284 Section 2 Architectural Planning
occurs during the early stages of design so that
input from different sources is considered. This
is a powerful tool for reducing energy costs.
Design simulations can be used to evaluate
aspects such as site conditions, carbon emissions,
water management, wind patterns, ventilation,
thermal performance, daylighting and lighting
loads, shadows and refl ections, and energy use.
See Figure 12-7. The results of a simulation
can be compared with established LEED or
ENERGY STAR standards to determine whether
the design is in compliance.
Some software programs that are primarily
used for modeling work provide analytic tools for
performing simulations. However, this varies.
contractors, consultants, material suppliers, and
the building engineers who will ultimately be
responsible for maintaining the building. This is
called front-loading the project. This approach
is intended to minimize design errors and reduce
the need for changes during construction. For
example, input from the contractors helps
establish how the building will be constructed,
which helps minimize change orders and con-
struction waste. This input also helps ensure
that the appropriate building materials will be
used in the design and that accurate quantities
of materials can be ordered.
Front-loading is an effi cient approach because
all stakeholders are included in decision making
from the beginning of the project and there is a
greater chance that the appropriate design deci-
sions are made. This improved effi ciency allows
more time to focus on design, which helps drive
innovation.
One of the most important factors considered
during the early stages of design is sustainability.
The design is studied to identify opportunities
for using sustainable materials and improving
the energy effi ciency of the building. This is
typically achieved through model analysis and
design simulations.
Model Analysis
Sustainability is an important objective in
architectural design. Issues such as energy
consumption, water use, and effi cient use of
resources are key factors to consider in building
projects. These issues have become more important
to building owners because of rising energy costs
and the desire to protect the environment. In
response to these issues, green building efforts
have become common. Many buildings are
designed to meet requirements in green building
certifi cations and standards such as LEED,
ENERGY STAR, and the International Green
Construction Code. Sustainable design is intro-
duced in Chapter 11, Designing for Sustainability.
BIM processes help designers integrate sus-
tainable design principles. As part of the design
process, a 3D model can be analyzed using design
simulations. Design simulations are software-
based tools used to simulate conditions and
analyze building performance. By analyzing
models in this manner, designers can study
alternative scenarios and enhance performance
factors such as energy effi ciency. Model analysis
Green Architecture
Carbon Footprint
A carbon footprint is a measurement of how
much the everyday behaviors of an individual,
company, or nation can impact the environment.
It includes the average amount of carbon dioxide
put into the air by energy and gas used at home
and in travel, as well as other more detailed
aspects. The construction industry as a whole
has a large carbon footprint. The processes
used in transporting building materials and
operating construction equipment greatly impact
the environment. The electricity that goes into
producing certain building products, such as
brick, causes the emission of great quantities of
carbon dioxide.
Design simulations can be used to evaluate
the carbon performance of a building. Usually,
a whole-building energy analysis can be used
to generate a carbon emissions report. The
report indicates the annual carbon output based
on the geographic location and other factors,
such as the heating and cooling systems used
by the building. Also included in the report are
the annual usage and cost of electricity for the
building.
Based on the simulation results, adjustments
can be made to improve the building’s carbon
output and thermal performance. For example,
the designer can change the site orientation,
select different exterior window glazing, or adjust
the window-to-wall percentage.
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.