Buildings \ [61 07

[FAST] TALK
By Linda K. Monroe

Take Energy Analysis to a New Level

Although building designers can use computer software such as DOE-2 and EnergyPlus to evaluate
potential energy-saving measures, preparing the input in a way
that accurately represents the proposed building and its energy-efficient features is a costly, labor-intensive process. As a result, energy analysis is often postponed to a later point in the design process, resulting in a greatly reduced number of cost-effective options for boosting efficiency than if it had been considered from the start. Now, building owners and facilities managers (who have a long-term, vested interest in a project) can look to a service that simplifies the process of early energy analysis. Called the Green Building Studio Inc. (GBS) -with funding from the California Energy Commission's Public Interest Eneigy Research (PIER) program and California utilities (Pacific Gas and Electric Co., Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric Co., and The Gas Co.) that support Savings By Design, the non-residential new construction program - the Web-based service enables building design teams to integrate whole-building energy analysis into the early stages of the design process to show them the energy impact of early decisions while allowing them to compare alternatives. The heart of the system is an open-data format called Green Building XML (gbXML), a simple means of sharing data between BIM and energy-simulation software. Designers construct their early buildingdesign model from their own BIM system and then use gbXML and some simple user inputs to export a building energy model. Before a simulation, GBS will error-check the submitted gbXMLffleto ensure that all the building spaces are properly defined. Most commonly used BM systems are compatible with gbXML, which is based on Extensible Markup Language (XML). In addition, major HVAC manufacturers accept gbXML input directly into their energy- and load-analysis packages. GBS uses the intemal load information - such as lighting, equipment, number of people, and space type - and the gbXML export finm BIM feeds an energy model that is automatically developed through the use of regional building standards and codes. This enables the GBS system to make intelligent assumptions about items such as insulation and lighting levels. The resulting building description then goes through a DOE-2.2 hourly simulation using typical-year weather data for the building's location to generate estimates for annual energy consumption, costs, and a wide range of data on heating and cooling loads. GBS is best suited for use in new construction and major renovation of commercial or residential buildings of any size. Interested? Facilities professionals looking to learn more can contact John Kennedy at Green Building Studio Inc. (707-569-7373 or [jfk@greenbtiildingstudio.com]) or Norman Bourassa at the California Energy Commission (916-654-4581 or [njboiiras@energy.state.ca.us]). I

BUILDINGS
Editorial Director Linda K. Monroe Managing Editor Jana J. Madsen Senior Associate Editor Leah B. Garris Art Director Elisa A. Geneser Senior Designer Scott Easton Pubiisher Tony Deilamaria A Publication of Stamats Business Media President Tim Fixmer A staff masthead is listed on page 102. PO Box 1888 Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-1888 <319) 364-6167 Fax:(319)364-4278 For subscriptions, visit: www.buildings.com/subscribe Find us on the World Wide Web at: www.buildings.com Buildings is a registered trademark owned by Stamats Buildings Media Inc.

BUILDINGS Advisory Board

Ken Davis Energy and Utilities Manager, Los Angeles Unified Schooi District Matthew Kelly, RPA Manager, Corporate Real Properties, Freddie Mac Hollis Linehan Associate Manager, Eiectricai/Mechanical, Opus Architects fi Engineers inc. Andrew McGonigle Manager of Construction Projects, Northwestern University Kurt R. Padavano, RPA, CPM, FMA, SMA Chief Operating Officer, Advance Realty Management Inc./ Advance Reaity Group LLC Chairman, BOMA Intl. David Robinson Vice President of Conceptual Construction, Hines Terry Smith Vice President of Engineering and Technical Services, Marriott Intl. Steven Spencer Facilities Specialist, State Farm Insurance Co. Clayton Ulrich Vice President, Director of Corporate Engineering Services, Hines

Buildings Editorial Mission

Buildings helps senior- and middle-level building ownership and facilities management professionais make smarter decisions reievant to the design, construction, modernization, management, and operation of commercial and institutional buildings. By offering practical information on best practices and critical issues via in-print, online, and in-person opportunities, Buildings keeps these professionals on top of changing trends in their profession and accelerating technology in the buiidings industry. The editorial staff is committed to being their No. 1 information resource by focusing on quality, unbiased content.

BUILDINGS IS A PROUD iVlEMBER OF: CORENET

<>

2006 Jesse H. Neal Award Winner

CABA
BUILDINGS SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION RATES: United States and its possessions: $70 for 1 year: Canada, $85 (U.S. funds) for 1 year; all other foreign countries, $125 surface mail for 1 year: $150 air mail for one year. Extra and back copies (when available}: $8.00 each, shipping and handling included. Tear sheets: $1.75 each. All orders must be PREPAiD to: BUiLDINGS magazine, 615 Fifth St, SE. PO Box 1888. Cedar Rapids. IA, 52406-1888, ATTN: Barb Schrafel. ext, 5017, Copyright 2007. Stamats Buildings Media Inc, Reprint by written permission only. For reprint information, contact: FosteReprints, Phone 866/879-9144, www,marketingreprints,com

2006 & 2007 Maggie Award Winner for "best publication"

american bysiness