How Energy Modeling Helps Optimize Building Performance

Today, developers and builders need to create economically practical and environmentally responsible structures. But how? One feasible way to fulfill these conditions is to perform an energy modeling project.

These projects are ideal for both federal and private bodies. They can use these physics-based computer programs to optimize the building's performance. This action will result in three significant things. This includes cost savings, better resident comfort, and certified regulatory compliance.

In this article, learn how an energy modeling effort can empower developers, builders, organizations, and others to make informed, data-driven decisions that make their investment environmentally sustainable.

What is energy modeling?

Think of energy modeling as creating a virtual version of a building in a computer game, but instead of playing, we're testing how much energy it uses. It shows us how energy-efficient a building will be before it's even built!

Imagine you're building a house in Minecraft. You can try different things like changing the windows, moving the building around to catch more sunlight, or picking different materials for the walls. Energy modeling works the same way! Architects and engineers use special building energy modeling software to test things like:

How well the building keeps heat in (that's insulation)

Which direction the building should face to get the best sunlight

What kind of lights and air conditioning work best

This helps designers make smart choices about things like where to put windows or what kind of heating system to use, making sure the building doesn't waste energy (or money) once it's built. This way, we can create buildings that are better for the environment and cheaper to run.

Building performance – a short explanation

Recently, building development concerns, the real estate industry, and construction services have paid immense attention to building performance. So, what is it? It is the effectiveness of a building in providing safe and comfortable indoor environments. It does so while using the least resources and energy.

Several factors affect a building's performance, such as:

Indoor air quality

Energy consumption

Lighting

Thermal well-being

Acoustics

Water use.

The relevant authorities evaluate a building's performance using certain measurements. This comprises occupant satisfaction, energy consumption per unit area, and environmental impact.

Why is building performance becoming important?

The increasing need for sustainable buildings is one of the prime factors behind the growing interest in building performance. We all know how cities began to spread and the number of high-rise buildings kept increasing. This led the world to manage and bear the effects of climate change from greenhouse gas emissions.

The following aspects of buildings and related structures have made building performance metrics a vital requirement:

Buildings are noteworthy contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and energy needs. According to reliable sources, buildings account for nearly 40% of global energy use and 33.3% of carbon dioxide discharges. Therefore, knowing a building's performance beforehand will be vital in achieving sustainability targets and lessening its environmental impact.

Occupants' health and comfort often impact the building's performance. For example, a building's indoor air quality (IEQ) will affect inhabitants' comfort, productivity, and health.

Buildings with subpar IEQ will have instances of different health problems, like asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems. A building energy modeling effort can increase its IEQ by ensuring proper temperature control, air quality, and ventilation.

Architects and designers can also benefit from building performance metrics through computer modeling. They can use them to design and manage environmentally sustainable, energy-efficient structures that provide a comfortable and healthy environment.

How does energy modeling help in enriching building performance?

Building codes and regulations are crucial for federal and state projects in the American property development scene. Almost all states mandate the developers to follow energy compliance requirements. So, performing energy modeling works as a dependable friend. How? It ensures the design aligns with the current environmental standards and energy guidelines.

The designers and architects can identify and rectify possible issues in the early design stages, even before the start of construction. This preventive approach saves time, resources, and the hassle of legal hurdles and costly revisions in the future.

An energy model will also provide advantages and valuable insights even when one applies it after the project starts. Let us learn about a few of them:

Making Buildings Run Better and Smarter : Think of energy models like a video game simulator, but for buildings! They help architects test different ways to run a building – like when to turn lights on and off, how to use air conditioning more cleverly, and which energy-saving gadgets work best together. This helps save money on energy bills.

Giving Old Buildings a Modern Makeover : Just like how we update our phones, buildings need updates too! Energy models help find the parts of old buildings that waste energy – like outdated heating systems that use too much power. It's like having a smart scanner that shows exactly what needs fixing to make the building more efficient.

Following the Latest Building Rules : Buildings have to follow certain rules about energy use, such as how cars need to pass emission tests. Energy modeling programs are like a helpful guide that points out which parts of old buildings need to be updated to meet these new rules. This keeps the building legal and running smoothly.

Figuring Out If Updates Are Worth the Money : Before spending money on building improvements, owners want to know if it's worth it – just like checking reviews before buying something expensive. Energy models can predict how much money you'll save in the long run by making energy-efficient updates, helping owners make smart choices about what to fix first.

Why is it best to hire professionals?

Implementing changes to create or conform a building to the current energy requirements is costly. However, it immensely helps if you know the area you need to optimize. Skillful and knowledgeable professionals can give you verified data about energy inefficiency and the most appropriate methods to resolve it.

It’s best not to try a DIY tactic to perform building energy modeling projects. Instead, hire professionals who have been working in the industry for years or decades for a better outcome.

In summation

Building performance relies on energy expenditure, so optimizing it through energy modeling is essential. So, are you looking for a skilled and dependable company that helps with all aspects of energy modeling projects? If so, it is best to call the professionals. They will ensure that your building complies with the recent energy regulations cost-effectively.