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How to Automate LEED and ASHRAE 90.1 Modeling using DesignBuilder

Jan 23, 2025

Transcript:

Introduction

All right. Thanks everyone for joining us. I'm Bob Fassbender with energy-models.com. If you don't know about me, pretty focused on online training. I am however primarily an energy modeler and have been for 17 years. I've been freelance energy modeling for 14 years and so I have some real-world experience. I've also been a LEED reviewer and in my opinion, the LEED process is a little bit soul-sucking. I like the general energy modeling process, but when we get to LEED, it's soul-crushing, I'll call it. I saw this webinar from DesignBuilder and see that they automate the process and they get a lot less painful, especially the dreaded MEPC form that you have to fill out for LEED that they fully automate. I looked into DesignBuilder, I've already used it and been aware of it. They also have an online training database of many, many videos. As you know, we're big into on-demand online training too and that makes software a lot easier to learn. I decided to invite them onto energymodels.com and to share this really awesome process that they made for the most painful part of LEED. With that, I'd like to introduce Nishesh Jain from DesignBuilder who's going to walk us through this process where you can learn both DesignBuilder, but you're also going to learn about the LEED process and how it works once you have your proposed building made. All right, take it away, Nishesh. Sure. Thanks, Bob. Hi, everyone. I'm Nishesh Jain. I'm a Technical Associate at DesignBuilder Software. I'm also a Senior Research Fellow at University College London. I have had about 10, 12 years of experience in modeling. In my past life, I have been an energy modeler myself as well before getting into software development and research. This today's webinar, I'm showcasing to you DesignBuilders ASHRAE 90.1 and LEED modeling tools. You'll also mention wider LEED modeling options in the software. I hope you find this insightful and something to take home. This diagram, just for who you are new to DesignBuilder, this diagram summarizes the software's main capabilities. DesignBuilder is one of the most capable, mature third-party interfaces to EnergyPlus. It is also an interface to radiance, CFD, and other compliance engines that will help you model faster, easier, and more productive ways. All these engines are fully integrated into the high productivity interface. You can then all these analysis from a single model, which you develop. One exception is Climate Analytics, which is a standalone portal for climate analysis applications like weatherfile creation or building calibration, modeling future climate, urban heat island, and extreme weather scenarios. This webinar mainly focuses on LEED, daylighting, and life cycle assessment modules. The ones which I have now highlighted in red boxes. I won't be discussing the other modules at this point, but you can find out more about them, including the more advanced scripting and design optimization capabilities, which we have in DesignBuilder. There are other webinars and resources that I'll be showing you today, which will have those mentioned, so look out for them for other things as well. So, in today's webinar, I'll first start with showing you the workflow for ASHRAE 90.1 and LEED modeling in DesignBuilder. Then I will demonstrate that process in action with an example proposed building. I'll show an automated baseline model and baseline HVAC system creation process.

About the Presenter

Then we look into the LEED energy credit results and the generation of pre-populated MEPC spreadsheet for LEED submissions. And after that, I'll review daylighting modeling options in DesignBuilder and also discuss other LEED credits that you can assess with DesignBuilder, including LEED, life cycle, assessment credits via integration with one click LCA. Through the webinar, I will point out to additional learning resources for LEED, ASHRAE 90.1 modeling, and also DesignBuilder in general. So, in this webinar, I'm assuming that there is a little bit of familiarity with basic DesignBuilder modeling, and even if it is not, then other modeling tools, but you are familiar with LEED rating system and ASHRAE 90.1 requirements. So, if you are new to DesignBuilder, then you can look at other learning resources that I'll be showing you today that can help you start your journey with the software. And otherwise, we can focus on the LEED modeling options. So, before I begin, I'll kind of summarize in the beginning itself what all DesignBuilder can help you with from a LEED perspective. So, for energy and atmosphere category, DesignBuilder can take analysis for energy performance and renewable energy credits. You can use our parametric and optimization tools for integrative process credit and to assist in early design stage decision making. For indoor environmental quality category, day lighting, indoor air quality, and thermal comfort criteria can be analyzed. And you can also use DesignBuilder model to assess life cycle assessment credits in the materials and resources category. The main DesignBuilder application undertakes compliance for energy, IEQ, and integrative process categories. And our native integration with one click LCA is used for LEED LCA calculations. So, this is the list for version 4.1. But earlier versions are also supported, including version 4 for most of these credits and even version 2 and 3 for some. So, let's start with the LEED ASHRAE 90.1 energy modeling features in the software. DesignBuilder uses LEED approved energy plus simulation engine. You have pre-configured ASHRAE templates for activities, constructions, glazing, lighting, HVAC systems, etc. You can automatically create the baseline building models with geometry and data and auto-configured as per the standard. Even the baseline HVAC system can be generated automatically. When undertaking calculations, the four rotated buildings are simulated automatically and results are averaged. You can then see on-screen comparison of the proposed and baseline building results for energy and cost savings. And one of the major features is the auto-population of the LEED MEPC spreadsheet. So, the process of ASHRAE 90.1 modeling starts with creating the proposed building. Then the baseline building is created automatically by the baseline generation wizard. This sets the geometry and model data correctly for both your models. Further, you develop the HVAC system for the baseline through the automated baseline system generation wizard. And then the simulation for the proposed building and baseline building with four rotations is undertaken. The results are presented comparing energy and cost between the two buildings. And finally, you can export a pre-filled MEPC spreadsheet for LEED submission. DesignBuilder will extract the key data directly from your model and then fill in the spreadsheet for you, saving you a significant amount of time and manual errors. So, I'll show you this process This process is in an example model. So, this is an example model that I'll be working on with you today. It's my proposed building. It's a 4200 square meter three-story office building located in San Francisco, which is ASHRAE Climate Zone 3C. Go to the first floor block. Then you can see each floor has a main open space and some circulation areas and some toilets. There are virtual partitions that are used to divide the main office into perimeter and core zones. I like to point out here that I am using DesignBuilder in SI units for this demonstration.

