Energy Analysis

Energy analysis allows us to estimate the impact of design options on a building’s energy use. A sensitivity analysis can be performed early in the design to evaluate the relative impact of different design decisions. Parametric analysis can be performed to optimize a set of design options, or a whole building energy model can be created to benchmark for a green building rating system or energy code compliance.

Building Analytics

We believe that there are multiple ways to approach a solution and deploy a wide range of analyses to inform the design team to help determine the best possible solutions for the client. An integrated approach allows us to interact with the key team members who use feedback to inform individual trades and create synergies to develop a holistic building design.

Starting analysis at the concept phase enables us to examine passive design strategies when their impact can be best realized. Later, different building infrastructure design approaches can be measured against the overall project goals. The financial impact of different design strategies can be analyzed by our modeling team with a focus on both initial or upfront cost, and long-term or life-cycle costs. In addition, our team can conduct renewable energy and carbon footprint reduction studies. We view our models as an adaptive tool that our clients can utilize to assist them in all phases of design through building operation.

NYSERDA

Kohler Ronan is an approved Technical Consultant for New York State Energy Research & Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Commercial New Construction Program. Under this program, Kohler Ronan will provide technical support to help design teams assess and determine appropriate energy efficiency opportunities for New Construction as well as Substantial Renovation Projects. After approval, NYSERDA will provide financial support for installation of energy efficiency measures and to incorporate other energy performance features in qualified building projects.

There are various levels of support available ranging from project reviews, energy modeling, to technical and financial support for Zero Net Energy Projects and Smart Buildings. Depending on the level of support required, the cost of the technical support can be free or shared with NYSERDA.

For details, please email Madhav Munshi at mmunshi@kohlerronan.com.

Modeling & Analysis Capabilities

Energy/Carbon
Light/Glare
Daylight Harvesting
Solar Penetration/Shading
Sun Path Tracking
Climate/Bio-Climate
HVAC Modeling/Sizing
Load Calculations
Fenestration Performance
Condensation Studies
Passive Design
Hybrid Strategies
Renewable Feasibility
Infiltration
Natural Ventilation
Thermal Massing
Thermal Comfort
Calibrated Simulation
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Sensitivity Analysis
Risk Assessments
Life-cycle Cost Analysis

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Software Platforms

IES Virtual Environment – Building Energy Modeling
LBNL Therm – Envelope Thermal Modeling
Window – Fenestration Assembly Performance
EnergyPlus – Whole Building Energy Modeling
Open Studio – Parametric Analysis
COMFEN – Envelope Performance Evaluation
Radiance – Daylighting and Glare
NREL SAM – Renewable Energy Systems
Gaia GLD – Geothermal Heat Exchangers
BLCC5 – Life-cycle Cost Analysis
gBXML – Green Building Data Exchange
MicroFlo –Computational Fluid Dynamics
MacroFlo – Infiltration and Natural Ventilation
TRACE 700 – Systems Evaluation
eQUEST – Building Energy Simulation
Ecotect – Sustainable Building Design Software
Apache – Thermal Analysis Software
FlucsPro – Point by Point Lighting Calculations