As many organizations look to the future, not just their own but a global one, sustainability, and resource management have become central to long-term planning and development. More and more companies aim to achieve “net-zero” status, where the building’s energy consumed equals the renewable energy generated on-site.
Building energy modeling (BEM) is one of the most vital assets in achieving sustainable energy usage. Once a high-level conceptual tool, it is now a foundational element in the journey to achieve a net-zero building- and a foundational element of everything Planit does. It offers valuable insights that reduce energy consumption and optimize asset usage, making net-zero buildings a realistic business goal.
What is Building Energy Modeling, and Why is it Important?
Building energy modeling (BEM) is a highly analytical simulation process that predicts the energy performance of a space by evaluating its design, systems, and operations- think of it as a virtual testing ground where architects, engineers, and property developers can see how a building will use energy before it’s even built. By utilizing BEM, organizations can make informed decisions to reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and minimize their environmental footprint, whether modeling the future projections for a current building’s energy usage year-over-year or calculating lifetime energy consumption on a net-zero concept design.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
Through building energy modeling, planners can identify energy-saving opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked in the design phase or not have been accounted for in past remodeling or renovation. For example, factors like window placement, insulation, natural and artificial lighting, and HVAC systems can all be adjusted and optimized to create a more energy-efficient building that’s modeled on not only the internal building assets but also the external environmental factors, like seasonal temperatures and light distribution, as well. Ultimately, this tool provides businesses with a clear path to reducing long-term energy expenses while being environmentally proactive.
The Role of Energy Modeling in Sustainable Building Design
In addition to the fiscal savings considerations, building energy modeling is crucial for organizations committed to sustainable development and investment. Many governments and regulatory agencies are establishing stringent energy standards, and BEM can help meet these benchmarks efficiently and with minimal oversight from outside bodies. By modeling energy usage, architects and engineers have a better understanding of how site choices will impact energy capacity and consumption, allowing them to adjust their design and material choices to meet both regulatory and sustainability goals.
Energy modeling is more than just plotting and projecting energy usage. A robust model can simulate different energy-efficient technologies, from advanced lighting systems to internal on-site renewable energy sources, and assess their impact on a building’s overall consumption levels. This provides an actionable roadmap for meeting- and often exceeding- current energy regulations. By integrating BEM into the design process for new builds and remediations, companies can confidently navigate these standards as they emerge, ensuring their buildings are compliant and positioned for future sustainability growth.
How Energy Consumption Tracking Supports Net-Zero Goals
Achieving a net-zero energy building requires meticulous energy management, tracking, and optimization, which is precisely what building energy modeling provides- but the impact of BEM doesn’t end just with the initial design or mapping. Instead, it becomes an ongoing tool, allowing property managers to monitor and adjust a building’s energy performance over time to adapt to internal or external influences, from staffing levels to the construction of nearby structures. This continuous monitoring is critical for meeting net-zero goals, as it helps organizations address energy inefficiencies as they emerge and adapt to changing energy needs.
By utilizing building energy modeling, companies can see exactly how their energy is being used in real-time, identify any deviations from the net-zero plan, adapt their planning, and make necessary adjustments. Over time, these insights can help create a building that consumes only as much energy as it can generate through on-site renewable energy sources. This sustainable, closed-loop system is the ultimate goal for companies that are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, becoming environmentally conscious, and building a sustainable future.
“Design shouldn’t have to take a backseat to sustainability and making things responsibly.” – Amber Valletta
Let Planit Help You Close The Loop and Achieve Net-Zero Status Through Building Energy Modeling
If net-zero energy usage is an end goal for your organization, building energy modeling is an essential first step in attaining a more sustainable future. By partnering with Planit, you can integrate BEM services into your projects, setting your organization on a clear path toward achieving net-zero energy consumption.
Visit our website or contact our team for more information on how your business can achieve net-zero energy consumption and build a brighter, greener future.
