Hello Simulation community.

This request is somewhat vague so please feel free to respond with any
comments, questions etc...

I am working on my first LEED project, a 72,000 square foot plastics
manufacturing facility and have found the data collection process to be
quite difficult.
The mechanical engineer says she does not think detailed modeling is of
much value, the architect has expressed that he will not do anything that
takes any additional time.

I have created this data collection form, but have not had the best of luck
getting them to fill it out:
https://docs.google.com/a/cleantechanalytics.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGVMRGdPeDN2Zk9JT1gyMXY1QUplMGc6MA#gid=4

Some of the issues I have had are:

- Difficulty explaining the concept of thermal blocks
- Difficulty explaining the concept of window to wall ratio
- Difficulty explaining the concept of a baseline building being
developed from the proposed, specifically they want me to create the
baseline first to test their proposed building against.
- Difficulty explaining the concept of building area vs space by space
lighting compliance paths.

Other questions I have:

- I made the mistake of charging a low ($2500) price to get my first
project, and wonder what something like this should be worth.
- I am being pressured to produce this model in a very fast time-frame,
and wonder how long in terms of man hours is reasonable for such a project?
- I have been asked to use generic data for much of the proposed
building inputs, and it was said that due to my limited experience that I
did not understand how to do this where a more experienced modeler would--
I think that some default values are consistently used in modeling but feel
that this should be a last resort.

I have purchased all of the ASHRAE books on the subjects, but other
recommended reading would be great, specifically if anyone knows of a very
simple overview of the minimum requirements that I could share with the
project team that would be great..

Lastly, if anyone could let me know if this difficulty in explaining the
required processes, or issues with project teams not understanding the
concepts behind Energy modeling is the norm, and if anyone has any advise
so far as streamlining the data collection process, or explaining the
importance of the requirements I would be appreciative..

Your advise is much appreciated and Best regards-

*Jeremiah D. Crossett*