Can you guarantee that the completed building will match the performance predicted by the analysis in its day-to-day operations?
- No, I cannot guarantee that the completed building will match the performance predicted by the analysis in day to day operations, as the estimates are based on a conceptual model that is an approximation of the more complex building. In addition, measures of day-to-day operations may fluctuate, like plug loads, but estimates are completed on a yearly basis.
When choosing settings for each of the building performance factors, should you always choose the setting that gives the absolute lowest predicted energy use?
Not necessarily, as other considerations like item cost, budget, and the actual behavior of the setting need to be be taken into account to ensure that we create building performance estimates that are feasible considering the desired operability of the building, aesthetics, and building codes. For example, a client who needs the building they are constructing to be open 24/7 cannot meet this need if we chose the absolute lowest predicted energy use for operating hours.
How can you use Insight feedback to make design choices regarding materials, lighting, PV, etc.?
You can sort the Insight widgets by importance to have an understanding of which factors have the greatest effect on overall building performance. From this, you can prioritize trying to minimize the lowest efficiency settings for the widgets of top importance, allowing you to spend your time most effectively instead of spending unnecessary resources trying to reduce the energy usage of items which really do not have a significant impact on the building’s overall performance.
4D simulations are often used to show the construction sequence for an entire project, but shorter simulations that focus on a specific period of time are also useful.
- Can you provide examples of how a simulation that focuses on a 1 or 2 week period could be useful for planning?
What level of detail should be included in a 4D simulation?
- Should you include all of the elements in the building model?
How can the feedback shown in a 4D simulation help you to optimize the project schedule?
- What are the main benefits of linking model elements to the project schedule?
How can model-based quantity takeoff improve the design process?
How can designers improve their designs using the information provided by preliminary estimates of the cost of building their design ideas?