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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Nick,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Thanks for taking the time to put this credo together. There of many out there who support your values of quality in the modeling process.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">I would like to add to one of your points:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo10"><![if !supportLists]><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span></i><![endif]><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Energy modelers have a
<u>responsibility</u> to influence, support, and engage themselves in the design process as a participating member of the design team. If you instead structure your services as “a way to find LEED points after design is completed,” you have stumbled and fallen
behind the starting line. Your own hard-earned modeling skill set is rendered a meaningless exercise in paper-shuffling courtesy of the USGBC: a disservice to yourself, your clients, and your energy modeling brethren.
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">I agree wholeheartedly with this; Bill and I definitely practice that here.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Adding to that:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-24.75pt"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">3.1. It is the responsibility of energy modelers to advocate for and support the collection of post-occupancy
usage data in the buildings we model. Without this data, our models have little validity and we are not learning about how to simulate the way buildings operate, we are merely learning about how to use the energy modeling software.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-24.75pt"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Building energy use has a great deal to do with how facilities managers operate their buildings. By advocating for the additional M & V, we can move towards
the adoption of energy models as a tool that building facilities managers can use to optimize building performance. This would make energy models really valuable tools with an extended lifetime beyond just scoring LEED points. Maybe we can also think about
offering additional services to the facilities managers in helping them with this process.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Any other thoughts?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Cheers,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Eric<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";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""> Nick Caton [mailto:ncaton@smithboucher.com]
<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Friday, May 11, 2012 11:53 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> bldg-sim@lists.onebuilding.org; equest-users@lists.onebuilding.org; EnergyPlus_Support@yahoogroups.com<br>
<b>Cc:</b> Jeremiah Crossett; Pasha Korber-Gonzalez<br>
<b>Subject:</b> [Equest-users] A Response & Statement on Energy Modeling Services: Meaning and Value<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">I am posting this to multiple lists as it is intended to benefit the broader energy modeling community. Anyone wishing to respond, disagree, add-to, or otherwise
participate in the discussion: I strongly encourage you to reply to <a href="mailto:bldg-sim@lists.onebuilding.org">
bldg-sim@lists.onebuilding.org</a>, where your thoughts will reach the broadest audience. This message is attached as a .doc file inclusive of formatting, for those who need it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">The following response/statement is a collaborative effort, and represents shared assertions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">A great thanks to both Bill Bishop and Pasha Korber-Gonzalez for their separate efforts off-list to add to this discussion.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">A primer: Some of this is “tough-love.” Where I choose my words candidly, they are backed by my experience and best intentions. It’s my sincere hope Jeremiah
and everyone following along will recognize and seize an opportunity learn from this situation, coming away with an improved perspective on our shared profession. If you haven’t seen his query yet, I advise scrolling down to read Jeremiah’s post first, as
this is largely structured as a direct response and will read easier.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#00B050"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Everything you have bulleted as difficult to have others assemble are items I understand to be gathered by the
<u>modeler</u>. This is critical. I normally start with at least a full set of construction documents (plans + specs) and load calculations, in whatever state of design they may be:
</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#00B050"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">a.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">I do my own lighting takeoffs and lighting control credit calculations using the lighting RCP’s, scheduling, and control diagrams.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">b.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Thermal blocks are defined and revised as design progresses, typically working directly from the HVAC ductwork layouts to trace boundaries.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">c.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Systems are fully understood by carefully studying their control schematics, scheduling and the associated drawings/specs.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">d.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Appropriate exterior elevations are gathered for WWR takeoffs. Spec sections and floor/wall/roof section details typically fully inform envelope/glazing
constructions. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">e.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Anything which cannot be determined or reasonably assumed after a thorough review of the construction documents is then fair game to ask of the designers.
