(G08) ASHRAE 209 - A Tool for Integrative Design

In this session, you'll hear from two members of the ASHRAE 209 Committee as we outline, through a description of the standard and our own real-life examples, how Standard 209 can be used to foster and support an integrative design process incorporating energy simulation.

ASHRAE Standard 209, “Energy Simulation‐Aided Design for Buildings” was created to define reliable and consistent procedures that advance the use of timely energy modeling to quantify the impact of design decisions at the point in time at which they are being made. It defines minimum requirements for providing energy design assistance using building energy simulation and analysis. It is designed to be adopted by building owners and architects seeking a uniform way to specify a scope of work for building energy modeling, as well as other interested organizations.

ASHRAE 209 is referenced in the LEED Integrative Process credit, bur many architects, engineers and designers are unaware of the standard and the benefits its use can provide It can be used as a tool to support the use of energy modeling as part of an integrative design process. The Standard defines 10 different "cycles" of energy simulation a project might incorporate, ranging from simple box models used in concept design, to as-built models used as part of a measurement and verification process.

Over the past 20+ years, LEED has driven the growth in the use of energy simulation, but many projects still only perform "validation" modeling after design is complete. The real value of energy models is the information they can provide to influence design decisions. Architects and owners often struggle to create scope of work for modelers, that incorporates this early "design assistance" modeling. At the same time modelers who offer early assistance find they are often competing with firms offering only post design validation models. ASHRAE 209 provides the needed language to let owners and architects specify the modeling scope required for any project and can help to insure that competing modeling proposals can be assessed "apples to apples".

Chris and Mohamad will begin the session with a brief overview of Standard 209. We'll then dive deeper into the first six cycles of modeling (Simple Box Model, Conceptual Design, Load Reduction, HVAC System Selection, Design Refinement, and Design Integration & Optimization) providing examples of each, and tying them into an integrative design process. They will pay particular attention to the cycles that might be performed before and during schematic design, in support of the LEED v4/4.1 BD+C/ID+C Optimize Energy Performance Credit, while highlighting how a project team can build on that work through future design phases to ultimately design a low carbon, energy efficient building that will maximize points under the LEED v4/4.1 BD+C/ID+C Optimize Energy Performance Credit.

Polling will be used to engage the audience and determine their experience with Standard 209, and a question-and-answer period will be provided at the end.