Disrupting the Status Quo with Early-Stage BIM-Based Energy Modeling

Abstract

This paper poses the question: Is BIM-based energy simulation reliable? If so, how might this impact early-stage design? This study compares schematic buildings modeled in a BIM-based tool and in conventional building performance software, evaluates the fidelity of data transfer and calculation engine performance, and compares assumptions with conventional methods. Results show that the tested tool provides similar results to an industry-leading software; this can embolden designers to use this at conceptual design and massing stages. The ability to gain traditional engineering insight early in design provides new opportunities for designers to quantify potential energy savings much earlier in the design process than has been historically possible. Improvements in information transfer to energy modelers to streamline detailed model creation are also discussed.

Acknowledgement

The authors thank Daniel Carey for his assistance with figure preparation. This research was funded by Ryerson University including internal grants.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jenn McArthur

Jenn McArthur is an Assistant Professor in Architectural Science at Ryerson University where she leads the Big Data in the Built Environment research group, which focuses on existing building performance improvement and design of healthy and productive workplaces. Prior to joining Ryerson, she was an Associate at Arup, providing technical leadership on $500M+ in projects.

Xi Sun

Stacy (Xi) Sun obtained her Master of Applied Science in Building Science at Ryerson University under the supervision of Prof. McArthur. She also holds a Bachelors of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo. Stacy works at Transsolar as a Climate Engineering Intern and performs daylight and solar radiation studies to assist early stage design.