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XDS 103

Energy Modeling Basics

Department
Instruction Mode On-line Executive Education Course
Course Schedule Start Date: September 7th, 2024
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Description

In this 3-week course architects and designers will learn the fundamentals of energy modeling and how it can be integrated in the early design process to help inform design decision making.

Program

Required Core Course in the Executive Program in Design for Sustainability (XDS) or as Stand-Alone Course.

$699 as a stand-alone course. Reserve your spot via an email
Or included in the XDS Cohort Program Apply here 

Duration

3 weeks

Effort

6 hours per week to complete all aspects of the course.

CEUs

AIA 6 LU HSW

Location & Delivery

Online and Asynchronous (Recorded videos with weekly live interaction) 

Who should attend?

This course is ideal for architects, designers, engineers and other built environment professionals who want to understand the fundamentals of energy modeling to be integrated in the early design process.

Level of Instruction

Graduate

Software

This course will introduce currently available software and pros/cons. One particular software will be taught with prepared example model to help the attendees understand the process and workflow of early-phase energy modeling.

Course Schedule and Learning Objectives

Week 1

Energy Modeling Fundamentals

  • Understand the purpose and benefit of energy modeling.
  • Understand key definitions, terms and concepts of energy.
  • Understand how energy modeling can be integrated in the design process, identify energy efficient opportunities in the early design phase.

  • Understand different baselines and targets; AIA DDx platform and reporting.

Week 2

Energy Modeling Workflows and Processes

  • Understand key drivers affecting energy consumption of buildings.
  • Describe the process of energy modeling, including the inputs and assumptions.   
  • Interpret the energy model outputs and understand how different elements and systems are interrelated to energy consumption.
  • Understand currently available energy modeling software, limitations and appropriate use.
Week 3

Energy Modeling Applications

  • Prepare the architectural model for energy simulations.
  • Apply software settings including appropriate input parameters.
  • Identify energy efficiency strategies to be tested in the energy model.
  • Evaluate and interpret energy model results across different design options.

Full Course Description

Energy issues and climate change are moving to the forefront in the 21st century. With buildings responsible for about 40% of energy consumption in the United States, architects can and should find solutions facing environmental and energy challenges. The AIA 2030 Commitment encourages energy modeling of every whole-building project. However, when modeling is performed in the later design phases once key design decisions are made, the value of modeling is minimal. Integrating energy modeling in the early design process is essential to help architects make informed design decisions to minimize buildings' energy consumption. This course will cover the fundamentals of energy modeling including the protocols, process and workflow. The attendees will gain a practical understanding of early-phase energy modeling through prepared example models and understand how to identify energy efficiency opportunities in the early design phase.

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