Overview of DesignBuilder

But if you use IP units, then it is quite easy to change. So, you can go to program options and on the international tab, you have options to change the units and also currency and the region information. So, when you do the changes, everything kind of switches automatically and auto conversion happens. So, typically when you start a lead ASHRAE 90.1 model, you set that in a new project when you start in that dialogue. However, if you're working on an existing model or you have imported something from Revit and you have to convert, then you have to unlock the ASHRAE 90.1 settings. It's quite easy. You can go to the site level and the region tab where the mandatory energy code is specified. Here it is ASHRAE 2016. That means 2016 related options will be available to use for your model. If you are converting your model, which is a standard model into ASHRAE 90.1, then just changing the mandatory energy code would make you access those settings. On the location tab, the template is set to be San Francisco. That means that the site location settings has the ASHRAE climate zone, which is selected as 3C. The template also affects the simulation weather data, which is there. And the climate zone itself will impact the construction and glazing of the building and the automated baseline system, etc. is all determined on this. And the template will also contain information for summer design day and winter design day settings that are used in your heating and cooling load calculations. So let me just briefly look at the proposed building model data focusing on ASHRAE 90.1 relevant input in the model. So if I go to the activity tab, you can see the DesignBuilder has this template option. Then you can see there's a library of pre-created ASHRAE templates that you can choose from. They can be used in Appendix GPRM modeling based on building type or space type. Typically, these templates use occupancy densities and fresher rates as per standard 62.1 and schedules are from the ASHRAE 90.1 user manual. At the building level, activity tab shows the relevant ASHRAE 90.1 settings. The building type is proposed. You have the heating source and the lighting category that will affect the settings for the baseline system and the baseline building's lighting power density. Building area type allows for tagging model areas as one of ASHRAE's standard area types. For example, this is an office. So as per standard 2016, the window to wall ratio is 31%. The lead settings here are used for the automatically generated MEPC spreadsheet. Moving on to the constructions tab. If I go to the template, then you can see that ASHRAE Construction Templates for Climate Zone 3, CZ3 here in the front, are available. These templates contain various ASHRAE 90.1 constructions for specific climate zones and these are assigned when the baseline building is being created. So if I go to walls, you can see one second, this one. Yeah, this is climate zone 3. So now if you see the walls, you can see that the template has external wall as climate zone 3 and it will have appropriate material layers. And if you go to below grade wall, then you can see that the construction is defined by C-Factor method. And similarly, if you have slab on grade floors, then F-Factor constructions are used. And ASHRAE 90.1 templates and constructions could also be copied and edited for use in the proposed building where appropriate. For ASHRAE 90.1 modeling, the geometry convention for the code is selected and it has a fixed surface thickness. This ensures that proposed building and the baseline buildings have correct floor areas and volumes in their models. So similar to construction, there are glazing templates available as per the climate zone and they will be used in the baseline glazing definition.

LEED and ASHRAE 90.1 Workflow

In the proposed building, we have a window to wall ratio of 60% a little lesser in some some phases, but mainly it's 60%. And building also has shading. So you can see that the proposed building has component blocks, which are the pink color blocks that provide shading. And there's also local shading on the windows, which you can see over here and some over here. The lighting tab again has ASHRAE lighting templates. So depending on the lighting category that I showed you on the activity tab, appropriate template will be selected for the baseline building. The current building has LEDs with linear control. So then if I go to HVAC tab, in ASHRAE 90.1 uses detailed HVAC. However, when we are using simple HVAC data, some of the HVAC tab inputs such as availability schedules are still used as a normal DesignBuilder model. And there is a specific input field for proposed major HVAC system. The same name will be used in the MEPC reports and can be written can be overridden when you set up the detailed HVAC system. The economics tab option allows you to define the tariff analysis settings. This ensures that the cost comparison results for ASHRAE 90.1 are calculated correctly. For the proposed building, we use simple tariff structure that uses single fixed rate and for electricity and gas consumption. But the tariff analysis options can, however, be used to model more detailed tariff structures that account for schedules for time of use or tariff slabs that change rate depending on consumption, etc. If details are set correctly in here in the tariff section, then the MEPC cost tables would be filled out automatically. So these are all the major ASHRAE 90.1 related aspects of our DesignBuilder model. The only thing left to review is the HVAC system. So I've created this system for the proposed building. It is a VAV system with reheat terminals in the zones and heat recovery in the air handling unit. The heating is sourced by a gas-fired boiler and cooling source is a water-cooled chiller. There is heat recovery via a domestic hot water system and the tank itself has an internal heating element. When needed, it can top up the heat. The DesignBuilder can model several types of simple and complex systems and controls, even ground coupled systems. To learn more about HVAC system modeling, you can refer to program help or there are lots of past webinars and other on-demand resources that we have, which I will show you shortly and you can learn there. So at this point, I'll assume that the proposed design, the system which I have represents the proposed building correctly. So this finishes all the details of the proposed building. But before running ASHRAE 90.1 simulations or generally any simulation, you must do a proper QA check of the model. QA checking is a vital part of modeling and must be done before final runs. For example, it is essential to check unmet load hours in ASHRAE 90.1 to ensure that the proposed building has appropriately sized equipment to and correct control settings. So let's do a test simulation. I'll go to simulation screen and basically I'll run an annual simulation with default settings. So we are doing this QHX to see if we have unmet load hours. QHX is essential to trust the model's accuracy and to spot errors. QHX for all models should check for some of the things. So if all the model data settings are correct, you can do visual checks while you are creating the model and you can use there are rendered views options on the visualized screen. In DesignBuilder, you can see what constructions and other model data is used. There is also a model data grid view tool, which will show you all the model data in a tabular form. So you have a big table and you can compare at zone level or at a block level what the various settings are even at surface levels and see if everything is aligned correctly.