Asking a series of questions already answered suggests (true or not) a lack of effort to familiarize yourself with the project.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">f.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">A “fill out this worksheet” approach is something many of us have tried and come to avoid for the same reasons you’re struggling with. Seizing the
responsibility to identify & extract required inputs is ultimately a time-saver for everyone, and is an efficient way to place yourself on the same playing field as the design team. This maximizes face-time spent informing and supporting design decisions.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Where a cooperative designer is willing to put forward their takeoffs/calculations – I will happily take in any such information, but I allot myself
time to review those inputs before sticking them in my models.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Energy modelers have a
<u>responsibility</u> to influence, support, and engage themselves in the design process as a participating member of the design team. If you instead structure your services as “a way to find LEED points after design is completed,” you have stumbled and fallen
behind the starting line. Your own hard-earned modeling skill set is rendered a meaningless exercise in paper-shuffling courtesy of the USGBC: a disservice to yourself, your clients, and your energy modeling brethren.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">The difficulties inherent with “preliminary baselines” are appreciably difficult to convey – especially to those who do not care to understand. You
however are being paid to be an expert. To offer evaluative modeling services during design, you must embrace these difficulties and adapt your workflow to meet your clients’ needs and pace. Don’t get hung up explaining how complex our job can be at times,
especially if nobody’s asking!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:.25in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Some direct advice on the matter:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">a.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">90.1 baselines are as you say constructed from actual design – wherever the proposed design isn’t complete, you are charged with identifying and implementing
reasonable assumptions. I suggest recording and clearly presenting critical assumptions alongside your results for open review – this is a fundamental means of engaging the designers. Early baselines are
<u>always</u> built on assumptions – it’s as simple & complex as that.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">b.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">On the flip side: Early baselines, in spite of the most intelligent assumptions, can easily bear little resemblance to their final counterparts.
Present early modeling results as design alternative <u>comparisons</u> and in <u>
relatives</u> to avoid the deadly trap of others assuming they will apply to the final design. Example: “These day lighting controls will save approximately 20% in lighting energy consumption relative to occupancy sensors alone. This equates to approximately
2 LEED points using our current baseline estimate.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">5.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Modeling service pricing is a complex and sensitive subject - easily many discussions unto itself - but the three of us are in full agreement on one
thing: $2,500 to cover full LEED energy modeling responsibilities for any size project is VERY much below the mark.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">a.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Adding another zero moves you into a closer ballpark for projects of this size and time schedule. This assumes your services are bringing enough
value to the drawing board that “What’s the point?” never comes up.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">b.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">A suggested estimating exercise: Keep a careful record of how much time you
<u>actually</u> spend on this project in total (including data collection, communications, compiling documentation for LEED, researching modeling nuances, responding to commentary from all parties…), then turn to the fee you requested and give thought to what
your actual hourly rate turns out to be. This exercise is often an eye-opener.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">c.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span></i><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Pasha has put forward the following estimate and advice based on the basics you have shared regarding the project’s scope:
<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.25in;text-indent:.25in"><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#00B050">If I had priced this I would have approached it with this cost logic: 72,000ft2 x $0.20/ft2 = $14,400 / $125/hr
billable rate (this is what I charge for my services & experience skill-set) = 115 hours to complete this model scope of work –I then estimate that it will take me an additional 25 hours of work to complete the LEED documentation and review comments. At an
average of 40 hrs /work week, a total of 140 hours of work is approximately 3.5 wks of work. At this rate, this is the standard amount of time I need to complete everything. If the client asks for a quick turn-around time on a project I always charge a $5,000
premium. My standard frame of measure is 4 weeks. If a client needs a model in less than four weeks from me, it is subject to a $5000 add fee for priority which gives them 1A Priority over all my other commitments. Any model that is expected in less than
4 weeks is always pushing the limits of quality modeling. Now---DON’T get me wrong, I’m not saying it always</span></i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:red">
</span><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#00B050">takes me this long to build a model; however I don’t give my client anything less than 4 weeks of an expectation for me to deliver anything to them. Of course every project
and every client will have their unique scenarios that will dictate how you navigate your projects. It’s a pretty sure bet that you will run into problems of not having information you need for the model and this will inevitably push out</span></i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:red">
</span><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#00B050">your ability to get a model completed on time, which is indicative of Jeremiah’s current issue. My final fee, based on what has been shared for this model, would have
