[Equest-users] Voodoo (Enlightenment)

[James Hansen]

Ouch, maybe you shouldn't have admitted to #2/#3 below...there are a few members of the EAc1 TAG team that are part of this list :)

Don't let anyone force you to "misuse" an energy model.  Period.  You're the one with the power, so if an Architect is asking for results of a model but hasn't yet designed a lighting system or roofing system, you know where you can tell them to go (politely).  As an engineer, that's one of my favorite parts of the job!  And if someone is asking you to "take another look at the model" to see if you can get additional points, don't "game" the system!  Sleep is too important...

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-----Original Message-----
From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Eurek, John S NWO
Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2010 10:29 AM
To: Sam Mason; Eric O'Neill
Cc: equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: [Equest-users] Voodoo (Enlightenment)

As the one who started this post, I must say I have learned a lot.

Thank you very much.

What I have learned.

1. I have been misusing energy modeling.  I have been trying to use energy
modeling for the sole purpose of earning LEED points.

2. I use it late in the design.  Late in the design I have found it easier to
tweak my model instead of my design. (in order to get the desired number of
points)
	(I do have integrity, so it kills me to "game" the system. But with
so few rules it wasn't hard to rationalize inputs. I go home not feeling
proud.)

3. When the goal is a realistic energy modeling, a very good model can be
created.  When you are simply trying to reach compliance with some code, the
system can be gamed. This misuse and gaming of energy modeling is a waste of
time, but this is the users (MY) fault.

4. I need to get the other departments to realize that this isn't MY
(mechanical engineer) energy model, but OUR energy model.  (I'm trying to get
my model done and the electrical engineer still doesn't have his light loads
and the Architect hasn't have a final roof design.)  

I'm like a monkey hammering with a wrench.  The frustration was a
misunderstanding of the tool.

I hope I can get the other departments on-board and maybe start using the
model as a design tool as it was intended.
To those who are being asked to misuse modeling, it is rough.

Once again, my frustration and stress with energy modeling was growing to the
point it disturbed my sleep.  Having this discussion helped.  The most
helpful was all the responses I received about the benefits of the proper use
of energy modeling, and empathy from others who know the pain of trying to
create a model just to earn points.


Thank you all,

John Eurek
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