April 2021 - Newsletter




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The University of Idaho’s Integrated Design Lab in Boise is dedicated to education, outreach, and technical support for high performance energy-efficient building design.


Click Here to visit our website!



The Integrated Design Lab's office, The Idaho Water Center, is still closed to the public until we are directed it is safe to open up in-person operations. Therefore, during social distancing the IDL will be working in-office and providing what services we can. For a list of our services available during the COVID-19 Pandemic, please see below. This is subject to change at any time as we adhere to social distance requirements from our multiple sponsors.

We are three lectures into our open lunch and learn series. The next presentation is on April 21st - Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems
To view the lecture schedule please: Click Here
Our second BSUG is approaching fast! Join us on April 28th to learn about the latest updates to Revit's Insight from Ian Molloy.
Details and registration links will be sent out this week.
We are still offering our services for projects during this time, however, all requests must be through email or phone. Furthermore, all meetings will done via Zoom webinar, no exceptions. To request technical design assistance please fill out a request form:Click Here
As part of Idaho Power's new construction verification program the Integrated Design Lab reviews all projects applying for the daylight harvesting incentive. To request a review please fill out a review request:Click Here
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We are continuing our contact-less drop-off and pick-up procedures with the appointment only system. You must have an appointment scheduled to use the Energy Resource Library, no exceptions will be made.

To use the Energy Resource Library, please fill out a proposal as you normally would and you will be contacted by a Lab employee to schedule your appointment within 1 to 2 business days. During this time same day request will not be fulfilled. While the Lab has made exceptions to the processing time in the past with these new procedures we are unable to do so, we apologize for the inconvenience. For more information about using the Energy Resource Library, please visit: http://www.idlboise.com/content/energy-resource-library-contact-less-pic...

New Tools on the Block

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Personal O3 Monitor
2B Tech has taken the next step in miniaturization of UV-based ozone monitors by developing the Personal Ozone Monitor or "POM." The basic POM unit has dimensions of 4 × 3 × 1.5 inches and weighs only 0.8 lb / 1.0 lb without / with battery (340 g / 450 g). It has a built in GPS so that ozone measurements may be logged continuously along with geographic location. By folding the optical path in the shape of a "U," it was possible to achieve the same path length in the POM as in the Models 202, 205, and 106-L and thus have similar precision and accuracy (~1.5 ppb).
Smart Glasses
Glasses are used for remote support projects across a wide variety of markets, including architecture and construction. Using our Glasses for commissioning, remote site visits, remote project reviews and even remote audits is not only possible, but being done by multiple organizations. The Vuzix M4000 will support many of the corporate video conferencing applications like MS Teams, Zoom, Webex, etc. These are very simple and easy to use on the Vuzix Glasses for audio/video exchange and screen sharing.
Capture Hood Kit
Alnor Balometer Capture Hood Bundle Ergonomic, lightweight design enables easy one-person operation Automatic sensing and display of supply or return flows saves time on the job Back pressure compensation ensures accurate readings at high flow rates Detachable digital micromanometer provides additional measurement capability. One-person Operation with included capture hood stand. No need for extra personnel or the use of ladders.

New Lunch and Learn Topics

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ASHRAE Standard 209
Learn about ASHRAE’s recommendations for energy simulation aided design. This lecture will cover methods of integrating modeling into the design process to meet aggressive energy savings targets. Learn how to implement load-reducing modeling cycles early in the design process. Quantify the energy impact of design decisions in real time. And, use post-occupancy modeling to enhance building performance. Whether trying to achieve LEED, tax credits, or efficiency incentives, energy modeling can help improve the bottom line for both designers and clients.

ASHRAE Standard 36
The best equipment can still run terribly if it’s not controlled well – like a sports car in the hands of a clueless driver. Don’t let that happen to your design. Get the latest guidelines on sequences of operation for common HVAC sequences. Take advantage of Idaho Power’s incentives on HVAC energy management controls. Get a refresher proper start-up and shut down sequences for air handling units including VAVs, rooftop units, and heat pumps. Ensure that controls are in compliance with indoor air quality standards for ASHRAE 62.1 compliance and COVID mitigation. Participants will learn functional tests they can perform that can confirm that proper sequences are in place.

LEED V4.1 Daylighting Credits
LEED Daylighting credits are one of the most difficult to achieve and requires an early investment for validation. However, investigating daylight opportunities for a project will assist in other aspects of energy efficiency, such as, estimating heating and cooling loads or integrating a building’s control systems. As such, any time spent in the early design phase investigating if a project should invest in daylighting is applicable to facets of energy efficient design that is often required for LEED projects. In this lecture we will discuss the changes from LEED V4 to V4.1 Daylighting Credits, which options work best for project types, incorporating early energy/simulation modeling into the design process, and how to run a cost-benefit analysis to determine if you should invest in daylighting.

BSUG Update

Our second BSUG will take place on April 28th and be presented by Ian Molloy. Ian will be discussing the recent developments utilizing the same analytical model as Insight but EnergyPlus through OpenStudio for the engine. In this webinar, you’ll get an overview of tools from Autodesk that provide architects and engineers with a solution for more integrated modeling, design and analysis. This will include: 

  • Revit and Automatic Energy Model Creation – Use architectural models at different levels of detail / completeness to automatically create accurate analytical spaces and surfaces for use in whole building energy simulation and systems analysis
  • Concept/Schematic Stage Energy Analysis with Insight - Get quick, accurate guidance on whole building energy use and cost, see tradeoffs and set targets for key architectural and engineering factors from the earliest stages of design.
  • HVAC Systems Selection and Sizing with Revit Systems Analysis - Determine HVAC equipment, systems and zone loads, energy and comfort in an open and extensible way using EnergyPlus and OpenStudio.
  • Creating Custom Energy and Systems Analysis Workflows – Use OpenStudio measures to set custom properties and analysis outputs to suit individual and project specific requirements.

  • The remaining BSUG lecture will focus on the following topics:

    Passive Design Strategies – Climate Design Tools

    Early Design Workflow

    Data Visualization

    LLLC’s Live Demo

    Air Quality for Energy Efficiency

    If you know someone who you think would be a good presenter please let us know by emailing Dylan Agnes at dagnes@uidaho.edu

    Luminaire Level Lighting Controls - Update

    We regret to inform you that the installation of LLLCs in our office has been delayed until the summer. Ideally we are looking at a late May or June installation. We will keep you updated as we receive information and hope to offer demonstration of this emerging lighting technology as soon as we can.






    Integrated Design Lab

    The Water Center, 322 East Front Street