In today's rapidly evolving world of sustainable buildings, conducting energy modeling is a crucial tool for building owners and their design and construction teams. This computer simulation of a building's energy consumption enables stakeholders to assess performance, identify cost-effective enhancements, and meet sustainability certifications like LEED, Green Globes, and Enterprise Green Communities. 

Energy modeling is a service we provide at Emerald, and through our work we see firsthand how it can be used to deliver value. In this blog, we shed light on the transformative potential of energy modeling. By understanding its benefits, building owners and their design and construction teams can make informed decisions that not only reduce environmental impact but also contribute to cost savings and compliance with ever-changing regulations and building codes. 

The Power of Energy Modeling 

Energy modeling is the term used to describe the creation of a comprehensive computer simulation of a proposed building that evaluates factors influencing a building's energy efficiency. Each energy model is customized to the proposed building, including its use type, size, orientation, HVAC system design, envelope design, controls, and insulation values. Energy models provide essential insights for design teams and owners by comparing a typical building to a proposed one. Here are some of the key questions that energy modeling can answer:  

• Will the new building cost more, less, or the same as a comparable structure, and why? 
• How will the new building affect the greenhouse gas emissions profile? 

• How can we reduce costs and enhance performance through different design elements? 

A Design Tool And Risk Minimizer 

One of the primary purposes of energy modeling is to act as a design tool and risk minimizer. By comparing different design options, owners and architects can make informed decisions that lead to improved performance while controlling costs. This not only enhances the project's financial viability but also ensures that it meets sustainability objectives.  

Here are a few examples of how we at Emerald have helped our clients achieve results with Energy Modeling: 

Reducing Emissions Profile and Sizing Offsets  

Energy models are invaluable in estimating a building's greenhouse gas emissions and understanding how design choices impact emissions. Our modeling capabilities enable us to precisely determine the size of a renewable energy system required to offset a specified energy consumption. Should your offset strategy involve the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), the energy model can provide you with the exact number of RECs needed. This information empowers you to generate quotes and evaluate the associated costs, making sustainable decisions both environmentally and financially sound.  

Evaluating Design Strategies 

Energy modeling serves as a versatile tool to assess design options before any physical work begins. It empowers project teams to evaluate the potential impact of various design strategies.  

For instance, in the context of multi-family housing, our expertise lies in scrutinizing the relationship between glazing (the use of glass in a building) and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. By adjusting the quality and placement of glazing, our models provide insights into the effect on the overall energy efficiency. This includes a detailed analysis of factors like glazing percentages and performance values, down to different systems on various facades.  

Consider a scenario where you're deciding between locations, such as Nashville and more northern regions. Energy modeling can reveal the cost-effectiveness of using higher-performing glazing on sun-exposed sides of the building, guiding your design choices.  

Code Compliance 

Across the nation, legislative changes in building codes for residential and commercial properties are becoming more frequent. Adapting to these evolving codes can be a complex process. Many codes reference the ASHRAE Standards, which are themselves subject to change. For instance, a design that meets the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 standard may not comply with ASHRAE 90.1-2019. Here's where energy modeling becomes an essential ally in your design process.  

Imagine you're in the early stages of a project, setting the project budget that will determine the financing needed. This budget defines the funds required to bring your building to life, a process that can span a year or more. At this point, your state code aligns with ASHRAE 90.1-2010. However, a transition to ASHRAE 90.1-2019 is anticipated in the near future. If your project is initially designed according to the 2010 standard, it may require significant redesign to meet the 2019 standard, incurring additional costs and delays.  

To avoid this costly setback, energy modeling acts as a design-assist tool. It allows your team to assess how your design complies with both 2010 and 2019 standards, shedding light on the implications of transitioning from one standard to the other. With this insight, you can proactively make design choices that ensure your project remains compliant while optimizing its performance and baseline assumptions.  

Embrace Energy Modeling NOW! 

The power of energy modeling cannot be underestimated in the realm of sustainable building design. It provides not only a clear pathway to reduce emissions, optimize designs, and ensure code compliance but it's also a bridge to balance the financial aspects of your projects. Embracing energy modeling is not just a forward-thinking strategy; it's a key driver toward a greener and more efficient future.  

To delve deeper into how energy modeling can enhance the financial outcomes of both new construction and renovation projects, simply click below to access our complimentary eBook.