Overview
TLC is responsible for an early stage design performance model that evaluates multiple parameters to reduce energy consumption before the mechanical systems in the renovation are designed. With the creation of a baseline model and matrix of alternative design strategies, the Owner is positioned to select their preferred solutions, balancing first and life cycle costs. TLC is further providing staged energy modeling services at all major project development milestones, including design development and construction documents, to inform the design team on the effects of their decisions and to confirm that the project is remaining on track towards its sustainability goals.
Features
As an renovation consisting of the interconnection of several existing buildings via the construction of connector buildings and renovation of the subterranean basement level spaces, certain complexities are introduced into the modeling process. Although similar, each of the three existing building envelopes is distinct and requires the modeling and assignment of custom existing constructions to provide an accurate baseline for LEED and energy analysis.
As part of the larger Southern Methodist University campus, the facility is served via the campus central plant which includes central steam heating and central chilled water. The central chilled water plant is a modern efficient water-cooled plant. The energy model captures the potential efficiencies of the central plant via modeling of a thermal and energy equivalence simulation of plant operation to represent the energy used and savings due to scale of the central plant in lieu of a site based energy source.
Through evaluation reports and participation in design team review meetings, TLC is providing a means of informed decision making and method of assuring the project remains on track to meet its sustainable goals.
The model will also demonstrate compliance with the LEED v4 Energy & Atmosphere prerequisite for Minimum Energy Performance and the Energy & Atmosphere credit for Optimize Energy Performance.