Energy modelling has become a key component to successful new construction and major renovation projects for multi-residential, commercial and industrial properties. The level of analysis achieved through an energy model will provide the client with the detailed information required to make proper economic decisions prior to capital expenditures.
IESC is recognized on the BBP approved list of Energy Modelling Consultants and Energy Mangement Firms.
New Construction
For new construction projects, IESC utilizes energy modelling software recognized by applicable governing bodies to develop a baseline model that reflects a proposed building design. The baseline model will then be simulated against the applicable reference model to demonstrate compliance with certification metrics such as OBC Supplementary Standard SB-10, LEED®, Toronto Green Standard, saveONenergyOM HPNC, and Enbridge Savings By Design™.
An integrated design approach can then be adopted which uses energy modelling to provide immediate feedback on proposed changes in order to meet requirements and targets set by the given certification. New Construction Incentives are now available to support this successful design approach.
Integrated Design Process
The benefits of energy modelling reach far beyond compliance analysis alone. Energy modelling has the greatest benefit when initiated at the beginning of the design process, where simulation results can inform key design decisions.
The integrated design process is a collaborative effort that focuses on the design, construction, and operation of a building over its entire life cycle. It is designed to allow the client and key stakeholders to develop and meet key performance, sustainability, and economic goals. The approach employs a multi-disciplinary design team to assess the whole building as an interconnected system in order to develop optimized integrated solutions.
IESC is a regular participator in IDP based programs, including the Enbridge Savings By Design™ program, and has promoted IDP across the province. Our experts have the ability to lead the communication between design team members and facilitate the process as whole in addition to providing support through real-time energy modelling.
Existing Buildings
For existing buildings, IESC utilizes the latest energy modelling software to develop a calibrated baseline model to reflect the current energy performance of a building based on local weather data. The baseline model is then used to simulate major energy conservation recommendations proposed in advance of any capital expenditures by the client.
The simulation results will provide expected reduction in consumption to enable prioritization of proposed efficiency projects based on expected return on investment analysis. This detailed engineering design tool can be used when analyzing large-scale retrofit projects with available Energy Audit Incentives and Energy Retrofit Incentives to support the client.
Simulation Tools
The software tools listed below are part of IESC’s extensive toolkit when modelling for new construction, existing buildings and renewable energy system designs.
- EE4 – Building Energy Simulation Software
- eQuest – Advanced Building Energy Simulation Software
- EnergyPlus – Advanced Building Energy Simulation Software
- DesignBuilder – 3D Thermal/CFD Simulation Software
- HOT2000 – Residential Housing Energy Simulation Software
- WUFI – Advanced Hygrothermal Simulation Software
- FRAME / WINDOW – Thermal Transmittance Simulation Software
- RetScreen – Clean Energy Project Analysis Software
- PHPP – Passive Solar Heating Design/Passive House Software
- TSOL – Solar Thermal Simulation Software
- PVSYST – Solar Photovoltaic Simulation Software
- AGi32 – Light Design Software
- DAYSIM – Light Analysis Software
- DIALux – Light Planning and Design Software