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-39.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-39.md
@@ -13,13 +13,13 @@
 **Data Lookup:** Tables G3.4-1 to G3.4-8  
 **Function Call:**  
 
-  1. get_surface_conditioning_category()
+  1. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
 - Get building climate zone: ```climate_zone = B_RMR.weather.climate_zone```
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMR: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category_dict(climate_zone, B_RMR.building)```
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMR: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)```
 
 - For each building segment in the Proposed model: ```for building_segment_b in B_RMR.building.building_segments:```
 

From 244b0fb71de2fc2a753761083b3b3c04b2b2bb4e Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:18:38 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 20/27] Update Rule5-4.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-4.md | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-4.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-4.md
index a0e0f519df..7ec90c3b3f 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-4.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-4.md
@@ -15,14 +15,14 @@
 **Data Lookup:** Tables G3.4-1 to G3.4-8  
 **Function Call:**
 
-  1. get_surface_conditioning_category()  
+  1. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()  
   2. get_opaque_surface_type()  
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
 - Get building climate zone: ```climate_zone = B_RMD.weather.climate_zone```  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD)```  
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)```  
 
 - For each building segment in the Baseline model: ```for building_segment_b in B_RMD.building.building_segments:```  
 

From 323d01870ad02fea79cf78f23388908bcd774182 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:18:59 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 21/27] Update Rule5-40.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-40.md | 6 +++---
 1 file changed, 3 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-40.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-40.md
index 980673a0bc..1f8146a5d6 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-40.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-40.md
@@ -14,13 +14,13 @@
 **Data Lookup:** None  
 **Function Call:**
 
-  - get_surface_conditioning_category()
+  - get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()
   - get_opaque_surface_type()
   - match_data_element()
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD)`  
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: `scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)`  
 
 - For each building segment in the Baseline model: `for building_segment_b in B_RMD...building.building_segments:`  
 
@@ -46,4 +46,4 @@
 2. Update Rule ID from 5-41 to 5-40 on 12/22/2023
 
 
-**[Back](../_toc.md)
\ No newline at end of file
+**[Back](../_toc.md)

From 47a32b409258e7815c3515dcd459ce067cf17afe Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:19:20 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 22/27] Update Rule5-5.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-5.md | 6 +++---
 1 file changed, 3 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-5.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-5.md
index 0203cc1fb6..8ed2b905af 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-5.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-5.md
@@ -14,12 +14,12 @@
 **Data Lookup:** None  
 **Function Call:**
 
-  1. get_surface_conditioning_category()  
+  1. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()  
   2. get_opaque_surface_type()  
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD)```  
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)```  
 
 - For each building segment in the Baseline model: ```for building_segment_b in B_RMD.building.building_segments:```
 
@@ -38,4 +38,4 @@
 
 1. Update Rule ID from 5-7 to 5-5 on 10/26/2023
 
-**[Back](../_toc.md)
\ No newline at end of file
+**[Back](../_toc.md)

From 66e1afeeeb0073c7d059cc10ccc28f1030616b0e Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:19:45 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 23/27] Update Rule5-6.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-6.md | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-6.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-6.md
index 23f9f39397..95c7ad7e91 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-6.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-6.md
@@ -15,14 +15,14 @@
 **Data Lookup:** Tables G3.4-1 to G3.4-8  
 **Function Call:**  
 
-  1. get_surface_conditioning_category()  
+  1. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()  
   2. get_opaque_surface_type()  
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
 - Get building climate zone: ```climate_zone = B_RMR.weather.climate_zone```  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMR: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMR)```  
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMR: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMR, P_RMR)```  
 
 - For each building segment in the Baseline model: ```for building_segment_b in B_RMR.building.building_segments:```  
 

From 54ac253c2d0e03abacb70b52ee284ac05b93c8c7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:20:05 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 24/27] Update Rule5-7.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-7.md | 6 +++---
 1 file changed, 3 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-7.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-7.md
index 3ef2dba623..e4371a6869 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-7.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-7.md
@@ -14,12 +14,12 @@
 **Data Lookup:** None  
 **Function Call:**
 
-  1. get_surface_conditioning_category()  
+  1. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()  
   2. get_opaque_surface_type()  
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMR: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMR)```  
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMR: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)```  
 
 - For each building segment in the Baseline model: ```for building_segment_b in B_RMR.building.building_segments:```
 
@@ -38,4 +38,4 @@
 
 1. Update Rule ID from 5-10 to 5-7 on 10/26/2023
 
-**[Back](../_toc.md)
\ No newline at end of file
+**[Back](../_toc.md)

From 7b92fee02f7b6c69f791e8f566e58a10776fc7cc Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:20:29 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 25/27] Update Rule5-8.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-8.md | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-8.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-8.md
index c28f688386..cbc3628ab8 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-8.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-8.md
@@ -15,14 +15,14 @@
 **Data Lookup:** Tables G3.4-1 to G3.4-8  
 **Function Call:**  
 
-  1. get_surface_conditioning_category()  
+  1. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()  
   2. get_opaque_surface_type()  
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
 - Get building climate zone: ```climate_zone = B_RMD.weather.climate_zone```  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD)```  
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)```  
 
 - For each building segment in the Baseline model: ```for building_segment_b in B_RMD.building.building_segments:```  
 

From 09987f15824dd961b1b54fe1bb44090648039674 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:20:50 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 26/27] Update Rule5-9.md

---
 docs/section5/Rule5-9.md | 6 +++---
 1 file changed, 3 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-9.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-9.md
index 07ff25fae5..ede8eed150 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-9.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-9.md
@@ -14,12 +14,12 @@
 **Data Lookup:** None  
 **Function Call:**
 
-  1. get_surface_conditioning_category()  
+  1. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()  
   2. get_opaque_surface_type()  
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD)```  
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for B_RMD: ```scc_dictionary_b = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)```  
 
 - For each building segment in the Baseline model: ```for building_segment_b in B_RMD.building.building_segments:```  
 
@@ -38,4 +38,4 @@
 
 1. Update Rule ID from 5-12 to 5-9 on 10/26/2023
 
-**[Back](../_toc.md)
\ No newline at end of file
+**[Back](../_toc.md)

From ff2b34983d51da14942716f4546cbc157c2f89b2 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: KarenWGard <114143532+KarenWGard@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:23:55 -0500
Subject: [PATCH 27/27] Update Rule5-37.md

revert - this is for the P_RMR, so should use the original get_surface_conditioning_category
---
 docs/section5/Rule5-37.md | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/section5/Rule5-37.md b/docs/section5/Rule5-37.md
index dec0294c3d..e42c71963b 100644
--- a/docs/section5/Rule5-37.md
+++ b/docs/section5/Rule5-37.md
@@ -15,12 +15,12 @@
 **Data Lookup:** None  
 **Function Call:**
 
-  1. get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category()
+  1. get_surface_conditioning_category()
   2. get_zone_conditioning_category()
 
 ## Rule Logic:  
 
-- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for P_RMR: `scc_dict_p = get_more_stringent_surface_conditioning_category(B_RMD, P_RMD)`
+- Get surface conditioning category dictionary for P_RMR: `scc_dict_p = get_surface_conditioning_category(P_RMD)`
 
 - Get zone conditioning category dictionary for P_RMR: `zone_conditioning_category_dict_p = get_zone_conditioning_category(P_RMR)`