been $15,000 standard fee + $5,000 if they wanted the final compliance model and LEED documentation in less than 4 weeks, because it doesn’t leave any room to work on any other projects during that time in order to complete all the work they are asking for.</span></i><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">d.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">To answer “how much should I charge for my services?” you must eventually consider all of the following: (1) how much your time is worth, (2) how
much time the project will require, and (3) the market value of your services – which should impose both a minimum (what the seller can bear) and maximum (what the buyer will bear) to an acceptable offer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">e.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Pasha also wrote you (and all of us) specific advice on the concept of minimum project time investment. I follow similar logic and work from a minimum
quantity when building my proposals:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.25in;text-indent:.25in"><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#00B050">Any average sized compliance project should take a minimum of 80 hours based on mine and other colleagues’ experience;
this is always where to start pricing. </span></i><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:red"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#00B050">Even the smaller sized building
models will still take approx. 80 hours from start to finish because of the idiosyncrasies that we encounter with our simulation tools, discrepancies with project info/ client communication, and time, etc. Now, what is your skill level & skill-set as an energy
modeler? I’m presuming that Jeremiah is new to this game, based on his questions/comments, so here is some guidance on minimum fees to charge for any energy model: Try to never offer a LEED Compliance modeling fee lower than $6,000 to a client (and this
is really scraping the bottom of the barrel, I suggest not actually lower than $7,500). This $6,000 fee is based on $75/hour billable rate x 80 hours (absolute minimum time) = $6,000. If you’re doing the model with a quick turnaround time also, I suggest
adding another $4-5,000, so you should be looking at a $10,000 fee approx. for a full compliance model in 80 of work done in 2.5 weeks of time right? Or think of this ----even a $7500 total fee at an hourly rate of $75 = 100 hours of time to do the work =
2.5 weeks.</span></i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">f.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Nick’s personal perception: I appreciate the logic of “paying” to get your foot in the door to learn & gain experience, but energy consulting as
a solo venture seems at best a rocky path to that end. If your immediate priorities include ‘learning the modeling/networking ropes’ to a significant degree, permanent employment or a paid internship with an MEP or A/E design firm that can use an extra hand
with modeling services is a more economically stable and faster means of building such skill sets and experience.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">6.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">On the role of defaults/generic inputs for LEED: This query could quickly blossom into long discussions around ethics, professionalism, quality,
etc… The following points intend to address your specific question without venturing into those broader topics:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">a.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">The degree of accuracy (to reality) appropriate for
<u>any</u> energy model or study hinges directly upon the needs of your clients and information available.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">b.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Careful review of 90.1 Appendix G and the LEED literature reveal the requisite degree of accuracy (to reality) is relatively low. Re-stated for clarity:
A significant quantity of generic/default inputs may be acceptable to a LEED reviewer.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">c.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">This has surfaced before on the lists but bears repeating: The 90.1 Appendix G Performance Rating Method is fundamentally & necessarily arbitrary,
and is not a process structured to predict actual utility bills. Do not allow your colleagues/clientele to assume otherwise. Utility bill calibration is something you may choose to offer alongside LEED modeling services, but maintaining this distinction
remains important.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">d.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Energy modelers have an obligation to utilize all information provided and available, time permitting. There is a “pencils down” moment to be cognizant
of with every project, and your personal skill level will dictate when you must make judgments to prioritize input data available. If an assumption or generalization must be made (for whatever reason), that is best discussed with your design team to their
satisfaction well prior to deadlines. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">e.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">If ‘real-world accuracy’ is a marketed or requested feature of your modeling services, be warned this can easily call for tiers of skill & time-commitment
<u>well </u>beyond what a set of LEED models demand… Structure your proposal fees accordingly, and be wary of biting off more than you can chew.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level3 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Intermediate modelers: I advise great caution.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level3 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">New modelers: Here be Dragons! (Run awaaaay!)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level3 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Advanced modelers: Why are you still reading this? =)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Concluding thoughts:
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Hopefully both you and your clients are learning to never offer/solicit services at such undercut rates. I do empathize with “getting your foot in the door,”
but when that crosses the line of mis-representing the value or meaning of quality energy modeling services, it creates negative effects we all must bear and overcome as an industry. The personal ramifications should be clear as well: Once you have offered
a “discount” price, you can never go back and raise your price with that customer…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Again, much thanks to Pasha and Bill for contributing and helping to distill these views into a (hopefully) intelligible statement. I look forward to hearing
