February 2024 - Where can I go to learn about energy modeling and simulation as someone new to the industry?
Dear New Bee,
This is a great question, and one that IBPSA-USA has been evaluating for some time. I’m excited to share an update about a great place to learn and contribute knowledge about energy modeling.
November 2023 - Commercial Building Energy Tax Deduction (179D) changes
What’s changing with the Commercial Building Energy Tax Deduction (179D) from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and how can my firm claim the deduction?
Dear Deduction Dabbler,
The 179D Energy Efficiency Commercial Buildings Deduction (179D) is a tax incentive program that has been in effect since 2006, and was made permanent by legislation passed at the end of 2020. Its primary purpose is to promote energy efficiency in buildings by providing financial incentives for making energy-efficient building improvements in the areas of HVAC, lighting, and building envelopes.
October 2023 - Scheduling model factors for occupancy, lighting and plug loads
I’ve noticed that different standards provide different schedule assumptions for things like occupancy, lighting, and plug loads. What schedules should I use in my model?
Dear Behind Schedule,
Schedules can have a big impact on energy consumption and associated savings. Energy models use many different schedules. People/occupancy, lights, plug loads, heating/cooling setpoints, and service water heating are usually the main ones…
September 2023 - Incorporating biomimicry and building system models
How to incorporate biomimicry into a building system model?
Dear Biophile,
To answer this question, the first important step is to understand what biomimicry is and to distinguish between biomimetic and non-biomimetic design practices.
August 2023 - Modeling novel or atypical envelope materials
How do you model novel or atypical envelope materials or assemblies?
Dear Leading Edge,
Energy modeling is a critical tool in evaluating the performance of new envelope technologies under diverse sets of conditions – building type, operation, climate conditions, and others.
July 2023 - Strategies to save cost and energy by changing HVAC load
Are there strategies to save cost and energy by changing the way HVAC load is calculated?
Dear Right Size,
Rejoice, as gone are the days of boasting about the biggest kit in town. Now is the time of the kit that is just the right size to do the right job right.
June 2023 - Utilizing utility bill data and retrofit projects
How do you utilize utility bill data to guide retrofit projects?
Dear Bill Overload,
Retrofit analysis uses historic utility bill data (consumption, demand, and cost) to inform a utility efficiency project’s design strategy. Utility bill data can be compiled into a broad overview of a building’s energy usage, giving modelers an idea of what to expect from their more detailed models.
April 2023 - IBPSA Hackathon
What to know about participating in IBPSA hackathon?
Dear Hack-Curious,
You are interested in participating in a hackathon? Congratulations! You are ready to become a vital team member for whatever project you are going to be a part of!
March 2023 - Connect EnergyPlus with other applications
How to Connect EnergyPlus with Other Energy Modeling Tools?
This month, we will focus on how we can connect EnergyPlus with other applications and discuss some exciting use cases–like storing ice cream!
February 2023 - Updating energy modeling software
When and How Should I Update My Energy Modeling Software?
This month, we will focus on the first of these questions: When during my project lifecycle should I update energy modeling software, and how should I go about it? We will discuss this using the example of EnergyPlus.
January 2023 - Talking to clients about uncertainty in models
How can I talk to clients about uncertainty in models?
Dear Uncertain in Urbana,
This might seem obvious, but it’s important to be aware of your client’s areas of technical acumen. Are they well-versed in HVAC or are they coming from more of a financial background? How interested are they really in digging into an energy model’s minutiae? The answer might surprise you.
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