[Bldg-sim] Suggestions for model reviews

[Sasa Pantic]

Hello Johannes,

In response to your concerns...

1) If you are referring to  guidance on LEED building modeling, you might consider the following manual
http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=7795

2) While doing literature review for taking LEED NC v2.2, I remember that I read somewhere that  one-hour conference call could be scheduled  (for a fee) to provide an opportunity for
 direct dialog between reviewer and project's design team responsible 
parties.  I am not sure and  you should check this with GBCI.

Hope this helps.
Cheers, Sasa

--- On Tue, 7/26/11, Hopf, Johannes <johannes.hopf at dreso.com> wrote:

From: Hopf, Johannes <johannes.hopf at dreso.com>
Subject: Re: [Bldg-sim] Suggestions for model reviews
To: bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
Date: Tuesday, July 26, 2011, 6:19 PM


Hi all!  Our problem is, that different reviewers want to see different things.  Our first project NC 2.2 Platinum was accepted without any clarification 3 years ago. For the next project, same version we used the same tool, model, reports – everything – we needed two clarifications, had to pay extra money etc. because of missing results, input files, report structure etc. Based on this clarified project we did three more whole building simulation were we got 20 – 30 comments to clarify.   Projects were all very much the same, so different systems can´t be the reason. And due to the missing direct communication, it is sometimes hard to get to know what the reviewer has in mind.   We would appreciate -       more details about what is definitely necessary (nobody tells us, if it is too much information), -       what is obsolete,-       the same reviewer for earch project as far as possible because he is familiar with the
 structure of documents etc-       a way of direct communication after the first review…  Does somebody know how much time reviewers have for Minimum/Optimize Energy Performance / how much money they get?  Regards Johannes  Von: bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] Im Auftrag von Nick Caton
Gesendet: Montag, 18. Juli 2011 18:37
An: bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
Betreff: [Bldg-sim] Suggestions for model reviews  Recently, I’ve had an odd string of personal contacts and strangers alike confiding with me and demonstrating their frustrations over energy model reviews.  As an outside-party, it’s actually largely entertaining to hear, and puts a few things in perspective.  We are all human, and we all share common emotions when put under the spotlight, but how we put those feelings to action makes all the difference between an easy/productive review process and a train wreck…  I’ve had the pleasure of treading both paths, and I thought it might be helpful for modelers of all skill/experience levels to share a few tips I’ve developed to manage the stress-level in your energy model reviews.  A few reviewers out there might also benefit to turn this advice around and apply it to their practices as well:  1.       Do not assume your reviewer knows less than you.  a.       Recognize that stuff
 gets lost in translation – energy modeling minutiae are rarely easy to communicate in text format.b.      It’s human to feel annoyed when your work is questioned, but practice patience.  Odds are you and/or your reviewer are going to learn something as a result. c.       If you ever catch yourself thinking/responding in a dismissive or condescending fashion, stop.  Your heart is in the wrong place (however right you might be) and you’re missing the point of an objective review.  Take a breather!2.       Do not assume your reviewer knows more than you, either.  a.       Do not be afraid to challenge or question a query, but prepare and present a solid case for any contrary position.  b.      It is very easy to run yourself in circles trying to explain/justify yourself when it isn’t really necessary.  c.       Reviewers can and should make it plain when an in-depth explanation is required.3.       Be
 prepared to change your mind!  For better or for worse, reviews are ultimately beneficial to all parties involved, because they provide an excellent opportunity to learn a thing or two.  Allow your personal expertise to continually evolve and incorporate, or at least recognize, others’ perspectives and practices.  They may serve you well personally in the future!4.       Once in a while, you may have to work with an individual who is truly stubborn, unreasonable and is not willing to participate in any objective discussion.  If a review should fail to “close out” over such behavior, the best you can hope for is to document communications so you can later make apparent in hindsight that you were proactive, and pulling your weight to move the process forward.    If anyone has similar guiding principles or tips to share (from either side of the reviewing fence), I think it would be much appreciated =)!  ~Nick    NICK CATON, P.E.SENIOR
 ENGINEER  Smith & Boucher Engineers25501 west valley parkway, suite 200olathe, ks 66061direct 913.344.0036fax 913.345.0617www.smithboucher.com   
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