The Architect's Business Case For Energy Performance Modeling | HSW

Description:

Most of us think of energy modeling as an engineering exercise. The truth is that more models and simulations are performed, and to better result, if the architect understands when and how to support the process and how to utilize the output. A building energy model can provide the architect an iterative process to increase the real-world effectiveness of energy systems within a building. This session will explore the value-add of energy modeling from the architect’s perspective, providing a business case for more active involvement in avocation for energy performance modeling.

Learning Objective 1: 
Participants will be able to describe the three main types of building simulation; Daylight simulation, Energy simulation, and Computational Fluid Dynamics.
Learning Objective 2: 
Participants will be able to discuss various workflow methods in order to choose an appropriate method for their projects. For example, participants will learn about who should model, how to use models, when to model, and what to model with.
Learning Objective 3: 
Participants will be able to identify the benefits of incorporating energy modeling in the design process such as early performance impacts from design decisions, real-world effectiveness of energy systems, and economic value or rate of return for clients and building owners.
Learning Objective 4: 
Participants will be able to illustrate the importance and overall impact energy/daylight modeling has on the internal office operations via new tools or processes, increase in ease of keeping pace with stricter code requirements via market defined and accepted workflow or standards, and creating additional evidence to support design decisions.
Learning Units: 
1 LU | HSW
Course Status: 
Approved
AIA Course Number: 
IDL2023006
Speaker: 

Dylan Agnes
Research Scientist II
Biography: 
Dylan Agnes is a Research Scientist at the Integrated Design Lab (IDL) in Boise, Idaho, where he contributes to a wide range of high-performance building initiatives. His work spans energy modeling, daylighting design, technical design assistance, and project management, with a strong focus on energy audits and IECC energy code compliance. Dylan holds both a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Architecture from the University of Idaho, where he specialized in urban planning and net-zero/energy-efficient building design. As a graduate research assistant at the IDL, he gained hands-on experience in integrated design, working across architectural and engineering disciplines to support sustainable building practices. Today, Dylan continues to bridge technical expertise with design innovation, helping teams deliver energy-efficient solutions that meet rigorous performance standards.