Energy modeling serves different purposes to help projects meet varying goals depending on when in the design process it is implemented. Many project teams currently use energy modeling to demonstrate code compliance during late stage construction documents to avoid expensive or difficult-to-install prescriptive requirements.
To achieve the best results for both energy efficiency and cost savings, energy modeling should begin in the early stages of design to help the team make data-driven decisions, and for the same reason, it should be implemented at each phase of the design process. This article covers the early design phases prior to construction documents and details how energy modeling should be integrated into those phases for the most significant impact. When informed design decisions are made early in the design process, they have less financial impact on the overall project and a much higher overall effectiveness as they can be integrated with other aspects of the building design.
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
A simple shoebox model can be used to help define the project requirements and help the entire design team understand the project’s energy goals. The conceptual design model can assess building siting and orientation, daylighting, shading, and other passive strategies, as well as effective envelope assemblies. These early studies can be done as single aspect simulations or more holistically as whole building energy simulations. Some architects may be able to perform this step in-house, but a third-party consultant can also perform these studies quickly and efficiently.
Communicate to your modeler:
Any constraints with envelope assemblies or MEP systems.
The preferred orientation of the building and any relevant site relationships.
Daylighting strategies and desired views – where glazing should be located.
Energy model deliverables at this stage:
The distribution of energy by end use. Identify the end uses that have the biggest impact on the building’s conceptual design.
Any site-specific energy consumption considerations for the project.
Recommendations on load reduction measures that can be taken.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
A rough energy model will be built to test energy efficiency measures and explore load reduction methods. Energy improvements that are tied to the form and geometry of the building will be studied.
Communicate to your modeler:
System options that should be considered. This can include HVAC, envelope assemblies, hot water heating systems, etc.
What design metric(s) should be evaluated with each option being studied (i.e. energy use, equipment size, daylight penetration, etc).
Assumptions for temperature setpoints and hours of operation.
Energy model deliverables at this stage:
A comparison of different building systems.
Recommendations on effective energy efficiency measures.
A more defined predicted energy use intensity (EUI).
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Design development is arguably one of the most important design phases, and theoretically, all major systems decisions should be made during this phase. Design development is a continued refinement of the studies done during the Schematic Design phase as more detailed specifications for the building systems are developed. Proposed and baseline models will be created in greater detail to evaluate how proposed building systems interact together.
Communicate to your modeler:
System alternatives to be included in the analysis.
Feedback from the rest of the design team or the client on potential impacts to their scope.
Energy model deliverables at this stage:
Energy use metrics comparing the baseline to the proposed models.
A determination of the most energy efficient and cost-effective system solutions.
Load information to help size mechanical equipment appropriately.
The architect’s role in the design process cannot be overstated. While all the other members of the design team are specialists, focused solely on optimizing their individual disciplines, the architect is the thread that connects and guides the rest of the team in service of the greater collective goals of the project. Energy modeling is a powerful tool in the architect’s arsenal to direct and inform how each discipline can contribute most effectively to the overall project objectives. When implemented with the appropriate level of detail at each design phase, it helps project teams set goals and make decisions to achieve quantifiable results.
An effective energy modeler will help engage all design team members and facilitate communication. Whether your project has specific sustainability goals or you are seeking a better return on investment, reach out to find out how BEE Engineers can help elevate your design process.