Energy Modeling

Face Energy Modeling Head On and Show Efficiency Who’s Boss

If you are serious about earning the maximum number of LEED points possible for a building project, it is impossible to avoid energy modeling. To earn any of the points under Energy & Atmosphere Credit 1 related to energy performance, energy modeling must be completed. However, energy modeling can also help you earn points for Energy & Atmosphere pre-requisite 2, Innovation & Design credits 1-2, Indoor Environmental Quality credit 2 – Increased Ventilation, Indoor Environmental Quality credit 8.1 – Daylight and Views, and many others. The energy modeling provides the documentation needed to prove compliance with a number of energy-related provisions.

Now…having indicated the importance of energy modeling for developing the necessary documentation for LEED points, just forget that for a moment. You should do energy modeling for another important reason. If used to its maximum benefit, beginning with project conceptualization, it can help with decisions like optimal site location and orientation and then become a work-in-progress to keep a project’s design and performance in line with goals. As a minimum, energy modeling should be introduced during the design charrette.

The Whole Building and Nothing But…

Energy modeling is the process of simulating the energy performance of a building or systems and relies on sophisticated computer software programs like EnergyPlus, OpenStudio, RADIANCE, Trace 700, eQuest, DOE-2, and hundreds of others. It should not be confused with load calculation tools because load calculations are performed to size and select mechanical energy-consuming equipment like HVAC systems.

Energy modeling is a whole building concept that determines how much energy a building will consume based on the design case model. Also called energy analysis, it predicts energy costs and annual CO2 emissions, and calculates life cycle paybacks for different options. A commissioned model has been verified as to the accuracy and reasonableness of its inputs, assumptions, and calculation methodology to ensure that a gap under 10% exists between the model and an occupied, functioning building. Commissioning is done before construction. Measurement and Verification (M&V) is done after the building is construction, when the building performance is compared to the model. In other words, energy modeling leads to accountability using M&V during post-construction occupancy.

Give the Software the Difficult Part of the Task…

It is true that energy modeling is a sophisticated process, but software programs have greatly simplified the process and make the results more easily understood by project team members. To take the plunge into energy modeling is simply a matter of learning how to use the models to advantage and how to interpret the results. You don’t have to learn how to do all the calculations because the programs handle the math. You do need to understand the inputs and outputs though, and how to decide if an occupied building is measuring up to the modeling.

Want more information on energy modeling?  Our Exam Prep packages for BD+C and ID+C both cover energy modeling more in depth.  For more information on our packages: http://www.leedprojectexperience.com/leed-exam-prep

Have you used energy modeling software on a project? Do you have any tips for newbies?

 Images by http://energyplus.software.informer.com and

http://www.zigersnead.com/current/blog/post/ecotect-building-performance-simulation-software/

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