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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Excellent comments!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Nick’s point #1 (reviewer may be smarter than you) is one that is particularly hard for many engineers to swallow. I won’t tell you how many times I’ve started a meeting or discussion thinking I was the “brightest penny in the bucket”, only to find out that others had much better insights than I. I’m more humble now than 30 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Point #2 is almost as important (reviewer may <u>not</u> be smarter than you). Each of us travels somewhat similar paths if we’re in the same industry, but it’s a very large industry and our reviewer almost certainly has not had the same experiences. Give him (her) the same patience that we’d like to receive ourselves!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;color:#1F497D'>The Building Performance Team<br></span></b><b><span style='color:#1F497D'>James V. Dirkes II, P.E., BEMP , LEED AP<br></span></b><span style='color:#1F497D'>1631 Acacia Drive NW<br>Grand Rapids, MI 49504<br>616 450 8653<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> bldg-sim-bounces@lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:bldg-sim-bounces@lists.onebuilding.org] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Nathan Miller<br><b>Sent:</b> Monday, July 18, 2011 1:04 PM<br><b>To:</b> 'Nick Caton'; bldg-sim@lists.onebuilding.org<br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [Bldg-sim] Suggestions for model reviews<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Regarding item #4 (stubborn, unreasonable reviewer), when I am responding to an item that I absolutely do not agree with the reviewer’s interpretation, I usually take the following approach:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1)<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>Lay out my full argument as respectfully as possible. Usually this involves screen shots of the specific code and/or ASHRAE 90.1 sections that I believe bolsters my argument. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2)<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>Present the results that I believe accurately reflect the requirements of the modeling protocol.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3)<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>Put in a qualifying statement along the lines of “However, if the reviewer does not believe this is the correct interpretation of this ASHRAE 90.1 requirement…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4)<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>Present the results that reflect the approach that the reviewer suggested or was clearly implying. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>This way the ball is in their court to make the final call, and they have the full information necessary to decide how many “points” (assuming LEED compliance is the goal) to award for the project. They don’t have to try to approximate how much savings is realistic if they disagree with my interpretation, and my client has the most flexibility in deciding if they want to accept how the reviewer has ruled, or if it is worth trying to appeal. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>It doesn’t do any good to paint yourself into a corner where the reviewer might still disagree with your modeling methodology, but you have already used your one shot at responding to comments. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:1.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#632423'>Nathan Miller, PE, LEED<sup>®</sup>AP<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Senior Energy Engineer/Mechanical Engineer<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#632423'>D</span></b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#BFAB7F'> </span><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>206-788-4577</span><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#BFAB7F'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><a href="http://www.rushingco.com/"><b><i><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#632423'>www.rushingco.com</span></i></b></a><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> <a href="mailto:bldg-sim-bounces@lists.onebuilding.org">bldg-sim-bounces@lists.onebuilding.org</a> <a href="mailto:[mailto:bldg-sim-bounces@lists.onebuilding.org]">[mailto:bldg-sim-bounces@lists.onebuilding.org]</a> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Nick Caton<br><b>Sent:</b> Monday, July 18, 2011 9:37 AM<br><b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:bldg-sim@lists.onebuilding.org">bldg-sim@lists.onebuilding.org</a><br><b>Subject:</b> [Bldg-sim] Suggestions for model reviews<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Recently, I’ve had an odd string of personal contacts and strangers alike confiding with me and demonstrating their frustrations over energy model reviews. As an outside-party, it’s actually largely entertaining to hear, and puts a few things in perspective. We are all human, and we all share common emotions when put under the spotlight, but how we put those feelings to action makes all the difference between an easy/productive review process and a train wreck…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>I’ve had the pleasure of treading both paths, and I thought it might be helpful for modelers of all skill/experience levels to share a few tips I’ve developed to manage the stress-level in your energy model reviews. A few reviewers out there might also benefit to turn this advice around and apply it to their practices as well:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>Do not assume your reviewer knows less than you. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>a.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>Recognize that stuff gets lost in translation – energy modeling minutiae are rarely easy to communicate in text format.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>b.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>It’s human to feel annoyed when your work is questioned, but practice patience. Odds are you and/or your reviewer are going to learn something as a result. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>c.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>If you ever catch yourself thinking/responding in a dismissive or condescending fashion, stop. Your heart is in the wrong place (however right you might be) and you’re missing the point of an objective review. Take a breather!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>Do not assume your reviewer knows more than you, either. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>a.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>Do not be afraid to challenge or question a query, but prepare and present a solid case for any contrary position. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>b.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>It is very easy to run yourself in circles trying to explain/justify yourself when it isn’t really necessary. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>c.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>Reviewers can and should make it plain when an in-depth explanation is required.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>Be prepared to change your mind! For better or for worse, reviews are ultimately beneficial to all parties involved, because they provide an excellent opportunity to learn a thing or two. Allow your personal expertise to continually evolve and incorporate, or at least recognize, others’ perspectives and practices. They may serve you well personally in the future!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='color:#1F497D'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='color:#1F497D'>Once in a while, you may have to work with an individual who is truly stubborn, unreasonable and is not willing to participate in any objective discussion. If a review should fail to “close out” over such behavior, the best you can hope for is to document communications so you can later make apparent in hindsight that you were proactive, and pulling your weight to move the process forward. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>If anyone has similar guiding principles or tips to share (from either side of the reviewing fence), I think it would be much appreciated =)!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>~Nick<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 width=119 height=37 id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.jpg@01CC4556.B4D9FA30" alt="cid:489575314@22072009-0ABB"><b><span style='font-family:"Stylus BT","sans-serif";color:#2D4D5E'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-family:"Stylus BT","sans-serif";color:#2D4D5E'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Stylus BT","sans-serif";color:#2D4D5E'>NICK CATON, P.E.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:7.5pt;color:#CC9900'>SENIOR ENGINEER<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:7.5pt;color:#CC9900'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#2D4D5E'>Smith & Boucher Engineers</span><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:#CC9900'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#2D4D5E'>25501 west valley parkway, suite 200<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#2D4D5E'>olathe, ks 66061<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#2D4D5E'>direct 913.344.0036<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#2D4D5E'>fax 913.345.0617<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><a href="www.smithboucher.com" title="blocked::www.smithboucher.com"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>www.smithboucher.com</span></a></span><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:blue'> </span></u><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>