The Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP) is asking assistance of ASHRAE members in completing a survey about the current use of energy modeling software by design professionals. While modeling at any stage provides valuable data on how much energy a building will consume, energy modeling during the conceptual stage influences design decisions, promotes cost-effective energy savings, and facilitates energy code compliance in the later phases of the project.
More design teams are choosing to pursue energy code compliance using the performance path as opposed to the prescriptive path. The performance path requires the use of computer simulations of operational energy usage.
BCAP will use the results of this survey to identify and remove barriers to the widespread use of building energy modeling software, so that even more design professionals will have the option of choosing the performance path. Feedback will better prepare professionals for the evolving demands of an industry increasingly concerned with energy usage.
To access the survey go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WXZWTSY. The survey closes April 30.