ASHRAE Publishes Energy Simulation-Aided Design StandardStandard 209-2018
defines consistent energy modeling procedures to quantify the impact of design decisions when they are being made. To minimally comply with Standard 209-2018, building project teams must evaluate energy-efficiency options using modeling early in the design process. Standard 209
will be useful to building owners, architects, government agencies and many others who want their projects to benefit from the use of simulation. By referencing the standard, they can identify appropriate modeling tasks and procure modeling services that add value in the design process. Asking a consultant to "provide energy modeling services" is akin to going into a restaurant and asking for "food". Standard 209 establishes an industry standard for these tasks and services.
One of the most interesting aspects of Standard 209 is that it defines energy modeling tasks and services at several different design stages, from pre-concept thru completion of design. The one mandatory modeling "cycle" (using the Standard's terminology) is done prior to the completion of schematic design, and is called the Load Reduction cycle. It is, arguably, the energy model that can have the greatest impact on improving a building's designed energy performance.
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Kim Shinn
Principal/Sr Sustainability Consultant
TLC Engineering for Architecture
Brentwood TN
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