Energy Modeling
Anticipate Energy Project ROI
Building energy modeling is how we estimate energy and utility cost savings for the measures we recommend. We do everything from quick spreadsheet calculations to more detailed BIN analyses, to full 8760 hourly simulations. Our analysis includes information gathered during an energy audit, but we can also model “what-if” scenarios with life cycle costs to help you decide, for example, between selecting replacement chiller model “A” or model “B” (our engineering team actually enjoys this).
Potential Power Reduction Scenarios
Energy usage modeling is a critical component of energy efficiency projects, as it helps stakeholders simulate and understand how various changes, such as equipment upgrades or behavioral modifications, will impact overall consumption. By using this modeling to explore different power reduction scenarios, decision-makers can prioritize the most effective strategies for reducing energy costs and emissions, thereby ensuring that investments in energy efficiency yield and returns.
Energy Cost Savings Projections
Energy usage modeling is often employed to estimate the potential cost savings that can be achieved through various energy efficiency measures, such as retrofitting lighting or upgrading HVAC systems. By simulating different scenarios, the modeling can provide a detailed analysis of investment costs versus expected savings, thereby allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions on which projects offer the best return on investment.
Consumption Based On External Factors
Energy usage modeling that incorporates weather data can help predict how seasonal temperature variations, humidity, and other climate factors will affect energy consumption in a building or facility. This type of modeling enables planners and facility managers to anticipate spikes in usage due to weather conditions, allowing them to take preemptive measures, such as optimizing HVAC systems, to mitigate costs and maintain energy efficiency.
Use Energy Modeling For Predictability
Energy modeling allows our clients to forecast and anticipate return on investment (ROI) for energy efficiency projects. Some of the benefits of energy modeling include:
Financial Pro-Forma And Cost Projections
Energy modeling must be used in order to generate an accurate Pro-Forma and to create a budget.
Anticipated ROI For Energy Efficiency Projects
A detailed energy model can help our clients understand their investment costs and projected ROI.
Total Impact Analysis For LEED Certification or ESG
Modeling can provide a comprehensive view of a building's energy footprint for LEED & ESG studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Energy modeling provides a powerful tool for optimizing energy usage and reducing costs in commercial and industrial settings. By combining it with other energy-efficiency measures like utility bill audits and energy audits, businesses can gain a comprehensive understanding of their energy landscape and make informed decisions.
Energy modeling is the process of using computer-based tools to simulate the energy consumption of a building or industrial process. It helps to predict how much energy will be used under different conditions, providing insights into potential energy savings, efficiency improvements, and cost reductions.
The accuracy of energy modeling can vary depending on the complexity of the model and the quality of the input data. Generally, well-executed models can offer a high degree of accuracy and can be extremely helpful in predicting future energy usage and costs.
Absolutely. Energy modeling can simulate how specific changes, such as upgrading HVAC systems, insulating walls, or implementing renewable energy solutions, will impact energy consumption and costs. This information can be crucial for decision-making in retrofit projects, helping to prioritize investments based on ROI.
The typical steps include data collection, where information on building materials, equipment, and operational patterns are gathered. This is followed by the creation of a baseline model, which simulates the building's current energy usage. Then various scenarios are modeled to see how different energy-saving measures would affect overall consumption and costs.
Utility bill audits provide real-world data on energy consumption and costs, which can serve as a valuable input for energy models. The audit might reveal specific areas where energy is being wasted, and the model can then simulate the impact of correcting these issues, providing a more comprehensive view of potential savings.
Yes, energy modeling is often a requirement for various energy and environmental certifications such as LEED or Energy Star. Moreover, it can be useful in demonstrating compliance with local or national energy codes and standards, which may offer additional financial incentives.
Why FES?
We’re here to help! FES is a boutique engineering firm offering customized solutions that are specific to the needs of your building and personnel. After a thorough on-site evaluation, FES will provide a list of recommended energy efficiency measures available for implementation with internal resources (at your own pace), or you can choose to let us manage the project from start to finish. Our identified solutions will allow for more efficient building operation with improved reliability while reducing your overall utility costs.
