How can you determine how far you’ve progressed if you don’t know where you started? You cannot of course – but that is the way that we often design buildings from an energy perspective. The typical approach is to design a building that meets energy code – which is the worst building that you can legally build!
The energy consumed by a building throughout its lifetime has the biggest impact on the environment of any other aspect of design, construction or operations. It is also one of the biggest costs to a building owner. We believe that it is critically important to model the energy performance of a new building early in the design process: this is how high-performance buildings are born. Energy modeling helps a project team understand the life-cycle impacts of architectural, mechanical and electrical design decisions on the projected energy performance of the building. Energy modeling lets team members compare different design options by considering first cost, operating costs, and replacement costs. Energy modeling gives the owner the ability to create a building that performs better than similar buildings, which can be an edge in the market.
We have the experience to create useful energy models for new buildings and retrofits for existing buildings. Our modeling experts have the ability to critically evaluate design options for architectural, mechanical, electrical and controls system options. Our knowledge allows us to interact with design professionals and offer value-added recommendations that will improve the energy performance of the design.
