The need to conserve energy, design and erect structures that are energy efficient cannot be overlooked. The first step to producing energy efficient designs is to carry out energy related tests at conception stage which can help to determine peak usage rates and find out means by which power consumption can be cut down or minimized.
Increased energy consumption means increased utility bills for facility owners and uncomfortable living conditions for occupants.
Energy Modeling can be used as a powerful tool to forecast the energy outcomes in proposed or already constructed buildings.
Energy modeling allows us to take a building design in all the conditions it might run into out there on site, like weather, people, and utility rates; and simulate all these things on a computer. Energy modeling allows us to make the hard choices much more easily and efficiently. After running all the right energy related tests, modeling can help to choose between the designs, materials, or equipment, variables can be adjusted and the results can be seen in real-time. For instance, while a certain lighting system may be extremely bright, it may release excessive heat, this means we’ll need more ventilation and the energy model will let you know to make adjustments. Such adjustments could be providing energy efficient LED lights or simply providing larger windows for natural lights and ventilation. With energy modeling you can immediately see the consequences of changing variables so you end up with a building that’s both efficient and comfortable.
Anything relevant can be included in the model – lighting, weather, electrical devices, humans and their tendency to give off heat and moisture from breathing. A life cycle analysis can also be done to determine energy usage and to estimate utility bills over time and any good Architect can help you achieve this.