3 ways energy modeling can help developers in NYC

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(Newswire.net — October 6, 2021) —

Energy modeling is a strategy for predicting a structure’s potential energy consumption by considering the machinery, building materials, unique site factors, average local meteorological conditions, and projected occupant requirements. It is used to determine how different building systems interact with one another.

According to the National Institute of Building Sciences, there is a growing need for high-performance and energy-efficient structures. Based on energy consumption estimates, energy modeling will be able to find the best possible system integration. As a result, designers might devise strategies to assist a building’s overall system performance. Due to technological improvement, Building Energy Modelling (BEM) is becoming a more important tool.

Energy modeling enables you to calculate a building’s overall energy use and analyze possible energy savings. However, what are the specific advantages of conducting energy modeling? Here is the list of the benefit of energy modeling.

 

1) Help in meeting the requirement of Local Law 85

Local Law 85 was enacted in the year 2009. The NYC energy code is one of the most rigorous globally, not just in the United States. The code is examined and changed regularly, with the requirements rising with time and the most recent version dates from 2020.

The new building must meet the following criteria:

  • Complying with a long list of specified energy-saving procedures.
  • Meeting and proving a minimum energy performance level through simulation.

Energy modeling may be used to fulfill the NYC energy code based on performance, which is frequently more convenient than complying with an extensive list of criteria because there is no requirement to provide precise metrics. The performance-based approach allows you greater design freedom because many components must be created as stated in the code; the prescriptive approach limits your alternatives.

 

2) Emissions Reduction and Penalty Avoidance about local law 97

Landlords in New York City cannot afford to violate Local Law 97 of 2019. Otherwise, they will face significant fines for excessive emissions, according to Local Law 97. LL97, in essence, sets emission limits for buildings depending on floor space and occupancy classification. 

It, too, applies to all properties larger than 25,000 square feet, as does the benchmarking rule. The law also applies to groupings of constructions larger than 50,000 square feet and are located in the same tax lot.

Energy modeling may help you reduce your energy usage more effectively, therefore lowering your emissions. Prioritize high-emitting energy sources to avoid or decrease fines under LL97.

 

3) Increasing your energy level

Local Law 85 states that all the buildings must meet the latest energy code while doing any renovation or alteration. This data is used to generate energy star scores ranging from one to a hundred, which is then used to calculate the energy grade of your building.

If the building has a score greater than 75, then the facility receives an energy start certificate, while if you have a score of 85, you get an A grade from the authorities.

Local Law 85 does not mandate a minimum grade, but it must be published publicly. Low energy ratings are bad news for developers since prospective renters are concerned about growing energy bills and may seek out more energy-efficient properties.

Energy modeling may help you design a building renovation better, resulting in more savings and a higher energy grade. Energy modeling may compute protection from energy enhancements without modeling, but the accuracy is much lower. Some energy efficiency measures may be undervalued, resulting in missed opportunities. DMC