Energy Modeling for High Performance Homes

MA+KE believes energy efficient, sustainable, and resilient building practices are now simply best practices, and we use energy modeling to analyze and optimize the energy performance of the projects we design. Energy modeling is a computer-based analysis that predicts the energy use of a building based on its design and operating characteristics. This approach allows us to evaluate the impact of design strategy options on energy consumption and identify opportunities for long term energy savings.

Once a schematic design has been developed, it’s the best time to create the energy model and still evaluate a variety of energy saving options before finalizing the design.

What Can We Do To Meet Energy Goals?

We evaluate a number of variables in order to meet project energy goals:

Windows

• Double glazing vs triple glazing

• Amount of window area

Exterior Walls (thickness based on various insulation materials)

• High thermal resistance per inch of thickness

  • Rigid foam board insulation

  • Spray foam insulation

• Lower thermal resistance per inch

  • Mineral Wool

  • Environmentally friendly

    • Cellulose insulation

    • Hemp insulation

Foundations

• Evaluate insulation options at foundation walls

• Evaluate the impact of insulation below slabs and footings

Building Orientation

• Building orientation is impacted by many factors including views from the site, access to the site and relationship to the sun.  When possible we like to adjust the orientation to work with the sun to allow for the use of daylight to illuminate spaces during the day.

Roofs

• Evaluate various insulation options - similar to exterior walls

Roof Overhangs and Window Shading

• Roof overhangs provide shading of windows during the summer and reduce the impact of solar heat gain during the day.  During the winter, the sun is lower in the sky and the overhangs can be designed to allow for daylight to shine in the windows during the day.

Air Tightness & Ventilation Options

• We can evaluate all of the scenarios with anticipated levels of air sealing in order to estimate the size of the heat recovery ventilation system.

Once we have the energy modeling information, we can coordinate with the construction manager to evaluate the differences in cost of the preferred options. Using the cost information we can evaluate the return on investment over 10 and 20 years in order to allow our clients to make informed decisions about the cost savings of energy efficiency.

Another benefit of using an energy model is determining the feasibility of offsetting the energy consumption of a project with renewable energy systems such as solar panels or geothermal.

What About Code Compliance?

In some jurisdictions energy modeling is required by building codes and energy standards to demonstrate compliance with energy efficiency requirements. MA+KE Architects use energy modeling to demonstrate that their projects will meet or exceed these requirements.

What Are The Benefits of Energy Modeling?

Developing an energy model simply removes the guesswork. As design experts, we have a pretty good idea of what strategies work, but we need real data to achieve energy efficiency goals and provide a basis for evaluating the cost benefit. Energy modeling ensures we are doing everything we can to reduce the environmental impact of a project, and most effectively control indoor comfort. Testing of the building near the end of construction is now required to prove that the project  achieved a minimum level of air tightness for code compliance.

Energy modeling helps us make informed decisions about building design and systems selection that can optimize energy performance and reduce energy consumption, ultimately leading to cost savings and improved comfort for the building owner and reduced environmental impact.