Module 9 - Points to Ponder

Can you guarantee that the completed building will match the performance predicted by the analysis in its day-to-day operations?

• No you cannot, as it is still a simulation. However, by using accurate geolocation and building materials, you can get an estimate that is realistic. The day-to-day performance may indeed be quite close, but it is still impossible to provide a guarantee. The weather, especially with global warming, can have a significant impact on the performance of the analysis.

When choosing settings for each of the building performance factors, should you always choose the setting that gives the absolute lowest predicted energy use?

• No, you should not. Design consideration like aesthetics, cost, and functionality should be considered as well. Cost is one of the bigger factors, as eventually the cost continues to increase while the impact plateaus. At a certain point, it can be smart to save money in one or more less impactful areas in order to put the capital towards another more effective energy saving solution.

How can model-based quantity takeoff improve the design process?

• Assemble is an especially useful modeling software as every time you update the Revit file to the ACC, it also updates it’s evaluation. This is extremely efficient, and communicating the cost and quantity of materials to key stakeholders like investors and project managers is essential.