Creating the Proposed Building

So at this point, let me show you an interesting resource in this context. So if you go to DesignBuilder website, we can you can go to the tutorials page. We have got lots of these free tutorials to start your DesignBuilder journey. These get you started tutorials cover all key features of software and are produced in short sessions. So you can quickly and easily explore specific topics of interest. Existing DesignBuilder users can also refresh their knowledge on areas of software that they might not have used for a while. And for those who are new to DesignBuilder, they are the nice and logical way to learn the software basics. Here you can see if you scroll down there is a tutorial on model data grid view and QA checking. So you can check this out for tips on how general model QA checking can be done and how you can use model data grid view tool to do that. Let's see if where we have reached with our simulation. So it's almost finishing. So I'll just wait for it to quickly complete. And while it is completing, let me see if there is any other. So there's a tutorials on detailed HVAC are there. So each of these tutorials are very short, like they are five to 10 minutes long each on various topics. So they will make your starting journey with DesignBuilder quite quite neat. And then there are some older ones, which are at the bottom. But we keep on updating them regularly. So you can have a look there. And the simulation is finished. Just loading the data now. So if I want to, so the intention was to check the unmet load hours, and it can go to the summary tab. And this is the standard energy plus summary report and go to lead summary. And it shows the total number of hours loads are not met. They are 66. So according to ASHRAE 90.1, they should be less than 300. So our model complies. I could tweak the system a little bit, change the controls slightly to lower them. But for now, I'll accept that. So that in effect completes our proposed building. Now we can generate the baseline. So baseline building is created in two parts. First, the baseline geometry is created. And then you create the baseline HVAC system. So geometry and model data and then HVAC system. So I'll click on this generate baseline building icon and to launch the building baseline building creation wizard. We can see that the ashray board is 2016. Lead version is set to 4.1. If I press next, you can see the window to wall ratio is 58%.

Baseline Building Generation

Some of the elevations are 55 and 60. So that is the variation averages 58%. The interior and exterior lighting summary of the proposed building is mentioned here. And if I press finish, then DesignBuilder will start the process for auto generating the baseline building and apply the settings as per ASHRAE 90.1 rules. The baseline building is will be placed next to the proposed building. So you can see here and now that the baseline building is created and you can also see it has been added on to the info panel. A new building has been added and I can go to the site level view to see both the buildings together. So you can see that this automatically created baseline building has window to wall ratio sizes corrected as per the baseline building requirement. Shading is also removed. So you don't have any of the component blocks or the local shading. So while these two buildings appear next to each other in the model, but when the simulations are conducted, they will not be shading or otherwise influencing each other during the simulation. They will be separated simulation, similar separately by the software. So and we can also check what the baseline building data is automatically set to. So if I go to the activity tab, you can see that the building type is now changed to baseline on the construction tab. You can see that all the ASHRAE template constructions have been applied according to the climate zone. The elements that are not changed such as internal partitions, they are either not covered by ASHRAE 90.1. For example, these ones are they're not in the model. For example, internal partitions is something which is not covered by ASHRAE 90.1. So it uses the same as what was there in the proposed building. On the openings tab, the changes in the openings are applied to the surface level. So we have to go to a surface. So let me just go. Yeah. So if on this wall, you can see the window to wall ratio has changed to 31% and if I go to the zone itself, the template is also changed to the relevant climate zone template. Similarly, on the lighting template has been set as per the light and the lighting power density are set as per the lighting category that was set on the activity tab of the proposed building. The utility tariffs remain the same as the proposed. So yeah, these are all the key changes that you need to make in the model and they have been made automatically. So then next we are ready to set up the HVAC system. So the baseline HVAC system, if I click on the HVAC system option here launches the baseline HVAC system selection wizard. This dialog summarizes the data that is used to guide the baseline HVAC system creation process. So on the top, you can see based on the information displayed below DesignBuilder recommends using system number five as the main baseline HVAC system. So if I press next, then this is the system number five, which is selected. I will use it as my primary system. And then I'll remove the unconditioned zones. And then just go through the settings. So the baseline system is now created and it is system number five. So as per h 90.1 requirements, you can see that there are three separate HVAC zone groups that have been created separately for each of the floors and HVAC system settings are as per appendix G rules. For example, if I go to what water loop and its properties. So as per system number five's requirement, the hot water design supply temperature should be 82 degrees C and return temperature should be 54 degrees Celsius.

