[Bldg-sim] Best practices for data collection?

[CleanTech Analytics <jeremiah@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello Simulation community. 

This request is somewhat vague so please feel free to respond with any comments, questions etc...

I am working on my first LEED project, a 72,000 square foot plastics manufacturing facility and have found the data collection process to be quite difficult. 

The mechanical engineer says she does not think detailed modeling is of much value, the architect has expressed that he will not do anything that takes any additional time.

I have created this data collection form, but have not had the best of luck getting them to fill it out: https://docs.google.com/a/cleantechanalytics.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGVMRGdPeDN2Zk9JT1gyMXY1QUplMGc6MA#gid=4

Some of the issues I have had are:

• Difficulty explaining the concept of thermal blocks
• Difficulty explaining the concept of window to wall ratio
• Difficulty explaining the concept of a baseline building being developed from the proposed, specifically they want me to create the baseline first to test their proposed building against.
• Difficulty explaining the concept of building area vs space by space lighting compliance paths. 

Other questions I have:

• I made the mistake of charging a low ($2500) price to get my first project, and wonder what something like this should be worth. 
• I am being pressured to produce this model in a very fast time-frame, and wonder how long in terms of man hours is reasonable for such a project?
• I have been asked to use generic data for much of the proposed building inputs, and it was said that due to my limited experience that I did not understand how to do this where a more experienced modeler would-- I think that some default values are consistently used in modeling but feel that this should be a last resort. 

I have purchased all of the ASHRAE books on the subjects, but other recommended reading would be great, specifically if anyone knows of a very simple overview of the minimum requirements that I could share with the project team that would be great..

Lastly, if anyone could let me know if this difficulty in explaining the required processes, or issues with project teams not understanding the concepts behind Energy modeling is the norm, and if anyone has any advise so far as streamlining the data collection process, or explaining the importance of the requirements I would be appreciative..

Your advise is much appreciated and Best regards-

Jeremiah D. Crossett

CleanTech Analytics

503-688-8951

www.cleantechanalytics.com

This document may contain valuable information proprietary to CleanTech Analytics which is private and confidential. It may not be shared, copied, stored or transmitted in any form without the prior written consent of CleanTech Analytics