I am project admin for a V3-2009 NC project and wondered if anyone had issues with energy modeling software and accuracy of results with complicated/unique systems? Our team has contacted software reps, to no avail. There is a concern that though our savings will be realized eventually, it will be M&V before we can prove it and our LEED endeavors will have been deflated. Do LEED reviewers speak to these issues (requesting a phone call?) or is it fairly common that modeling software can't keep up with advances in systems?
Thanks-signed, In-over-my-head
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Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5909 thumbs up
March 16, 2015 - 1:00 pm
There are quite often work arounds for most newer systems that may not be directly addressed by the software. In general a good modeler will make sure that the system in the project can be modeled (either directly or with an established work around) by the software being used.
Commercial software like Trace should have technical support that could recommend how to model a unique system. Other software may have similar help available, if not perhaps posting on one of the discussion forums at onebuilding.org may help depending on the software used.
The reviewer may or may not be able to help but there is only one way to find out. They may be able to point you in a more specific direction, even if they don't have the answer.
Cynthia Estrada
LEED AP BD&CSDS Architects, Inc.
48 thumbs up
March 16, 2015 - 2:13 pm
Thanks so much Marcus!