Simulation and QA Checks

So you can see that the design loop exit temperature is 82 and the delta is set to 28 making it 82 54. And what else? So you can also show you the set point manager for the water loop. Set point manager is also according to the standard. It this type is outdoor air reset and the ranges are as per the standard, which says it should be minus seven degrees Celsius. The set point should be 82 degrees and at 10 degrees Celsius should be 65. So 66. So yeah, it's 66 65. So yeah, so I think there is a conversion of from Fahrenheit to Celsius happening. So that's this. So like these examples, which I showed show kind of tell you that the baseline wizard has generated the system correctly with all the correct settings. So DesignBuilder will try to create the most suitable baseline system for you. However, you should then check the system thoroughly for compliance and correctness with the rules themselves. One thing I have to add here is the domestic hot water system. So I'll use the load template mechanism next and then I'll select the instantaneous hot water loop. It's not my primary system. And I will select all the deselect all the zones here and I'll select them in the zone groups later. So this is my domestic hot water system that I have added. And then now I can go to the outlet and add the zones that it serves. So we'll serve all the zones except the so to serve all the zones offices and toilets. So I'll remove all the remaining ones. So I added all the zones necessary. Now this is similar to what was there in the proposed building. And I will go back to the main system. And yeah, so that kind of finishes the setting up of the baseline model, complete of the system and also the model. So again, like previously, we should do a check for unmet load hours. So I will go to the simulation screen. Let's update and call it baseline building. And I'll use the default settings to run. So we are checking the unmet load hours here again. So according to the performance rating method, the unmet load hours for both the proposed design and the baseline building should be less than 300 per year. And the second rule is that unmet load hours for the proposed design should not exceed those from that are there in the baseline building. So if you remember from a proposed calculation, the unmet load hours were about 66 hours. So unmet load hours for this baseline building should be more than 66 but less than 300 for it to comply. So I know that these rules may differ from another action and different one version. So you should check the version requirement, which you are modeling for when you are doing these QHX. So simulation is almost finished. Okay. So if I go to the table of contents, lead summary and yeah.

LEED MEPC Spreadsheet Automation

So you can see the total unmet load hours is 71.5. So this is more than the proposed building but less than 300. So we are meeting the Ashton 90.1 requirements. Assuming that the rest of the baseline model is also correct, then our QHX is complete and we can do the final set of runs for Ashton 90.1 calculations. So first I'll do it for the proposed building. So put the proposed building and Ashton 90.1. Press the update data and you can see that the calculation options are restricted here now to ensure that all Ashton 90.1 rules are followed. So I'll go to the output tab and then select this option which will ensure that minimum unnecessary data is not generated. Only the required Ashton 90.1 summary reports are generated. Okay. So while the simulation continues, then I can show you another resource on the website. So that is program help. So if you go to the main landing page of the website, then this is the program help. And what I want to show you is the support plus tutorial section and it contains various modeling guides and step by step tutorials. And so there is this lead modeling guide. This lead modeling guide provides guidance on all the whatever I'm doing today. This guide takes you through this process step by step giving you detailed information on why some settings are there, what all you need to keep in mind. So you can follow this step by step to finish your Ashton 90.1 model. And it also has at the end a note on QA checking steps for Ashton 90.1 specifically. Then if I go to the other, so this is the other lead MEPC generation guide. So this guide provides you step by step instructions and clarifications for generating the pre-filled MEPC spreadsheet from DesignBuilder. We'll look at that spreadsheet generation tool very shortly. So let's see. Let me go back. Okay. So simulation is almost complete. It's just loading the results. So this is the simulation results for baseline building, sorry, proposed building. So I'll start the baseline and then we can look at that together. So all relevant settings are automatically set. So I'll just press okay to start. So DesignBuilder will now generate the four rotated buildings for 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees and 270 degree rotation and then run calculations for each of them to provide you the average results. If you need to access the models, you can find them stored on your local drive. So if you go to file, folders, then there's energy plus folder and that folder has a folder for Ashton 90.1, which will have all those files that you can access. For your final model, you will need to copy these files and save them in another location because they are needed for submission along with your lead modeling report. The simulation is still running. So there's another modeling guide, actually, which I saw on the page, which I'll show you. So this is the modeling guide for unmet load hours. This was very recently published modeling guide in and we keep creating and developing more of these sort of modeling guides.

Daylighting Simulation

This still tells you how to look at unmet load hours, how to address them to keep you like what we can do is to keep yourself up to date with whatever DesignBuilder is doing and whatever we are creating these resources, you can look at either follow us on LinkedIn from announcements or subscribe to our newsletter, which would help you connect with us and then you can access them. So I will keep the slide on for you while the modeling happens. Okay. So I think the modeling is finished. Okay. So both the proposed building and baseline have been completed and comparison between the baseline and proposed results for annual energy and uses is shown, which we have breakdown from categories for heating, cooling, lighting, interior, exterior, equipment, etc. Total energy saving for both the building in numbers as well as percentage is shown. So our proposed building is savings are over 40% and you can also look at the comparison based on costs when you select the cost option and here you can look at the cost savings as well, which is also above 40%. So this finishes the main Ashtray 90.1 modeling part. Now let's move on to the lead reporting. DesignBuilder has a built-in tool that automatically creates the pre-filled lead MEPC spreadsheet with relevant model inputs and results. So these, so you have this lead reporting icon that launches the lead reporting tool and it will generate all the data from the model. The tool is available on the, when you are on the simulation screen and Ashtray 90.1. Then you can see the tool. And once the data compiling process is complete, then you can specify the location at which you want to save the report. The spreadsheet generation itself takes a few minutes. So I will not start the process here now, but I'll show you earlier like a report which I exported for this model earlier. So I'll just cancel here. And so this is the lead 4.1 MEPC report for our model that was exported directly from DesignBuilder. If you go to the general information section, you can see that the Ashtray 2016 modeling protocol is set up. And if you go to the shadings and fenestration sheet, if you scroll down, you can see that details have been automatically added for placing in the, placing in the proposed and the baseline buildings. Similarly, if I go to the general lighting one, you can see details have been repopulated. And if I go to further, yeah, performance outputs. So as per Ashtray 4.1 requirements, performance outputs have been populated for the totals and also for different end use categories. So you can see that most of the MEPC spreadsheet has been filled. And this will save you a lot of time in filling these cells manually and obviously reduce the scope of errors. So this finishes my demonstration of the Ashtray 90.1 modeling and lead MEPC reporting workflow in DesignBuilder. Let's move on to lead daylighting. Lead version 4.1 has two options for daylight compliance, option one, which is annual climate-based daylight modeling, which uses LM8312 rules for spatial daylight autonomy and annual sunlight exposure calculations. These points are awarded for if the 40% of the area receives 300 lux for more than 50% of the time. Option two, on the other hand, is illuminance-based and requires at least 55% of the area to receive useful lighting levels. For both these options, DesignBuilder can generate graphical maps and create formatted reports for lead submission. I'll go to my proposed building and I'll show you how you can quickly create that. So from the proposed building and to the daylight screen. I can press update. So the simulation type is selected as lead. Lead is one of the many rating systems for which you can do daylight analysis for. But when lead is selected, then you can set the lead version as well. So it is 4.1 and based on the simulation type and everything, rest of the settings are set according to the requirements.

