[Bldg-sim] [Ibpsausa] DOE Job Task Analysis for EnergyModelers: Open for public comment until Nov. 28th

[Karen Walkerman]

I've been following this discussion closely and want to add a few things:

1.  The value of energy modeling has so far not been realized due to the
emphasis of using modeling on the back-end for LEED points and incentives,
instead of on the front end for design decision making.  As long as we are
arguing about the 'importance' of energy modeling, we need to recognize
this fact.

2.  Any time a new job description, exam or set of prerequisites is put
forth, many energy modelers get defensive or nervous because they might be
a very capable modeler, but their particular educational background or set
of skills does not fit into the current box that is drawn.  For example,
engineers often are the ones completing energy models because on any given
project team they usually have the best understanding of how the HVAC
systems in the building work.  As a result, I often see "licensed PE"
associated with energy modelers.  MEP professionals and energy modelers
share many skills, including understanding of HVAC systems and controls
systems and a fundamental knowledge of thermodynamics.  However, there are
many skills MEP professionals need that energy modelers do not need.  MEP
professionals also need to know how to size ductwork, select appropriate
components, create a set of drawings, write specifications and complete a
punch list.

Likewise with architects, many skills overlap between their discipline and
energy modeling, but energy modelers don't need to know how to size
structural elements or create a rendering.

In addition, there are many skills that are not inherent in either of the
two above professions, that are required for energy modeling.  Most
important is an in-depth knowledge of the available computer programs,
including their abilities and limitations.  I have also found that a good
understanding of computer programming has been invaluable as a way to
respect and use the software for it's strengths.

--
Karen

On Fri, Nov 18, 2011 at 1:08 PM, Will Mak <wmak at epsteinglobal.com> wrote:

> I may be stepping out of line here but aren’t we in this energy mess
> because buildings *weren’t* design for energy efficiency at all due to
> extremely low fuel costs back in the day?? Isn’t one of the main points of
> modeling to justify ROI investments as opposed to the cheapest first cost
> systems by owners? ****
>
> ** **
>
> We finally have some documentation process to justify to owners/clients
> that hey, you can’t just keep putting the cheapest systems, it’ll cost more
> long term!!! Are you OK with that? Or do you want to look at other options
> with this data analysis I’ve done??****
>
> ** **
>
> “Michael: I am retired and I think like someone who lived in days when
> there was no LEED certification and no energy code compliance.  *Since
> the first ASHRAE Std.90 came out, most if not all commercial buildings in
> the US were designed for energy efficieny.*  The last sentence should
> have read "The importance of building energy analysis *appears to be* inflated
> *relative to the total building design because of the amount attention
> given to it by lawmakers*".  Example - DOE Job Task Analysis for Energy
> Modelers.  Energy efficient buiding design is important both in education
> and practice but it is just one small subject in the A-E design process. I
> am now a Research Professor with CoA Ph.D. program at IIT specializing in
> this minor topic. Varkie”****
>
> ** **
>
> ** **
>
> *William Mak, LEED AP BD+C*
> Mechanical Design Engineer
>
> *EPSTEIN*
> 600 West Fulton Street
> Chicago, Illinois 60661-1259
> D: (312) 429-8116
>
> ****
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:
> bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] *On Behalf Of *Varkie C Thomas
> *Sent:* Friday, November 18, 2011 11:59 AM
> *To:* Michael A. Eustice
> *Cc:* Building Simulation; ibpsausa at lists.onebuilding.org; Kendra Tupper
> *Subject:* Re: [Bldg-sim] [Ibpsausa] DOE Job Task Analysis for
> EnergyModelers: Open for public comment until Nov. 28th****
>
> ** **
>
> Michael: I am retired and I think like someone who lived in days when
> there was no LEED certification and no energy code compliance.  Since the
> first ASHRAE Std.90 came out, most if not all commercial buildings in the
> US were designed for energy efficieny.  The last sentence should have read
> "The importance of building energy analysis *appears to be* inflated *relative
> to the total building design because of the amount attention given to it by
> lawmakers*".  Example - DOE Job Task Analysis for Energy Modelers.
> Energy efficient buiding design is important both in education and practice
> but it is just one small subject in the A-E design process. I am now a
> Research Professor with CoA Ph.D. program at IIT specializing in this minor
> topic. Varkie****
>
> *----- Original Message -----* ****
>
> *From*: "Michael A. Eustice" <MAEustice at htlyons.com> ****
>
> *Date*: Friday, November 18, 2011 11:04 am ****
>
> *Subject*: RE: [Bldg-sim] [Ibpsausa] DOE Job Task Analysis for
> EnergyModelers: Open for public comment until Nov. 28th ****
>
> > My experience is different than yours Varkie.  We often need to
> > simulate buildings to a high level of accuracy (too high in my
> > opinion) in order to obtain state and federal rebates and
> > incentives.  An entry level designer will most likely not be able
> > to hit those targets and I would even say most staff level
> > engineers would have a difficult time.   It takes some senior
> > level engineering to understand how the building systems operate;
> > what is a normal result; and most importantly, how the program is
> > going to react when the inputs are changed.
> >
> > I guess if the output reports are not reviewed with any scrutiny
> > and the targets have a wide range of acceptance, you could hand it
> > off to an entry level engineer.  But hitting an electric and
> > natural gas utility bill, month-to-month and a yearly overall,
> > simultaneously within +/- 10% accuracy will take a senior level
> > understanding.  Also, it�s not the time that is important as much
> > as the ability to do it.  The cost to my company for my time to
> > perform the simulation is irrelevant compared to the rebates and
> > incentives that will be unavailable, and as a consequence the
> > construction project that won�t move forward,  if the simulation
> > can�t be performed.
> >
> > Michael
> >
> >
> > The importance of building energy analysis is inflated.
> > Varkie Thomas
> >
> >
> > ****
>
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