Reducing the running costs and improving the energy efficiency are the main reasons why Metec’s expert energy modelling and simulation services should be considered in the design process of a building.
What is Building Energy Modelling?
Building Energy Modelling (BEM) is the process of creating models of energy use within a building to examine how a building could be more efficient in its various functions, such as heating, cooling, and lighting. The desire for greater efficiency in energy use has arisen due to several factors, including an increase in concern for the environment, the rising cost of energy, and the need to meet regulatory requirements.
What are the benefits of Building Energy Modelling?
BEM has benefits which reach across the entire spectrum of people involved with the building.
For those creating or retrofitting a building, it allows for a holistic approach. Design choices can be examined at concept stage to better understand how they will impact the energy use of the building. This avoids unnecessary costs, both in time and money, which may be incurred as a result of adjustments which would be required to rectify previous work.
Tenants benefit from reduced operational costs. Due to energy modelling, energy is used in the most efficient way possible within the structure. This isn’t limited to the internal factors, but also what happens on the outside of the building. BEM allows us to simulate how the building’s facade will perform. A quality facade will avoid thermal bridging, provide insulation, and reduce the need for energy use.
Another external factor is sunlight. A building which has been correctly modelled will take into account, and seek to optimise, the amount of sunlight a building will receive. Increased sunlight exposure reduces the amount of energy needed to illuminate a building, reducing cost, and allowing for a more pleasant and enjoyable environment.
BEM allows for the creation of buildings which meet regulatory requirements. These regulatory requirements have been put in place to combat the ever increasing demand for energy, and for the benefit of the environment. BEM allows for the energy use of a building to be quantified, enabling accreditation such as LEED, NZEB, and BREEAM. These benchmarks allow for confidence in your building meeting the required levels of efficiency.
Our dedicated in house building performance modelling team are experts in energy modelling and building physics and have proven experience across all industry sectors. The collaborative in house approach of Metec allows the benefits associated with the following key areas to be realised:
- Operational energy, carbon and cost savings
- LEED ASHRAE 90.1 Energy model points yield maximised - Through our collaborative in house approach we have been able to achieve building operational cost savings across our current project portfolio of circa. 35+% which equates to 15+ points under the Optimise Energy Performance Credit, providing maximal advantage to the LEED assessment
- NZEB/Part L Compliance metrics – Using SEAI approved software, IES VE, we assess and substantiate the achievement of regulatory requirements
- Building Energy Rating (BER) – Analysis of design strategies allows us to ensure utilisation of optimal solutions and achievement of low energy and environmentally friendly buildings
- Daylight and sunlight metrics – Dynamic modelling of building form and fabric to ensure optimal balance of metrics
- Building façade thermal performance – Building simulation of thermal requirements allows a holistic approach to achieving performance goals
Scott Caldwell
For more information get in touch with the Head of Sustainability Scott Caldwell at SCaldwell@metec.ie
Scott is a specialist in sustainable building design and construction. He specialises in providing cost-effective and energy efficient strategies for achieving the high standards of sustainability metrics and energy performance targets that are required to meet market demands and regulatory requirements.