Life Cycle Assessment and Other LEED Credits

For version 4.21, there are two checkboxes. One for option one, which is annual simulations and option two, which is point-in-time illuminance simulations. So option one allows you to calculate climate-based lighting results and also generate a pre-formatted credit report for this. Whereas for option two, you can use, lead requires you to use the Perez method to generate the sky model and then you can have your options to change the morning and afternoon conditions. All the other requirements wherever necessary are automatically configured. So let's quickly do a daylighting calculation. I'll run option two because annual simulations will take much longer to finish. There was a detailed webinar specifically on daylight modeling focusing on lead, little daylight modeling, which was done some time ago, which covered all these different daylighting modeling options. So I can show you while it runs, how and where you can find them. So if you go to the DesignBuilder website and if you go to training and webinars page, so here is a daylighting in webinar on daylighting that I mentioned right now. There are other webinars, which you can also look at. This is a webinar for climate analytics, which looks at weather data and how to use it in building performance modeling. There's actually two of them. This is a more context setting webinar on weather data. We have also another one on life cycle analysis, which explores the DesignBuilders cost and carbon module in detail along with our one click LCA integration, which I will briefly kind of discuss today as well. Then there is option for national ventilation. There's a webinar. There are two webinars which are on modeling of HVAC systems. DesignBuilder can model simple to complex, very complex HVAC systems. So there are two here. One is modeling HVAC systems from concept through good detailed design. And then there is an advanced HVAC system webinar, which looks at that there are specific ones on dedicated systems. For example, there is an up and on the two of them are down source heat pumps. And we have parametric related webinars, which cover uncertainty, sensitivity, optimization. And I think very recently, we did another webinar, which is this compilation of the latest parametric tools, which DesignBuilder has, including optimization, sensitivity, uncertainty, and things which relate to ASHRAE standard 209, whatever modeling requirements you can do. So let's see is the modeling. So it's still take a minute to finish. Okay. So calculation is finished. Technically, this model is actually not optimized for delighting because of deep floor plate plan. So but let's see what we get. So for example, option two, which is point in time, you have got a report of a map, which you can see right now, where you can show either daylight factor or luminance numbers, or we have the grid option, where you have the zone wise summary for average light factor, etc. And then you have got the main feature, which is the report. So this is the pre-formatted lead credit report. The report highlights what are the credit requirements, the settings that are used, and the summary results, and also the zone wise results. And here we can see that one point is achieved because 65% of the area meets the requirements. Again, look at our earlier daylight webinar that covers delighting in much more detail, including the annual options and all the reports you can generate for those as well. So moving on, let's discuss the life cycle analysis options in DesignBuilder. You can do early stage calculation of life cycle analysis within the DesignBuilder application based on editable model data and embodied carbon for various elements.

