Energy Modeling a Concrete Dome

Nelina Loiselle

Above Green

LEEDuser Basic Member

173 thumbs up

November 8, 2011

We are completing an energy model for a concrete dome. We chose the dome structure because it is more energy efficient than conventional building types. This was a design decision. However, we have been told that in the process of energy modeling we are supposed to compare a "dome to a dome". If we have to compare a dome to a dome then we will lose energy efficiency "points". In all fairness, we think we should be comparing a dome to a conventional building type. Please advise.

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Dylan Connelly

Mechanical Engineer

Integral Group

LEEDuser Expert

342 thumbs up

Thu, 11/10/2011 - 16:30

Unfortunately, ASHRAE does not allow you to get extra credits for the shape of your building when going with the Performance/Energy Modeling approach to energy savings. Your concrete dome will be considered a roof and it's thermal characteristics will be compared to the ASHRAE minimum construction for a baseline roof. ASHRAE does allow you to take credits for shading provided by your building and allows you to not model that shading on the baseline building.

Marcus Sheffer

LEED Fellow

7group / Energy Opportunities

LEEDuser Expert

4454 thumbs up

Tue, 11/15/2011 - 15:02

A dome is not necessarily more energy efficient in operations. As I understand it a dome is simply more material efficient (less materials for a given square footage). So the embodied energy can be better. The operational energy depends on many other factors beyond the shape.