Energy reduction strategies can have a bigger impact when identified early. HGA has developed easy-to-use ENERGY.script software for architects in the early design phase.
While there is consensus in the architecture and engineering industry that energy modeling is important to designing high-performance buildings, the current methods for applying energy analysis needs improvement.
HGA, in collaboration with Cause, a sustainability consultancy, is changing this picture through development of an energy analysis process that allows architects to take the lead in the early design phases. Our customized ENERGY.script tool, utilizing Grasshopper software, performs a step-by-step energy analysis model during planning and schematic design—providing architects an accessible blueprint for high-performance buildings
The tool helps move energy analysis up in the design and construction schedule, which typically is performed by mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers later in the process to inform system sizing.
Yet as energy analysis becomes increasingly important to meet industry-wide sustainability standards, we must ask, “What are the highest priority optimization strategies for my specific project in its specific climate? And, how do we prioritize our effort to have the greatest impact with the least cost?”
ENERGY.script encourages interdisciplinary design and construction teams to engage with specialists earlier to achieve project goals.
Read More . . .
To learn more about ENERGY.script, read the full article: “Following the Script to Early Energy Analysis” in Engineered Systems.
Watch our Video . . .
HGA’s sustainability specialist Elizabeth LeRiche explains how ENERGY.script performs on a variety of projects.
About the Authors
Elizabeth LeRiche is a Sustainability Specialist at HGA.
Molly Eagen is Founder of Cause, a sustainable design consultancy.