Conclusion and Final Remarks

These calculations can be a key performance indicator when you are doing DesignBuilder optimization. So you can optimize for life cycle cost and life cycle carbon with other parameters such as energy. However, our native integration with one click LCA is the recommended method if you are doing life cycle assessment for compliance. This is because one click LCA is based on extensive database of previously accredited materials. So the method is appropriate to meet the requirements for life cycle assessment for lead, for example, the integration between DesignBuilder and one click LCA works by mapping the material names and specifications in the DesignBuilder library to the one click LCA database. Once your model is transferred to one click LCA, you can create compliance with rating systems such as lead. For lead, you can attempt points under building life cycle impact reduction and environmental product declaration credits. So to start the analysis, you simply click on our one click LCA toolbar icon and this uploads the model to the one click LCA website. Then you can do a full calculation and view all the results in a few clicks. Most of the data will be mapped during the transfer. Then depending on the version, you can generate compliance reports for relevant material credits. Moving on to renewable energy, credit from lead under the energy and atmosphere category. This credit requires you to calculate on-site generation and off-site generation of renewable energy systems and you can get points depending on percentage of total energy that is offset. So DesignBuilder can model renewable energy systems in a very straightforward process. You define the load centers which can be alternating or direct current and then you just add energy generators and other properties. You define solar PVs or BIPVs as DC load centers or wind micro turbine or cogeneration systems as AC load centers and then you can see the results of renewable energy in summary tables and also you can visualize granular graphs and heat maps for those outputs. Heat maps is some of one of the new functionality which we have added in DesignBuilder results viewer. Next is the indoor air quality credit. So under this IEQ category, there are two credits. One is indoor minimum air quality and another one is the enhanced option. For the minimum option, you have to comply with standard 62.1 and then for the enhanced option, certain strategies must be implemented in your design such as high filtration, increased ventilation, pollutant control etc. So to assess the impact of these options, you can add mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, operable windows, even mixed board ventilation in your models in DesignBuilder and then you can assess the performance. Among the various air handling unit outdoor air methods, you have ventilation rate VRP method and also which is also needed for lead and VRP option will kind of modulate your ventilation rate based on occupancy levels and zone diversification and also you have natural ventilation can be modeled and can be demand controlled based on CO2 sensors or other contaminants. Besides the graphical outputs and the 3D airflow diagrams you can generate, it is also a standard 62.1 summary report. These can be used for checking air flows for HVAC air loops and then you can use the numbers here to fill in the lead minimum indoor air quality performance calculator and also do the ventilation rate procedures calculations. So then another environmental quality criteria is thermal comfort. For 4.1 you have to do HVAC system, you have to basically meet the requirements for standard 55 or local equivalent standards for your system and for this DesignBuilder, you create the model as standard and then you can have a specific reporting outputs such as temperature, humidity and outputs for standard 55 or Senn or Fanger and with our scripting tools any other local standards can also be calculated. So I would say go to program help which I showed you which has a step by step example on how to do this and with all these options you're not limited to just lead but you can do compliance for well or other standards as well and the outputs can be seen in graphs or also with false color renderings on your space to quickly see which parts comply and which don't. So finally the integrative process this requires you to undertake energy analysis for a simple box model for assessing projects early stage decisions and forming targets. So again this is the requirement and for DesignBuilder modeling you create a shoebox model and then you use DesignBuilders parametric tools. You can do a full parametric assessment, optimization, sensitivity analysis etc. So your performance you can optimize for can be energy and carbon and then you can change options for site, construction, different lasing options, different levels of loads as design variables and you can then basically provide guidance to the project team as intended by this criteria. So now I've discussed in varying degrees of detail how a DesignBuilder can support you in doing analysis for various lead credits. If you wish to explore more there are these learning resources so I've already shown you the tutorials, program help are past of webinars. The only thing left here is the on-demand online training so and that is something again on the trainings section if you go to online training then this is the structure training for learning the software and there if you scroll down there are various different modules which have multiple sort of videos in there in the category and for ASHRAE 90.1 we have just recently released a full on-demand training session which is developed by our engineers and they go into details and nitty-gritties of lead ASHRAE 90.1 modeling which are not possible to touch upon like in this webinar. So this is something you should look at and also lastly there is our case study page which you can see people who have used examples of DesignBuilder use in different things. So please do reach out if you want to get your modeling or one of your projects featured in our case studies page then please maybe you'll reach out and yeah that's all for me. All right thank you Nishesh I just wanted to add it's great to see all of the other features that a DesignBuilder ties into in lead and I want to thank everyone for hanging on this full webinar a few folks cut off towards the end. I was going to add that what's useful about incorporating other credits into your energy modeling software is that the lead reviewer will check that the numbers are consistent across credits and so when you can do them in sort of a one-stop shop you can assure that they're going to be consistent because they are definitely supposed to check for that and if you all know you can find me at energy-models.com if you have questions I tried to answer as many questions as I could during the webinar many of those are going to need to go to DesignBuilders team and they were software specific plans for the future etc. I appreciate the challenge of trying to answer those during the session and yeah or find me on LinkedIn if you if you have any feedback I think that was a great overview of the whole process thank you Nishesh. Thanks Bob and yeah feel free to reach out to any questions that you have which were not answered on the emails which you can see on the on the screen yeah. All right we have some folks demanding questions I'm going to forward those to the DesignBuilder team I'm not capable of answering those yeah please that would be great Bob if you could and we will try and compile the answers and get back to you. All right thank you everyone I'm going to copy and paste well what's coming now I don't have the ability to answer it and we are out of time.

Free Webinar - Unveiling EP3 - an easy to use EnergyPlus Interface

Dec 9, 2024

Join Us for a One-of-a-Kind Software Demo!

Discover a revolutionary tool while expanding your understanding of EnergyPlus.

Why Attend?

The power of EnergyPlus

The ease of eQUEST

The speed of SketchUp

What You’ll Learn:

From building geometry to HVAC systems, see how EnergyPlus is now more accessible than ever with EP3.

Event Details

  • Date: December 17th
  • Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM (Central - Chicago)
  • Software Demonstrated: EP3
  • Presenter: Karen Walkerman
  • Cost: Free

Meet the Presenter

Karen Walkerman is a seasoned Energy Modeling Professional with 18 years of experience. From small passive-solar homes to complex, large-scale projects, Karen has modeled it all. She developed EP3 as an in-house simulation tool and has used it to model hundreds of buildings.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and discover how EP3 can transform your workflow.

How to create an AI Energy Model: Proof of Concept

Nov 15, 2024

About two months ago, I created an AI energy model to determine how much time and effort it required. Much to my surprise, it was faster and easier than I expected, with some interesting challenges, and I will outline the process here. Note that this process works with any software. I chose eQUEST because it required me to gather data from varying text-based files. After all, most AI requires collecting and organizing data that isn't in Excel format.

