We use energy modeling to evaluate energy efficiency measures for the design team and document anticipated energy usage for code or green building rating system compliance. In all models, a proposed case is compared to a baseline case that is generated according to the requirements of either local code or the specific green building rating system. We use DOE-2 software to model the building design and evaluate energy consumption generated and calculate the hour-by-hour energy use of the building based on information on the building’s location, construction, HVAC systems, central plant, occupancy, and operation. Modeling efforts typically include three distinct iterations: Early Design Guidance, Design Evaluation and the Final Design.

For prescriptive compliance using the component performance path, we help the team determine which energy efficiency packages to include and evaluate design options including glazing percentage and thermal performance requirements. We provide envelope calculations and energy code notes for building permit submittals and respond to review comments with any necessary corrections.

For performance path, we provide energy modeling. High-rise projects hoping to use large amounts of vision glazing often need the opportunities for trade-offs that an energy model can offer.

Daylight simulations are constructed to approximate the light level at different times of year in occupied spaces and model the impacts of automated shades, photochromic glazing and exterior shading strategies. By simulating various combinations of building orientation, interior layout, fenestration, and shading, the project team can establish the right amount of natural light for each space.

Building life cycle assessment looks at the environmental impacts of the proposed building material across six categories: ozone depletion, global warming potential, acidification, eutrophication, ozone formation, and nonrenewable energy source depletion. Using software like Athena, a life cycle analysis of the proposed design is compared against a reference building to optimize material selections.