OVERVIEW
Design-stage tools for modeling the appearance and performance of projects are getting better all the time. They’re getting smarter, too, and more user-friendly for people without an engineering degree.
But there is no substitute for understanding how your building works, and being able to squint-test the results from any simulation. Knowing what each tool is good for—and how to leverage its strengths—is one key to effective performance simulation.
The other is knowing what questions to ask so you don’t waste time modeling scenarios that don’t matter.
IN-DEPTH
Filter results:
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Whole-Building Life-Cycle Assessment: Taking the Measure of a Green Building
Feature Article
Why we will never understand the true impact of our buildings-and how we should try to anyway
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Energy Modeling: Early and Often
Feature Article
For the biggest energy and cost savings, model early in design and model often, say the experts.
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Energy Modeling For Sustainability
Feature Article
Evolving software for modeling energy dynamics makes it easier for architects and engineers to design green buildings.
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Analyze a Neighborhood with the Touch of a Button
News Brief
Opportunity360 scores neighborhoods on health, affordability, transportation, and more.
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BuildingGreen Announces Top 10 Products for 2017
Product Review
Our innovative Top 10 product selections reduce stormwater and wastewater, improve efficiency and IAQ, and contain fewer hazardous materials.
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EDGE: A Green Building Playbook for Developing Countries
News Analysis
With this quick-start design tool, architects choose materials and strategies based on ROI as well as sustainability.
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Free Database Can Guide Early Design Decisions on Carbon, Health
News Analysis
The Quartz Project opens up Pharos and GaBi intelligence to the public, combining the formats of HPDs and EPDs into one tool.
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New Online Portal for AIA 2030 Eases Burden of Reporting
News Brief
You can ditch the reporting spreadsheets. Benchmarking the 2030 Commitment is now streamlined online.
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New Thinkstep Launchpad for Sustainability Apps Bolstered by LCA Data
News Analysis
Rebranded as thinkstep, the life-cycle assessment firm PE International promises a new platform to integrate product data and more.
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Shoebox Energy Modeling: How to Do Quick, Early Simulations
Webcast
Most whole building energy simulations require a mechanical system design, making them unsuitable for early-design modeling. In response, architects and energy modelers are turning to shoebox models, with one or just a few zones.
Not doing energy modeling yourself? This webcast will familiarize you with concepts that will help you get more out of your energy modeler, whether it is someone on your staff, or an outside consultant.