The Process

Here's a quick rundown of how it worked:

  1. Start with a specific model I began with a file I had of an architect's office. I named it CAD Captivity Center
  2. Generate the data set I ran 50 simulations using the same three variables. For each simulation, I set each variable as follows
    • LPD (Lighting Power Density): Randomly selected between 0.5 and 1.5 W/Sq ft.
    • Shading Coefficient: Randomly chosen between 0.3 and 0.8.
    • Insulation (R-Value): Random values between R-5 and R-50.
  3. Put the Data into Spreadsheet format Collected the inputs and organized them into a spreadsheet. Used python to export the load results from the simulation files into put them into a spreadsheet to train the machine.
  4. Process the Data Divide the data into two groups, 40 models for training the AI, and 10 models for testing it. (the 80/20 rule)
  5. Generate the AI Model I used open-source machine learning software, Tensorflow.js, and a little Python code; I fed the data into Tensorflow, and it generated a working AI model. The training process took about one minute!
  6. Testing and Verification I ran manual tests of the model by inputting LPD, Shading Coefficient, and R-Value. I compared the AI model load prediction to real eQUEST results. The results were mostly within 1-8% of accuracy, with a few outliers—a win for a proof of concept with limited data.
  7. Exporting the AI Model The AI model was then ready for export so anyone could run it.

Instant Simulations

What exactly is the AI Model I created? It is a tiny calculator that can instantly predict the load for the "CAD Captivity Center" for infinite combinations of LPD, Shading Coefficient, and R-value. Effectively a little machine brain that computes the load for the Captivity Center, using 3 variables (and assuming EVERYTHING else stays the same). It is very good at that, and it cannot do anything else.

Practical Applications

This approach offers plenty of practical uses. For example, we could set the variables to a cost function (e.g., Insulation Cost = Install Fee + Factor * R-Value), and we can solve for the lowest-cost options to achieve a target load—without running 5,000 iterations.

Rapid Expandability

One of the great things about this method is its expandability. There is no strict limit on input and output variables—only the availability of a broad dataset. The model works for any combination of inputs and outputs. For example, we could train it to predict energy consumption using any input variables. One simply needs to obtain enough data and define reasonable variables to make a conclusive output, and understand its limits. For example, we could make a model that predicts the energy consumption of a building based on LPD and plug loads. However, it would be limited to one specific building, assuming no other variables.

Of course, you can expand variables as long as you have enough data! For example, to expand the load calculator of the CAD Captivity center, we could add a new variable, such as glass R-value, to the initial models. This requires re-running initial simulations with the four variables. We might need to run 80 iterations (or more) to maintain the same accuracy as we obtained with three variables in 50 simulations.

Challenges

1. Data Collection The biggest hurdle is building a dataset to train the model, involving two key steps:

  • Obtaining Raw Data
  • Converting Data to CSV Format

In my example, the load outputs were found in eQUEST simulation files. To extract these values, I wrote a Python script to pull outputs from 50 SIM files. This was tricky for a few of them. Another option is to plug the data into CSV manually.

2. Model Expansion We can expand the model. The expanded model requires data. If we wanted to add complex variables such as climate zone, we'd need to simulate all iterations for each climate zone—an 8x increase if the input is Climate Zone 1-8 (not including a, b, c). This would push the iteration requirement to a minimum of 400. In reality, location has so many variables, that it might require thousands of models. The point is that it is expandable.

Below is a screenshot of TensorFlow training from the data. I set it to run 100 "Epochs" and you can choose more or less. The machine learns more and more as Epochs progress; here you can see that most epochs took 3 milliseconds, so this is not a significant limitation.

Limitations

The model is limited to the variables on which it was trained and isn't designed to replace traditional modeling software. Instead, it acts as a powerful, complementary tool, enabling one to explore thousands of iterations of variables.

Sharing the AI Model

Once created, the AI model is a compact file, easily shareable—a small but powerful calculator. I considered embedding it here, but why would I want to answer a bunch of emails about it?

Final Takeaway

The key takeaway is that AI modeling is readily available and it is highly specialized. With sufficient training data, it can handle certain tasks exceptionally well—and extremely fast. I see a future where robust AI simulations emerge. At first, they will be used in conjunction with models, and eventually, AI engines can become energy modeling software. We simply need a large enough dataset.

From what I've seen, an AI model could produce "above average" results using 20 inputs. This is because I have seen many models that are GIGO (garbage in garbage out). An AI engine would ensure users only input the relevant items. It could easily replace a weak modeler. On the other hand, AI is far away from competing with expert models.

Interested in the Steps? The step-by-step procedure?  If you're curious about the exact steps I took to build this AI model, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn below.

Unlock Significant Tax Savings with the 179D Deduction: What Every CFO Needs to Know About Energy-Efficient Building Upgrades

Nov 6, 2024

A Gold mine for Energy Efficient buildings in the USA

As a CFO, you're constantly balancing financial strategy with long-term growth, aiming to maximize profitability while managing costs. In the world of building management and real estate investments, energy efficiency is not only a smart environmental move but also a powerful financial strategy. One of the most effective ways to make the numbers work in your favor is through the 179D tax deduction, a program designed to reward businesses for energy-efficient upgrades.

What Is the 179D Deduction?

The 179D deduction, officially known as the Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction, is a federal incentive designed to encourage energy savings in commercial and government buildings. Qualifying building upgrades, whether in HVAC systems, lighting, or overall building envelope improvements, can mean significant tax savings. For organizations that want to demonstrate sustainability while directly benefiting the bottom line, 179D is a valuable tool.

