Building Energy Modeling

Energy Modeling is an excellent tool to optimize the energy performance of a building. It is a computer representation in which a building is modeled with all its components and captures the interactions between them, estimates the cooling and heating loads and energy consumption.

When used during the design phase of the project, the energy performance can be evaluated form general features, during predesign, to small details, during construction documentation. The energy simulation evaluates and optimizes aspects, as, location, massing, orientation, building envelope, occupation, HVAC and lighting systems, sequence of operation and process loads.

The goals of the energy modeling process are:

Load reduction. This decreases the need of artificial lighting, mechanical ventilation, cooling, and heating, and improves the thermal comfort of the occupants.
Design systems with the reduced loads, making sure that the designers are using the same criteria.
Choose efficient systems and equipment.
Recover energy and generate renewable energy.

It also provides valuable information for the decision-making process, choosing the best alternatives that meet the priorities and goals of the owner or developer. The energy simulation allows the project to achieve its energy efficiency target and verify the performance for a certification, while keeping the investments profitable.

For buildings in operation, the energy model provides a way to troubleshoot problems and compare the measured data with the expected performance of the building. It can also be used to test energy efficiency measures before they are implemented and select the most rentable options.

In CÍVITA, we have 15 years of experience. We have participated in over 80 building energy modeling projects, more than 50 are LEED certified. We have experience with many types of commercial and industrial buildings: offices, multistory residential, hotels, schools, retail, gymnasiums, museum, theater, laboratory, industrial and warehouses.

We can help your building achieve its energy performance goals. All our consultants are proficient in English and Spanish.