other’s thoughts!</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#00B050"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">~Nick<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><img border="0" width="119" height="37" id="_x0000_i1025" src="cid:image001.jpg@01CD337F.B2256230"></span><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Stylus BT","sans-serif";color:#2D4D5E"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;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">NICK CATON, P.E.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#CC9900">SENIOR ENGINEER<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#CC9900"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#2D4D5E">Smith & Boucher Engineers</span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;color:#CC9900"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#2D4D5E">25501 west valley parkway, suite 200<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#2D4D5E">olathe, ks 66061<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#2D4D5E">direct 913.344.0036<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#2D4D5E">fax 913.345.0617<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.5pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="../Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/EOHS9LS2/www.smithboucher.com" title="blocked::www.smithboucher.com"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">www.smithboucher.com</span></a><u><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:blue">
<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:blue"><o:p><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></o:p></span></u></p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<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""> EnergyPlus_Support@yahoogroups.com [mailto:EnergyPlus_Support@yahoogroups.com]
<b>On Behalf Of </b>CleanTech Analytics<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Sunday, April 29, 2012 3:57 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> EnergyPlus_Support@yahoogroups.com; bldg-sim@lists.onebuilding.org<br>
<b>Subject:</b> [EnergyPlus_Support] Best practices for data collection?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#336666">Hello Simulation community. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#336666">This request is somewhat vague so please feel free to respond with any comments, questions etc...</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#336666">I am working on my first LEED project, a 72,000 square foot plastics manufacturing facility and have found the data collection process to be quite difficult. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#336666">The mechanical engineer says she does not think detailed modeling is of much value, the architect has expressed that he will not do anything that takes any additional time.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#336666">I have created this data collection form, but have not had the best of luck getting them to fill it out: </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/a/cleantechanalytics.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGVMRGdPeDN2Zk9JT1gyMXY1QUplMGc6MA#gid=4" target="_blank">https://docs.google.com/a/cleantechanalytics.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGVMRGdPeDN2Zk9JT1gyMXY1QUplMGc6MA#gid=4</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Some of the issues I have had are:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5">
Difficulty explaining the concept of thermal blocks<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5">
Difficulty explaining the concept of window to wall ratio<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5">
Difficulty explaining the concept of a baseline building being developed from the proposed, specifically they want me to create the baseline first to test their proposed building against.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5">
Difficulty explaining the concept of building area vs space by space lighting compliance paths. <o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#336666">Other questions I have:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#336666;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo8">
<span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">I made the mistake of charging a low ($2500) price to get my first project, and wonder what something like this should be worth. <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#336666;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo8">
<span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">I am being pressured to produce this model in a very fast time-frame, and wonder how long in terms of man hours is reasonable for such a project?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#336666;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo8">
<span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">I have been asked to use generic data for much of the proposed building inputs, and it was said that due to my limited experience that I did not understand how to do this where a more experienced modeler would--
I think that some default values are consistently used in modeling but feel that this should be a last resort. <o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#336666"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#336666">I have purchased all of the ASHRAE books on the subjects, but other recommended reading would be great, specifically if anyone knows of a very simple overview of the minimum
requirements that I could share with the project team that would be great..<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#336666"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#336666">Lastly, if anyone could let me know if this difficulty in explaining the required processes, or issues with project teams not understanding the concepts behind Energy modeling
is the norm, and if anyone has any advise so far as streamlining the data collection process, or explaining the importance of the requirements I would be appreciative..<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#336666"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#336666">Your advise is much appreciated and Best regards-<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#336666"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#336666"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#336666"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#336666"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#336666"><br clear="all">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#999999">Jeremiah D. Crossett</span></i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#999999">CleanTech Analytics</span></i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#999999"><a href="tel:503-688-8951" target="_blank">503-688-8951</a></span></i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.cleantechanalytics.com" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#999999">www.cleantechanalytics.com</span></i></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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