Why CFOs Should Care

1. Substantial Tax Deductions

Qualifying for the 179D deduction can mean up to $1.88 per square foot in deductions. For larger buildings, these savings can scale quickly, directly reducing taxable income. Imagine the impact of these savings across a portfolio of properties—it’s a straightforward way to turn energy-efficient initiatives into real financial gains.

2. Cash Flow Optimization

By leveraging 179D, businesses can free up capital that would otherwise be spent on taxes. This can provide a boost in cash flow, allowing your organization to reinvest in other areas. Whether it's funding additional projects or improving operational flexibility, this deduction offers a tangible way to keep more cash on hand.

building energy efficiency cash flow optimization

3. ESG Compliance and Enhanced Corporate Reputation

With investors and stakeholders increasingly prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, participating in 179D projects can support your organization's ESG goals. Achieving these benchmarks not only improves the company’s image but can also be advantageous in securing funding and enhancing stakeholder trust.

How to Determine Eligibility

For many, navigating the requirements of the 179D deduction may seem daunting. Eligibility involves meeting specific energy-saving benchmarks verified by a licensed professional. Key areas often include:

  • Lighting Systems: Efficient lighting reduces energy consumption, contributing to significant long-term savings.
  • HVAC Systems: Heating and cooling systems are a major energy expense. Upgrades in this area can quickly add up in deductions and energy savings.
  • Building Envelope: Improvements in insulation, windows, and walls can make a building more efficient, minimizing both heating and cooling costs.

How Designers Can Claim the 179D Deduction

For designers and architects who work on energy-efficient upgrades for government-owned buildings, the 179D deduction presents a unique financial opportunity. Since government entities typically don't benefit from tax deductions, the IRS allows designers responsible for the energy-efficient elements of these buildings to claim the deduction instead. This includes architects, engineers, and other design professionals involved in key improvements.

1. Eligibility Criteria for Designers

To qualify, designers must be directly involved in creating and implementing energy-efficient features, such as lighting, HVAC, and building envelope components, that meet 179D’s efficiency standards. The government agency owning the building must allocate the deduction to the designer, and only one designer per project can claim the deduction. The energy savings achieved must be certified by a licensed professional to ensure compliance with IRS guidelines.

2. Financial Impact for Design Professionals

The 179D deduction allows designers to receive up to $1.88 per square foot on qualifying projects, which can quickly add up, especially on larger government facilities. This benefit not only rewards sustainable design work but also helps firms offset project costs and improve overall profitability.

3. Advantages Beyond the Financials

Beyond the deduction itself, claiming 179D can set design firms apart by demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices. Government contracts often look for firms with a track record in energy-efficient design, making 179D a potential differentiator in competitive bidding processes.

Getting Started: If you're a designer looking to leverage the 179D deduction, it’s essential to understand the technical requirements and work closely with energy modeling experts who can guide you through the certification and allocation process. Our team specializes in helping designers maximize their deductions by ensuring accurate modeling and compliance, taking the guesswork out of the process.

Getting Started: What to Look for in a Partner

Partnering with the right team can simplify the process. Look for experts who can provide energy modeling, technical expertise, and end-to-end management of the certification process. We work closely with clients from various sectors, ensuring accurate modeling and compliance with 179D requirements.

Our team brings over 150 years of experience in energy-efficient tax incentives, successfully guiding CFOs and finance teams through every step, from initial consultation to final certification. With a hands-on approach, we help ensure that your building upgrades not only qualify for the deduction but also maximize the financial benefits.

Conclusion: Transform Your Tax Strategy with 179D

The 179D deduction is more than a tax incentive; it’s a strategic asset. As energy efficiency continues to grow in importance, now is the time to explore how your organization can benefit. By aligning with an experienced partner, you can unlock significant savings, boost cash flow, and strengthen your company’s commitment to sustainability.

Ready to explore how 179D can transform your tax strategy? Contact Us Today for a free consultation, and let's make energy efficiency work for your bottom line.

179D Federal Tax Deduction - Free Webinar

Oct 24, 2024

Rebates and tax deductions deductions are two pillars of energy modeling.

Everyone should know about the 179D tax deduction. It's basically like a LEED model without the LEED review, and you get paid if the results are promising.

With the help of eSai LLC experts, we will teach you how to receive as much as $5/square foot in federal tax deductions for your energy efficiency projects from 2006 to 2024. The session includes a Q & A discussion from an expert

Bob Fassbender and guest expert Nandini Mouli, PhD will work together to bring you up to speed. You can choose one of the following time slots:

  • October 28, 2-3 p.m. EST
  • November 4, 3-4 p.m. EST
  • Option to request an online copy


Register Button

The webinar will answer the basic questions like:

  • What is the E179D tax deduction and who can claim it?
  • How did the E179D deduction increase to a maximum of $5.00 per square foot?
  • When can a designer or architect claim the deduction?
  • What new building categories allow for the designer deduction?

Like all tax incentives, there is fine print that you must know. We’ll cover the nuances to ensure you can maximize your deduction. Items such as:

  • Prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements
  • Data requirements to review and qualify under the 2024 guidelines
  • Qualifying ASHRAE standard updates
  • Integrate alternative energy tax credits with EPAct 179D tax deductions

This webinar will show you how to improve your building's energy efficiency and claim the federal benefits you're entitled to.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to leverage 179D and save on energy costs! Build better buildings and lower carbon emissions without breaking the bank

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Just fill out the brief Google form, and you're in

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